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Human Life International Praises Nicaragua’s Unanimous Vote to Ban All Abortions; Denounces Internationalist Attempt to Coerce Vote

Catholic leader states: “This vote…has sent a clear message…that thinly veiled United Nations-instigated extortion [attempts] will not work.”

FRONT ROYAL, Va., Human Life International (HLI)—the world’s largest pro-life, pro-family human rights organization, with over 90 affiliates in 75 countries around the world—applauds yesterday’s unanimous vote by the Nicaraguan Congress to ban all types of abortion, without exception.

“I congratulate these lawmakers for the courage that they have displayed by voting to boldly and unequivocally stand for the protection of the innocent unborn, despite overwhelming international pressure to vote in favor of the status quo,” said the Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, STL, president of HLI. Fr. Euteneuer is referring to an official letter sent to Eduardo Gomez, president of the Nicaraguan National Assembly, prior to the vote by representatives from donor countries encouraging him to defeat the proposed ban. Signatories of the letter included Alfredo Missair, representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); Eva Zetterberg, Swedish ambassador; Kerry Max, development counselor from Canada; Inger Hirvela Lopez, ambassador of Finland; and Francesca Mosca, ambassador of the European Union, “This vote is not only an unparalleled victory for the sanctity and dignity of all human life, but has sent a clear message to the international community that thinly veiled United Nations-instigated extortion letters will not work.

“While this victory is unquestionably an answer to the sincere prayers of millions of Nicaraguans, it is also important to note that it is also largely due to the unwavering hard work and dedication of Dr. Rafael Cabrera, leader of our HLI affiliate, ANPROVIDA, and I thank him for that,” stated Euteneuer. A dramatic prelude to the vote took place earlier this month with a historic march in which several hundred thousand Nicaraguans marched to the steps of the National Assembly with a pro-life petition signed by 300,000 citizens.

Now, the bill must be signed into law by Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolanos. Radical pro-abortion groups have threatened to do everything possible to prevent this from happening, but Fr. Euteneuer remains hopeful: “This is not a genie that can be easily forced back into its bottle. Nicaraguans have made clear that they are proudly pro-life and it is my sincere prayer that this support will embolden President Bolanos to sign this bill into law.”

Founded in 1981, Human Life International is the world’s largest pro-life, pro-family organization that is dedicated to defending life, faith and the family, with branches and affiliates around the world.