Mental Universe and Strategy of the Bishops: The Declaration of the Bishops of Belgium on Abortion

The "Declaration on Abortion" by the Bishops of Belgium (Apr, 1972) appeared when abortion was a much debated issue. This religious discourse is analyzed from the sociological & political point of view, using linguistic methods. The objective is: (1) to find what is contained in the declaration; (2) to see how these views are presented. The explanation of theory & method includes: (A) the actant/actor approach; & (B) situating the objective functions of these representations in the field of PO. The focus is on the proposed images of womanhood & abortion, & the rapports between the Bishops & the public. Significant findings include: (I) women play subordinate role in the Bishops' opinions, & (II) the Bishops feel that legalization is not the solution. 1 Table. Modified HA.