Jakarta: Catholics and pro-life activists help women to reject abortion
Abortion is a crime under Indonesian law. In recent days, the Communication Forum of Life Protectors held a two-day seminar to train volunteer counsellors. Fr Aristanto of the Commission for the Family of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference: "Jesus would have done anything to save the lives of others".
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - An online seminar on abortion organised by the Communication Forum of Life Protectors (Fkpk) has been held in recent days. Dozens of professionals who want to become voluntary counsellors for women wishing to abort a pregnancy took part.
Under Indonesia's penal code, abortion is still considered a serious crime punishable by the charge of murder. However, this does not prevent 'clandestine' abortion practices, explained Angela Abidin, physician and pro-life activist.
"With the many problems and challenges that women with unwanted pregnancies face," commented Professor Elisabeth Kristi Poerwandari, "the presence of trained counsellors is extremely necessary."
"There is no need for judgement: our presence should help the woman to find the best solution and save the life of the foetus," added Theresia Indira Shanti, professor of psychology at the University of Indonesia.
"The two-day workshop is important to train all potential volunteers who will have to take care of women who want an abortion," commented Felix Gunawan, head of Fkpk.
The organisation consists of lay activists, mostly Catholics, who are committed to saving the lives of unwanted children. Founded in Jakarta in 1998, the group has over the years intensified coordination between 200 orphanages throughout Indonesia and encouraged nuns and activists to take in mothers and children.
Ekarini Aryasatini, a gynaecologist, and Theresia Indira Shanti explained to the participants the basics of approaching pregnant women who ask for counselling or 'intervention' with regard to an unwanted pregnancy. Dr Shanti, for example, used a role play to provide interview techniques to be used with patients.
The seminar is also 'part of the Indonesian Catholic Church's commitment to trying to imitate the lifestyle of Jesus, who would do anything to save the lives of others,' commented Fr Aristanto of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference's Family Commission. "Not only with teachings, but also with physical and emotional approaches to interact with people through his sincerity of heart," the priest said.
.png)
