We are passing on an open letter from gynaecologists to the Catholic hierarchy in Belgium.

 

Jette, 24 October 2024,

                            Open Letter to Monsignor Luc TERLINDEN.

                             Archbishop of Malines - Brussels

On 8 October, outraged by the unacceptable comments made by your superiors, a group of 150 Belgian gynaecologists got together in less than four days to write a letter to me, which had been approved by the Boards of Directors of the two professional groups of obstetrician-gynaecologists in Belgium. We urged you to react and take a stand against these offensive words. You did receive this letter, as evidenced by our proof of receipt... but did you even read it?

In the meantime, other voices have fortunately been raised: numerous requests from disappointed Catholics for the names to be changed, articles in the press relaying the shock caused by these remarks in our noble profession and among the general public, a reaction from the Ordre des Médecins, a questioning of the government by the Prime Minister, an official press release from the Masonic obediences, an enlightened reaction from Mr Ringlet (a priest and former vice-rector of the Catholic University of Louvain), among others.

Keeping quiet about unacceptable actions is sometimes just as reprehensible as doing them yourself.

No, Monsignor, you do not have the right to allow hurtful statements to spread that are out of date, scientifically and morally wrong, and that shame those who make them rather than those to whom they are addressed. Comments which, I would remind you, even insult our legislation.

What was a letter addressed to you personally has now become an open letter, circulated on social networks and in the press. I'll leave it to you to judge your silence.

Errare humanum est, perseverare diabolicum !

Yours sincerely

Prof. Dr. Gilles Faron

Gynaecologist and obstetrician.

Attached at the end of the letter: the original letter dated 8-10, co-signed.

Jette, 8 October 2024,

                                                            For the attention of Monsignor Luc TERLINDEN

                                                            Archbishop of Malines - Brussels

                                                            Archdiocese of Malines-Brussels

                                                            Wollemarkt, 15

                                                            2800 Machelen

My Lord,

We are writing to you to comment on the remarks made by Mr Jorge Mario Bergoglio, commonly known as "Pope François", during his visit to Belgium between 26 and 29 September.

We were deeply shocked and hurt by a number of his positions as expressed.

Repeating statements he had already made in 2018, he described doctors performing abortions as, and I quote, "murderers" and even "hired killers". He also described the Belgian law authorising medical abortion under certain conditions as a "murderous law".

We fully respect everyone's right to hold moral convictions opposed to abortion. However, when legislators have democratically decided to regulate this practice by law, it is because it is acceptable to the society as a whole that voted for it. Such insulting remarks, coming from a foreign head of state, are therefore not only unfounded, but also constitute a political error.

These hate-filled words are inappropriate, unacceptable and unworthy of a head of state invited and honoured as he was.

This gentleman pretends not to know that the practice of abortion is legal in Belgium, that it is supervised and that, when carried out under excellent medical conditions, it helps women, families and society. It helps to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, as all the scientific studies on the subject attest.

In Belgium, we live in a society governed by the rule of law, democracy and pluralism of ideas. Religion, unlike in the Vatican State, is not the law. The practice of religion is freely authorised here, and ideas can be debated and defended, but a right that we do not grant anyone is to insult our legislation and a group of conscientious professionals who care about their fellow human beings and practise their profession in a courageous and empathetic manner. And this applies to all patients, from all walks of life, including and above all to the most vulnerable members of our society.

These serious accusations from a person who prides himself on divine moral authority are particularly shocking. They are likely to encourage malicious people to take them at their word and lead them to commit criminal acts against healthcare staff.

Is this how Catholic morality preaches benevolence and respect?

Mr Bergoglio also took advantage of the media attention to belittle women by repeating misogynistic comments about their place in society. On this point too, we believe that he is targeting the wrong target and that, on the contrary, women are indestructible pillars of our society, to whom we must pay tribute at every moment for their capacity for resilience. As leaders of the Belgian Catholic Church, we therefore urge you to issue a press release unambiguously denouncing these papal words and affirming that the Belgian Church disassociates itself from these extremist and anachronistic convictions.

If you do not respond favourably to our request, we will consider this as tacit approval of these insults. Such a position could be perceived as defamation, damaging our honour and reputation, with potential legal consequences.

We therefore hope that you will hear and understand the depth of our message and our dismay, and that you will choose a constructive approach to alleviate the harm caused. This letter has been freely validated and co-signed by a group of Belgian gynaecologists from all parts of the country and of all faiths.

It was also in his capacity as President of the Collège Royal des Gynécologues de Langue Française de Belgique (CRGOLFB) and on behalf of the Board of Directors of his association that Professor Dr. Maxime FASTREZ co-signed it.

Yours sincerely

Prof. Dr. Gilles Faron

Gynaecologist and obstetrician.

List of Belgian gynaecologists who co-signed the letter of 8-10 (in alphabetical order): 

 

Amber STAS, gynaecoloog (ASO), UZ Brussel, VUB, 1090 Jette.

An VERCOUTEREgynaecoloog, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Anastasia SLAUS, gynaecoloog (ASO), UZ Brussel en Petrus Ascanusstraat 47, 1730 Asse.

Andrew CARLINGynaecologist, Head of Clinic, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels.

Anne CARTONGynaecologist, 21 rue des Martinets, 1160 Brussels.

Anne DELBAEREGynaecologist, Professor, Director of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Anne HOLOYEGynaecologist, Director of the Ultrasound and Foetal Medicine Clinic, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Anne LOCCUFIER, gynaecoloog, Noorweegse Kaai 36, 8000 Brugge.

Anne VEROUGSTRAETEgynaecoloog, VUB-Dilemma, Constant Bauneweg

13, 1650 Beersel.

Anne-Charlotte VERDUYN, gynaecoloog, CHIREC Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Anniek VORSSELMANS, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel (prenatal ultrasound), Pastinakenstraat 36, 1730 Asse.

Aude COUPÉgynaecologist, CHR Namur (Meuse site) and rue de Jausse 209, 5100 Wierde.

Aurélie JACQUETGynaecologist, Head of Department, Klinik St Josef, 4780 Sankt Vith.

Babette JAIME MOENS, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090

Jette.

Camille OLIVIERGynaecologist, Head of Maternal and Foetal Medicine Clinic, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels.

Carine CORBISIERgynaecologist, CHU Brugmann and Blv Edmond Machtens 174/66, 1080 Brussels.

Caroline DE CONINCKGynaecologist, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Catherine DATHGynaecologist, CHIREC Ste-Anne-St-Rémi, 1070 Brussels.

Catherine RIERAgynaecologist, CHU Humani Charleroi and 46 rue Scrawelle, 7180 Seneffe.

Catherine VAN PACHTERBEKEGynaecologist, MD, PhD, Head of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Brugmann University Hospital, 1020 Brussels.

Charles GÉRARDgynaecologist, avenue du vieux frêne 49, 6280 Loverval.

Charlotte VERMOESEN, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Charlotte MAGGENgynaecoloog, PhD, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Christian MOULARTgynaecologist, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cliniques de l'Europe, Uccle site, member of the Belgian Bioethics Advisory Committee; Avenue de Fré 206, 1180 Bxl.

Christian NØRGAARDgynaecologist, CHIREC; 111 rue des Combattants, 1310 La Hulpe.

Christophe BLOCKEEL, gynaecoloog, Professor, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette.

Clotilde LAMYGynaecologist, Director of the Obstetrics Clinic, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Comfort ACHUO, gynaecoloog (ASO VUB), UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Constance CARELSgynaecoloog (ASO VUB), 1090 Jette.

Danah VAN OSSELgynaecoloog, nieuwelaan 39/2, 1853 Strombeek-Bever.

Danièle NOTERMANgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta and rue Tenbroeck 25a, 1640 Rhode.

Delphine HIROUXgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Didier OBERWEISgynaecologist, Head of Department of gynaecology-obstetrics, private signatory:19 avenue buisseret, 6530 Thuin.

Dina HERTENSgynaecologist, CHU Saint-Pierre 1000 Brussels.

Dorin ONOFREIgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Eddy VAN EECKHOUT, gynaecoloog, Algoetstraat 64, 1750 Lennik.

Edouard DHOOGE, gynaecoloog (ASO VUB), UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Elisa DONÉ, gynaecoloog, Prenatale Geneeskunde UZ Brussel en H.

Rosseelslaan 5, 1731 Zellik.

Ellen ORINXgynaecoloog (ASO VUB), Engels plein 29, 3000 Leuven.

Elodie ELSENgynaecoloog, Zijp 25 1780 Wemmel.

Emilia FRANÇOIS, gynaecoloog (ASO VUB), UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Erika RUSSOgynaecologist, City Clinic, 1050 Brussels.

Eve VAN DEN MOOTER, gynaecoloog, Dienst Obstetrie, UZ Brussel, 1090

Jette.

Eveline MARKOWICZgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta and Rue Dodonée 83, 1180 Brussels.

Evy GILLET, gynaecoloog, Staflid Gynaecologie UVC Brugmann, 1020

Brussel.

Fabienne DEVREKERProfessor, PhD, Fertility Clinic, HUB Erasme ULB, 1070 Brussels.

Fabienne MICHEL, midwifeCHIREC Delta, 1160 Brussels.

Fleur GEERAERDgynaecologist (PG ULB), 2 ancien dieweg, 1180 Uccle.

Florence ABRAMOWICZgynaecologist, 29 chemin du moulin, 1380 Lasne.

Françoise EXSTEYLgynaecologist, 101 rue de Nivelles, 1440 Braine Le Château.

Françoise KRUYENGynaecologist, Founder of the "Collectif Contraception" in La Louvière, CHU Tivoli and 2, Place G. Warocqué, 7140 Morlanwelz.

Frauke VANDEN MEERSCHAUT, gynaecoloog, Staflid Reproductieve Geneeskunde, Vrouwenkliniek, UZ Gent, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent.

Frédéric BLAVIERgynaecologist, 9 rue des Serpolets, 34790 Grabels, France

Frédéric GOFFINGynaecologist, CHU de Liège and Hôpital de la Citadelle, Professor of Gynaecology, University of Liège, 4000 Liège.

Frédéric RODESCHDr. P. B., gynaecologist, MD, PhD, Honorary Head of Department (ERASME Hospital), Honorary President of the Royal Belgian Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Honorary member of the Belgian Society for Reproductive Medicine1070 Brussels.

Géraldine DEBRUYNEgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Gilles CEYSENSgynaecologist, CHU Helora Site Kennedy Mons and avenue des sapins 21, 7020 Nimy.

Hannah BUSSELENgynaecoloog (ASO, VUB), Lutselusstraat 78, 3590 Diepenbeek.

Helena KOLBgynaecoloog (ASO VUB), Kapelstraat 23, 300 Genk.

Hélène BALASSEgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta and rue Darwin 56, 1050

Brussels.

Herman TOURNAYEgynaecoloog, Professor, Clinical and Scientific Director Brussels IVF, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine of UZ Brussel, Head of Department Gynecology-Fertility, Full Professor Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Isabelle DEHAENE, gynaecoloog, Vrouwenkliniek UZ Gent, 9000 Gent.

Isabelle DELANDEgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta et chaussée de Louvain 151, 1410 Waterloo.

Isabelle DUPONDGynaecologist, ULB, CHIREC Delta, 1160 Brussels.

Isabelle JEANJOTgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Isabelle GOVAERTSgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Jan DEPREST, gynaecoloog, MD, PhD, FRCOG, Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, KUL, Dienst Gynaecologie en Verloskunde, UZ Leuven, campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven.

Jean-François LIMBOSCHgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta and Rue François Ruylinx 9, 1170 Brussels.

Jean-Jacques AMY, gynaecoloog, Emeritus hoogleraar Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Prijs Vrijzinnig Humanisme 2021; Florencestraat 62, 1052 Elsene.

Johan DESCHACHTgynaecoloog, abortusarts Luna, 8400 Oostende.

Johan GOIRIS, gynaecoloog, UZA, abortusarts Luna, Diksmuidelei 25B, 2930 Brasschaat.

Johan VANWIEMEERSCH, gynaecoloog, gewezen voorzitter VVOG, gewezen voorzitter belgische beroepsvereniging gynaecologen, gewezen vicevoorziiter European Board and College of Gynaecologylistdreef 34, 2900 Schoten.

Johanna VAN ACHTERgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Johannie SIFFAINgynaecoloog, plaasstraat 120, 1860 Meise.

Justine JEHOTTEgynaecologist, Clinique St-Jean, 1000 Brussels.

Katrien GLORIEUS, gynaecoloog, Halle-Beersel en UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Kawakeb EL MOURABIGynaecologist, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels.

Kim VAN BERKEL, gynaecoloog, Dienst Genetica, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Koen TRAEN, gynaecoloog, voorzitter van de VVOG (en mede namens het voltallige bestuur van onze vereniging).

Kristien ROELENS, gynaecoloog, Proffesor, Kliniekhoofd Vrouwenkliniek, UZ Gent, 9000 Gent.

Laura CATTANI, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Laura TECCOgynaecologist, rue Veydt 61, 1050 Ixelles.

Laetitia VAN KEYMEULENgynaecologist, rue de la brique 3, 1400 Nivelles.

Laurence MENTROPgynaecologist, dries 23, 1170 Watermael-Boisfort.

Laurence MOONS, psychologist (pre-IVG interviews), Marie-Curie Hospital, 6042 Charleroi.

Leonardo GUCCIARDO, gynaecoloog, Professor, Diensthoofd Obstetrie en Prenatale Geneeskunde, UZ Brussel, 101 Laarbeeklaan 1090 Jette.

Linda AMERYCKX, gynaecoloog, UZA Antwerpen, 2650 Edegem.

Lisa BALEPAgynaecologist, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Luc BAEYENS, gynaecoloog, Gewezen Departementshoofd GynaecologieObstetrie, UVC Brugmann, 1020 Brussel.

Luc DE CATTE, gynaecoloog, Professor, PhD, Fœto-Maternal Medicine Dprt Obstetrics and Gynecology UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven.

Ludovica IMPERIALEGynaecologist, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, HUB Erasme and rue des fabriques 73, 1000 Brussels.

Marc L'HERMITEGynaecologist, PhD, DSc, Emeritus Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (ULB), Honorary Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the CHU Brugmann; square Edmond Machtens 19/2, 1080 Brussels.

Maria BREUGELMANS, gynaecoloog, staflid dienst obstetrie UZ Brussel, Notelaaarstraat, 11, 1730 Asse.

Maria CIURCIUMELgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Marie BAEYENSgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud and rue Félicien Tubiemont 27, 1472 Vieux Genappe.

Marie KROLLgynaecologist, midwifery school teacher, avenue du cor de chasse 125, 1170 Watermael-Boisfort.

Marie-Dominique DELEUSEgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta, 1160 Brussels.

Marit ILIAENSgynaecoloog (ASO VUB), Dieperstraat 55, 2230 Herselt.

Marja HIDÉNgynaecologist, CHIREC (Braine l'Alleud and Delta Hospital site), boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Mark VANDERVORST, gynaecoloog, F. Campionlei 22, 1800 Vilvoorde.

Maxime FASTREZgynaecologist, Professor HUB Erasme, President of the CRGOLFB, 1070 Brussels.

Michael DE BRUCKER, gynaecoloog, PhD, CHU Tivoli, Halle en UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Michel BOSSENSgynaecologist, PhD, former Head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department at the Iris Sud Hospitals, Avenue du Maréchal 21, 1180 Uccle.

Michel BOULVAINgynaecologist, Professor, UZ-VUB, ULB; 4, avenue des verchères, 1226 Thonex, Switzerland (CH).

Michel DEGUELDREgynaecoloog, 21 Avenue de la Floride, 1180 Uccle.

Michel DEVOSgynaecoloog, PhD, Senior Medical Director Brussels IVF, Clinical Professor Vrije Universiteit Brussel, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Michele LEUNEN, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel Dienst Gynaecologie, laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel.

Michèle NOSBUSCHgynaecologist, CHIREC, Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Michèle ZUCKERgynaecologist, CHIREC Delta, boulevard du triomphe 201, 1160 Brussels.

Michelle SOARESgynaecologist, UZ Brussel and UCL Saint-Luc, 1090 Jette.

Mina LEYDERgynaecoloog, 1730 Asse.

Monika LAUBACH, gynaecoloog, Kliniekhoofd Verloskunde UZ Brussel; Prins Van Luiklaan 19, 1070 Brussel.

Muriel ROZENBERG, psychologist in perinatal care, family planning and CHIREC Delta, 1160 Brussels.

Nadia VONECHEGynaecologist, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi.

Nathalie PETIT, gynaecoloog, AZ Sint-Maria Halle en Arthur Puesstraat 446, 1502 Lembeek.

Nelson RABBACHIN, gynaecoloog, staflid obstetrie en prenatale geneeskunde, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Nico BOLLENgynaecoloog, blauwenberg 23, 1860 Meise.

Oranite GOLDRATgynaecologist, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Pamela GIRONIgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud and rue du dragon 38, 1640 Rhode-Saint-Genèse.

Pascale GRANDJEANGynaecologist, Head of Department, CHU Helora (Constantinople site), 7000 Mons.

Patricia BARLOWDr. Gianluca P. B., gynaecologist, former Head of the Obstetrics Clinic at the CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels.

Patrick DE BRUCKERgynaecoloog, Bergensesteenweg 70, 1500 Halle.

Patrick DEVOSDr. G. Poulin, gynaecologist, President of the ASBL des gynécologues du CHIREC and President of the Board of Directors of CHIREC, 1160 Brussels.

Patrick EMONTSgynaecologist, Professor ULG, 4000 Liège.

Paul ADRIAENSEN, gynaecoloog, Dienst Gynaecologie, UZ Brussel, 101 Laarbeeklaan, 1090 Jette.

Paul NEIRYNCKVrouwenarts, Jande Trochstraat 41, 1703 Schepdaal.

Pierre LEBLICQgynaecologist, honorary head of department at CHU Ambroise Paré; chaussée Saint-Job 144, 1180 Uccle.

Philippe SIMONGynaecologist, Professor ULB, Moeremanslaan 48, 1700 Dilbeek.

Régine VAN SNICKgynaecologist, rue Bâtonnier Braffort 58, 1200 Brussels.

Rudi GEVERS, gynaecoloog, VUB, CHIREC Delta en Zwaluwenlaan, 33, 1650 Beersel.

Sara ENGELS, gynaecoloog, Pelvi-Perinéologie - Gynécologie du sport Clinic, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels.

Sarah SWIMBERGHEgynaecologist, avenue Alfred Solvay 13, 1170

Brussels.

Serge ROZENBERGgynaecoloog, Professor VUB-ULB, Sint-Pieter

Ziekenhuis, 1000 Brussel.

Séverine DONEUXgynaecologist, CHRSM Namur and rue Arthur Patiny 14C, 5150 Floreffe.

Shari MACKENSgynaecoloog, Professor, Senior Medical Director Brussels IVFUZ Brussel; Varent 65, 1730 Asse.

Siham ZAYTOUNIGynaecologist, Chair of the Board of the "Aimer à l'ULB" Planning and Gynaecology-Obstetrics Department, HUB Erasme, 1070 Brussels.

Silke VASSEUR, gynaecoloog, UMC Sint-Pieter, 1000 Brussel.

Sophie ALEXANDER-KARLINgynaecologist, PhD, MPH, PERU, CR2, ESP ULB, route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels.

Sophie BEN YOUSSEFgynaecologist, rue du vieux pavé d'asquempont 22, 1460

Ittre.

Sophie TSEPELIDISgynaecologist, CHIREC Braine l'Alleud, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Stefan COSYNSgynaecoloog, 1730 Asse.

Stéphane SCHURMANSgynaecologist, University of Liège, rue Jan Baptist Dekeyzer 145, 1970 Wezembeek Oppem.

Stéphanie ROMNÉEgynaecologist, Senior PHU in Foetal Medicine and Obstetrics, HUB ERasme and Bergstraat 30, 3078 Meerbeek.

Sylvie HOUBENGynaecologist, Head of Maternity Department CHIREC Delta, 1160 Brussels.

Valerie UVIN, gynaecoloog, UZ Brussel, 1090 Jette.

Vinciane BIERNAUXgynaecologist, UCL and ULB, CHIREC, 1420 Braine l'Alleud.

Véronique FONTAINEgynaecologist, avenue des coccinnelles 16, 1170

Brussels.

Véronique ZIEREISENgynaecologist, 51 avenue Théo Vanpé, 1160 Auderghem.

Virginie CONTIgynaecologist, CHR Namur (Meuse site) and rue du coquelet 135, 5004 Bouge.

Walter FOULON, gynaecoloog, Professor UZ Brussel, Tulpenlaan 28, 1702 Groot Bijgaarden.