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The Belgian Order of Physicians expressed its outrage at remarks made by Pope Francis during his visit to Belgium at the end of September, and specifically on the plane taking him back to Rome. The reaction was slow, but it was scathing.
Upon his return from his visit to Belgium on 29 September 2024, Pope Francis declared that doctors who perform abortions were “hired killers”. These remarks provoked a wave of indignation to the point of prompting 520 Belgians to ask the Apostolic Nuncio to be debaptised. The visit was also marked by the announcement of the beatification process for King Baudouin, who had, in fact, refused to sign the law legalising abortion in Belgium in 1990.
Official statement
The Order of Physicians has finally responded to the controversy over abortion and the pontiff’s remarks with an official statement. “These offensive statements are unacceptable and do not respect the dignity of health professionals or the ethical complexity of the situations they face.” The organization also recalls that doctors are required to respect the law “in an ethical manner, focused on the health and well-being of patients”. This also concerns abortion.
