Dr. Roy Patton:

I thank the committee for the privilege of attending today’s meeting on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Our contribution wants to address the law and the ethical considerations on any further decisions on abortion. Abortion has been practised for thousands of years but the three great faiths - Christianity, Islam and the Jewish faith - have always upheld the principle of the sanctity of human life. This has been the very bedrock of our civilisation. It is reflected in our Constitution and law, specifically in the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

We believe there are three general ethical principles which ought to influence any government action. The first responsibility of government is the protection of human life, care for the weak and vulnerable. That includes the unborn child. Second, we believe it is not necessary to engage in metaphysical or theological debate on the status of the embryo and personhood. The embryo should be treated as a person. Third, in a healthy society, the strong make sacrifices for the weak. So, we are of a very strong opinion that, in demonstrating compassion and support for women, the State, the churches and society have clear responsibilities in this area.

Those basic ethical principles lead us as a church to commending to the committee a strong pro-life position. We are opposed to any question or suggestion of abortion on demand. Accordingly, we have resisted any extension of English legislation into Northern Ireland.

With regard to the expert report and the exceptional circumstances of a threat to the life a mother, we believe there are a number of ethical factors at play. With the committee’s permission, Dr. Morrow will speak on these factors.