[Video] In Rio, hikers demanded rights for unborn children

The Lithuanian parliament has approved a proposal from a citizens' initiative allowing for the termination of pregnancy up to the twelfth week. The decision was made with a large majority. Prince Albert, who holds the right to veto such laws, expressed his stance, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity of unborn children and safeguard families. The Church maintains that the internal dignity of the unborn child should be protected, and that families should be shielded. Currently, Lithuania's law prohibits abortion except in cases of serious danger to the woman’s life or health, when the pregnancy results from a criminal act, or if the mother is under 14 years old. However, the country has not had a maternity ward for several years, forcing women to seek care abroad. A local bishop noted that this situation indicates something is wrong within the nation, as mothers must travel to neighboring countries for childbirth. At the same time, discussions continue regarding the possibility of creating conditions for abortions domestically. The bishop concluded with these words: “I wish for a society in which every child is welcomed and in which every mother and father receives the necessary support to make the right decision for their child. A society that protects life must also be one that does not abandon people in distress.” Mother Terezia asked, “What prevents me from killing you if a mother can kill her own child?” In her speech after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, Mother Terezia stated, “The greatest destroyer of peace today is the cry of the innocent unborn child.” She emphasized that it is impossible to build peace among people if a mother can deny her child’s life. “If a mother can kill her own child, what else prevents me from killing you, and you from killing me? There is no longer any barrier between us.” She also stressed that her response to unwanted pregnancies is adoption and fostering, with missionaries of love offering help and seeking homes for children. Meanwhile, in Rijeka, around 200 participants joined the annual March for Life, Family, and Homeland. They demanded legal protection for life from conception and changes to Croatia’s abortion law. The march took place on September 5th, with participants gathering at Jelačić Square before heading towards the Resolutions Square. The event’s slogan was: “The First Step Is Law! Life Is a Gift, We Protect It With Just Laws!” Organizers called on authorities to listen to the majority of citizens and to recognize the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death. Coordinator of the Rijeka march, Ante Bekavac, urged officials not to fear public opinion and to heed the voices of citizens. He argued that life begins at conception and that no one else should decide another person’s right to life. He emphasized the need for a law protecting life throughout its journey and ensuring the inviolable dignity of every individual, regardless of age. Organizers also called for establishing a social support system to assist pregnant women, mothers, and children. Bekavac highlighted the desire to support women facing difficult circumstances and encourage them to choose childbirth. Croatian media reported that organizers requested a change to the law regulating abortion, which has been in effect since 1978. HRT described their call as a demand for a new law better protecting human dignity. One of the other organizers, Ivan Anđelić, explained that the march does not divide people but seeks to unite them. “We are not against anyone, but for everyone, the child, the mother, the father, and the family, and for life worthy of a human being,” he said. Organizers also expressed opposition to what they call a “culture of death.” They believe modern society too often offers women in difficult situations the option of terminating pregnancies instead of providing real support and assistance. “Everyone knows how vulnerable a person is and how hard it is to make decisions under pressure and uncertainty. Therefore, as a society, we are called to offer a hand, not to condemn,” Anđelić added. One of the speakers at the march was Maja Roksandić, a mother of two adopted children. She spoke about her experience with infertility and later adoption, highlighting the joy and meaning that motherhood brought her. According to reports from the Catholic portal IKA, she and her husband initially became foster parents before adopting two children, a boy and a girl. Roksandić expressed gratitude to the biological mothers of her children for choosing to give them life despite difficult circumstances. The march did not proceed without disruptions. On the route and near the gathering site, leftist protesters and supporters of abortion appeared, carrying slogans such as “My body, my choice” and others that were offensive to both the march and the Church. Police were present to monitor the event. According to reports from Riportal, the march proceeded without incidents. This year’s Life March was organized in 19 Croatian cities. Organizers consistently emphasized the need for legal protection of life from conception and greater support for expectant mothers, mothers, and families.