Last Monday, the Senate of Spain was buzzing with activity as it hosted the “VI Transatlantic Summit for Freedom and the Culture of Life”, a prestigious event organized by the Political Network for Values (PNfV). This international gathering brought together nearly 300 political and civic leaders from 45 countries, all united under the inspiring motto “For Freedom and the Culture of Life”. The first summit took place in 2014 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, and the 2024 edition has broken attendance records.
Representatives from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Poland, Kenya, Nigeria, and Canada convened to engage in crucial discussions on human dignity, citizens’ freedom, and the strengthening of families.
Defending Life in the Face of Adversity
Jaime Mayor Oreja, the honorary president of PNfV in Spain, delivered a powerful message urging attendees to continue their fight for the right to life. He emphasized that despite facing opposition, “we are winning”. Oreja criticized the misinformation campaign and disregard for Christian values, describing the current battle as a fight against “historical manipulation and disrespect for biology and science.”
However, the summit was not without its share of controversy. Prior to the event, the Socialist Group of the Senate, along with other political factions, attempted to block the summit citing it as promoting an ideology conflicting with current legislation and undermining women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
Despite the opposition, the event proceeded, sparking heated debates and polarizing reactions both in the media and among the public.
Controversy in the Media and Polarization
The media coverage surrounding the summit was divisive, with some outlets using derogatory terms like “ultra-Catholic far right” and “homophobes related to dictatorships” to describe the participants. The discrepancy in reported attendance numbers further fueled the polarization, reflecting the deep divide surrounding such events.
A Necessary But Polarized Debate
This summit sheds light on a common phenomenon in society – the dismissal of opposing views. The lack of respect for divergent opinions contributes to growing polarization, hindering meaningful dialogue and progress. It is crucial to engage in respectful debates based on logic, evidence, and understanding, especially when addressing fundamental issues like life, freedom, and human dignity.
Advocating for the right to life of the most vulnerable is essential for societal progress and upholding human dignity. Positions that support issues like abortion and euthanasia are seen as regressive, as they violate the fundamental right to life.
Let us strive for a culture of open dialogue, grounded in scientific evidence and mutual respect, even when faced with differing viewpoints. Only through constructive conversations can we truly promote progress and uphold the values of life, freedom, and dignity.
Julio Tudela – Cristina Castillo – Bioethics Observatory – Institute of Life Sciences – Catholic University of Valencia
