A chara, – The Irish Times editorial "Abortion and the Law" (July 28th) is topical and relevant, but superficial.
International documents recognise the human right to life. The UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states clearly: “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.” (Article 6)
The right is “inherent”, that is prior to any law. This is echoed in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union goes further in Articles 1 and 2: “Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected. Everyone has the right to life. No one shall be condemned to the death penalty, or executed.”
Where a State introduces abortion, this is a derogation from the right to life. In no way does it absolve the State from the obligation to protect and respect the right to life. The State is obliged to provide positive measures to avoid recourse to abortion. If parents feel unable to provide food, or healthcare, or education, or housing for their child, the State has the obligation to provide for these as far as possible. Is mise,
PÁDRAIG MCCARTHY,
Blackthorn Court,
Dublin 16