Catholics for Free Choice defends FPATT

"The record of the FPATT, which favours legal abortion but works to ensure contraception is widely used, is exemplary in preventing the need for abortion," she said.

In a statement yesterday Kissling said she was "saddened" by the criticism made by the Emmanuel Community against her organisation and the FPATT. She said abortion was a very serious issue and there is no agreement concerning it among Catholic people, especially Catholic women. Kissling said: "Some Catholics believe abortion should be illegal in all cases, but a majority believe that it should be legal, even if they themselves would not have one."

She referred to public opinion polls taken in countries as diverse as the US, Mexico, Brazil and Poland which show that "a majority believe that abortion should be legal and left to the conscience of the woman." Kissling said in the US, 30 percent of legal abortions were provided to Catholic women.

"Perhaps those who are opposed to abortion like the Emmanuel Community and the leaders of the RC church should examine their own consciences and see what they could do to prevent the need for abortion."

She said the Emmanuel Community’s mention of the Bible was confusing since it made no mention of abortion although Jesus spoke on many issues "and had a great respect for women as moral decision makers."

She described as "vicious" the imputation of the moral motives of both the CFFC and FPATT.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Emmanuel Community said abortion has not improved the lives of poor women but fattened the pockets of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, ASPIRE, CFFC "and other pro-abortionists." Kissling said this statement was filled with unproven accusations of greed, and was unworthy of a group which called itself Christian. Kissling said she welcomed true dialogue on the abortion issue with all elements of civil society conducting themselves with respect for the dignity and rights of those who disagree.

However, she said the Emmanuel Community’s comments "echo those of violent groups in the US who have taken their hatred so far as to physically attack and even murder health care workers who provide safe and legal abortions to women including Catholics."