Last Sunday, March 25, the country observed the “Day of the Unborn,” which was enacted through Presidential Proclamation No. 586 s. 2004, by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

According to the proclamation, the observance will “promote a culture of life, and defense of life, from the moment of conception.”

March 25 was specifically selected as it coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, an observance by the Roman Catholic church, marking the day Gabriel informed the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Currently, in Ireland, where abortion is only allowed if the mother’s life is at risk, a referendum to allow abortions up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy is planned for May./WDJ