In its submission to the Health Committee, PCI said that it “recognises that the issues raised by this legislation are not only sensitive but cut across the lives and personal experiences of women and their families who have faced a crisis pregnancy situation in the past, or who may do so in the future…”
Talking about the position that PCI’s highest decision-making body, the General Assembly, has taken on this issue in 1985 and more recently in 2016, the submission states that, “This is not simply a theological or academic exercise for the church as many of our ministers, and others in congregations, have journeyed alongside women and families who have experienced a pregnancy crisis and been presented with difficult decisions. That continues as they support those who care for loved ones born with a disability. As a denomination we are actively considering how we can better support women and their families who face these challenges.”
Speaking about PCI’s response to the Health Committee’s call for evidence, the convener of PCI’s Council for Public Affairs, Rev Daniel Kane said, “This legislation provides an important alternative to the creation of a culture where termination is considered an option ‘just in case’ quality of life is not as good as had been expected for a child without a disability. This is in line with the CEDAW recommendation that stereotypes towards persons with disabilities should not be perpetuated.
“It is also a position that reflects the view of the majority of MLAs who rejected the inclusion of abortion on the ground of non-fatal disability in the Northern Ireland Assembly debate in June 2020.”
Mr Kane concluded by saying, “As Christians, we believe that all of us are made in the image of God, and therefore all human life has dignity and value. At the same time, all of us in society, whether we have a faith or not, have a responsibility to create an environment where attitudes and resources enable everyone to flourish and reach their full potential, regardless of ability.”