62nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

Mr. President,

The Holy See Delegation takes note of the Report of the Special Rapporteur and its focus on the violence and discrimination that women and girls may endure because of motherhood[1], which too often “remains largely undervalued and mischaracterized as a private choice rather than a public good requiring recognition and support from society and institutions.”[2] 

Valuing motherhood means supporting families and particularly mothers. They are entitled to special care, assistance and protection before and after childbirth, including paid leave and adequate social security.[3] Furthermore, particular attention should be given to what the Report mentions as the so-called “motherhood penalty”.[4] Labor policies and workplace structures should support family life and create conditions that encourage an equal sharing of responsibilities between mothers and fathers, so that no woman in order to maintain or advance in her career is required to choose between pursuing professional aspirations and safeguarding the wellbeing of her family.[5]

The Holy See has consistently raised concern about institutional and cultural tendencies that disregard the family and penalize or stigmatize motherhood as an obstacle to women’s advancement, rather than as an irreplaceable contribution to the life and future of every society.[6]

The Report also observes that poverty and vulnerability may lead mothers to have an abortion.[7] My Delegation wishes to emphasize that a woman in distress is not served, but abandoned a second time, when the termination of her child’s life is offered in place of genuine support. As Pope Leo XIV has said, “it is deplorable that public resources are allocated to suppress life, rather than being invested to support mothers and families. The primary objective must remain the protection of every unborn child and the effective and concrete support of every woman so that she is able to welcome life.”[8]  Responding to a mother’s poverty by ending her child’s life is a failure of law, justice, society and ultimately, humanity itself.

The Holy See calls on States to stand with mothers and fathers through concrete actions that protect and support them and their children.

Thank you, Mr. President.