Venezuela: Activists meet at the 4th National Pro-Life Meeting

In Caracas (Venezuela), from November 29 to December 1, the 4th National Pro-Life Meeting will take place, organized by the National Conference of Laity (CNL) and the Pro-Life Venezuela Network (RPV).

Eduardo Ottamendi, coordinator of the RPV, commented that this initiative was born with the objective of promoting the cause for life in Venezuela and “sharing projects, initiatives and ideas among pro-life activists and working for the protection of the most vulnerable from the moment of conception.”

“National pro-life meetings are one of the objectives of the work program of the Venezuela Pro-Life Network. We seek to promote training and updating processes on key and priority topics and areas, which are associated with life, family, human dignity and the integral development of the person. In addition, to promote pastoral action in the defense of life,” said Otamendi, in an interview with ACI Prensa.

The event will take place under the motto “I knew you, even before you were formed in your mother’s womb.” (Because 1.5). Those who wish to participate in the meeting, or in any of the pro-life activities and initiatives in Venezuela, can contact the RPV through their social networks.

Regarding the reality of abortion in Venezuela, Ottamendi said that it is a “delicate” issue to handle, due to the political reality that the country is going through. “We prefer to focus on training, awareness and making people understand the importance of the values ​​of life,” he added.

Abortion is a crime in Venezuela, punishable by prison sentences of between six months and three years, depending on the case, according to the Penal Code of the country. Ottamendi said he did not know if there was any bill to decriminalize abortion in Venezuela.

This and other issues that attack human dignity and the family are not recurring in the public debate in the country, affected by a serious social and economic crisis for at least 20 years. Various actors from Chavismo and the opposition have promoted efforts in favor of abortion and equal “marriage” throughout these years.

The RPV coordinator expressed that both the Church in Venezuela and its various institutions are dedicated to providing support to pregnant women who are in a vulnerable situation, so that abortion is never an option.

“We have 18 networks nationwide and each one has projects and initiatives that support women. In Caracas, we support ourselves with the Women’s Aid Center, where they accompany and assist women who are considering abortion, so that they can successfully carry their pregnancy to term. In the state of Miranda, we have another support center to accompany women in their prenatal check-ups,” said Ottamendi.

“Additionally, we have several psychological care services and we provide support with the collection of supplies and clothes for the babies, everything they need. They are campaigns aimed at helping mothers without resources,” he concluded.