Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-09-16-Speech-4-022"
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"en.20040916.1.4-022"2
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"Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, we must be aware that when we discuss the ‘Women on Waves’ boat, the discussion relates in large part to the problem of abortion, which is an entirely new problem for the EU.
It should be borne in mind that in the majority of European countries abortion has only been permitted in the past few decades, and even now it is not permitted in all of them. I rejoice that there are still countries where it is not permitted. Even those supporters of abortion who believe that it is a matter of moral indifference must be aware that this discussion will give rise to much opposition. They must appreciate that for a great many people in Europe and for a large majority of people in many European countries abortion is a serious crime.
Both supporters and opponents of abortion on demand are aware that it is one of the great problems of civilisation. If this problem is reduced today to a debate on whether Portugal has violated the right to information or the right to freedom of movement, this will be an exceptional display of hypocrisy, ill will or stupidity.
As Members of this House, we cannot allow ourselves to act as villains or idiots. Consequently, if this House begins to consider this problem in terms of the freedom to travel and the freedom of information, it will send out the worst possible message about itself and contribute to the collapse of civilisation, and thus also the collapse of the European Union and the European Parliament.
It is important to remember that in many European countries, including Ireland, Malta and Portugal, abortion is not permitted. Abortion is not permitted in Poland either. The ship belonging to the ‘Women on Waves’ association also sailed to Poland, and its presence in Poland was an incitement to criminal behaviour. Members of this association who entered Polish waters should be aware that if they ever enter them again, they will not only have to answer for the crimes they committed previously, but they will also, I hope, encounter restrictions and not be allowed into Poland. I believe the Portuguese Government took the best possible decision in this regard.
Clearly, Portugal did not act under Community law. This point has already been made. Portugal is a sovereign state with independent courts.
I would like to call once again for the problem not to be reduced to mere discussion on information and freedom of movement."@en1
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