SW News: As the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar goes to poll on June 24 to decide whether to legalize abortion, pro-life organizations and the Catholic Church are praying to prevent the evil. On June 24, the residents of Gibraltar, which is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, will cast their vote to decide whether or not to decriminalize abortion. Initially scheduled for March 19, the referendum was postponed due to Covid 19.

In Gibraltar where more than 70 per cent of the population professes the Catholic faith, abortion is illegal and is punishable by up to life imprisonment. Termination of pregnancy is allowed only if the health of the mother is in peril.

However, in 2019, Parliament passed the Crimes (Amendment) Act 2019, which allows abortion up to 12 weeks in cases of risk to the mother’s mental or physical health or if she would face grave injury. The act also allows abortion in case of fatal anomalies, anytime during the pregnancy.

On June 24, Gibraltar residents aged 16 and above will cast their votes to decide if the Crimes Amendment Act 2019 should be enforced.

Spreading awareness about the evil of abortion and the proposed bill, the Gibraltar Pro-Life Movement has launched a campaign named ‘Save Babies, Vote No.’ They have also provided a detailed fact check on the proposed legislation. Along with the pro-life movement, the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar is hosting holy hours, chain rosaries, and prayers to protect the unborn.