The European pro-life front is born

"One of us" goes on despite the stop imposed by the European Commission past May 28, when it decided not to adopt the initiative of 1.894.693 European citizens who demanded Europe’s protection of the human embryo at all levels. Everyone will remember the disappointment and delusion for the negative decision of the Commision, after a large popular mobilization in all EU28 had collected thousands of signatures. But there was no doing: despite an unprecedented popular mobilization the Commission decided to reject this request. What can be done, the promoting Committee asked. The reply was unanimous and determined. First of all was set up a European Federation of pro-life movements in those Countries that had endorsed "One of Us." 29 members decided to join, the name of the Federation is "One of us for life and the human dignity." It is chaired by Jaime Mayor Oreja from Spain, former Minister and MEP. Carlo Casini, former MEP, Chairman of Italy’s Pro-Life movement, is the honorary president. And – second passage – it was deemed necessary to voice complaints to the EU Commission because last year’s requests are still valid and they deserve to be faced with serenity at all levels of community institutions. The human identity of the conceived child has been denied. In order to grasp the ethical and cultural bearing of the initiative it is necessary to refer to its main content: the purpose of "One of Us" was to obtain legislative acts that would ensure a ban on funding from Europe to the destruction of human embryos. "For years – said the promoting Committee – there have been financial contributions to international associations that promote abortion worldwide, as well as to research projects requiring the destruction of embryos. These funds entail the denial of the human identity of the conceived child. For this reason, they counter the solemn proclamations of the Lisbon Treaty of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights stipulating that the principle of equal dignity of every human being is a foundation of the Union." These are the principles. But also in terms of the practical implications the picture is rather clear: by admission of the EU Commission that had given a negative response, it was declared that the present legislation on scientific experiments provides for the funding of projects that use human embryos. It was equally stated that research on embryos can deliver so-called "useful" results; that "European contributions to activities that promote and carry out abortions (also in extra-EU Countries) are consistent with the guidelines of international organizations, and that they are aimed at the defense of health and at countering illegal abortion." Changing European legislation. As explained by Carlo Casini, "this position doesn’t respond to the question on whether the conceived child should be considered "One of Us", namely, a human being. Second, it does not take into account that the citizens’ initiative was aimed at integrating, or if necessary, at changing, the current legislation, thereby introducing a ban on Europe’s contribution to the murder of human embryos." For Casini, "the answer that refers to current legislation is not adequately motivated", indeed, "its hypocrisy in the field of research is evident". "In fact, enterprises that obtain funding for embryonic research are not really worried about the fact that the preliminary destruction of embryos is not financed." Appeal to scientists, doctors, jurists and politicians. What will the newborn Federation do? Along with the formal reopening of the initiative "unfairly shelved by the Commission", there is the intention is to implement educational and cultural initiatives, with the support of experts such as jurists, physicians and politicians. The goal is to submit a petition (hopefully by December 2015) with major visibility, signed by authoritative figures in the medical and juridical realms, as well as by European deputies, along with popular endorsements. "An appeal was addressed to scientists, physicians, jurists and politicians in Europe" to sign the petition. Signatories will eventually be involved in public initiatives, statements and declarations. "The assumption which will be hard to oppose – Casini said – is that it is fair for every human being to be qualified as "One of Us" since the moment of conception, because he/she is already totally man or woman, i.e., a person. We are under the obligation to protect and respect that person." "We will call upon European political leaders to express the recognition of equal dignity of all human beings, including the conceived child, taking measures accordingly."