“Say no to abortion and yes to birthdays”: Catholic Bishop at West Africa’s Maiden Youth Day

In brief

Bishop Mathew Kwafi Gyamfi urged Catholic youth from across West Africa to reject abortion and protect the dignity of every unborn child during the opening Mass of the first West African Youth Day in Accra, Ghana.

During the September 8 Eucharistic celebration, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference told young people to ensure every conceived child is given the opportunity to be born. Bishop Gyamfi, who serves as the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, said that every pregnancy should result in a birthday because children are part of God’s plan.

Reflecting on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Gyamfi noted that Mary faced potential social consequences, such as public ridicule or accusations of infidelity, after becoming pregnant. He stated that Mary did not abort Jesus for her own comfort or selfish interest.