Arguments, a multidisciplinary association dedicated to resources for catechesis in which more than 150 volunteers participate, including journalists, teachers, college students and catechists, will host the Family and Life Colloquium on November 14 and 15 in Pamplona. One of the speakers will be Jokin de Irala, who is a Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at University of Navarra and the principal investigator of the Education of Human Affectivity and Sexuality project of the Institute for Culture and Society. As a result of his participation in the meeting, the Culture of Life team at Arguments has interviewed him.

- You are a corresponding member of the Pontifical Academy for Life in Rome. What role do you play there?

The Pontifical Academy for Life, founded by Pope John Paul II in 1994, aims to promote the progress of studies and information and training on key topics in bioethics and the law relating to the promotion and defense of life. In my case, given my background in medicine and public health, I participate as a corresponding member in the working sessions and general meetings that produce texts that deal with the defense of human life from the moment of concection until natural death.

- What challenges does the Catholic Church face in maintaining its pro-life defense?

I understood the "Catholic Church" as all who are part of it and I think we have the following challenges: to not use our beliefs as weapons to judge those who does not think like us; to know how to truly love the people to whom we try to explain the truth about the defense of life; to overcome anything that gives off the sense of sentiment and ideology in the abortion debate, for which we must better understand those who do not think like us; to provide feasible alternatives to abortion to protect motherhood, especially in the case of pregnant young women who are little prepared for it.

- In recent times, it is undeniable that abortion is one of the most controversial topics in public opinion. How could the Church better explain that it does not intend to "condemn" women in any way?

Officially, the Church has clearly shown from its magisterium that it cares about the pregnant woman who seeks an abortion or the women who have had abortions and suffer for having made that decision. It is also concerned about men who do not take responsibility for the consequences of their sexuality. All of us in the Church can do more for these young people. For example, we can try to better explain the beauty of human sexuality when it is lived in the context of stable love between a man and a woman. We should try to better welcome young people, girls and boys, who are faced with the decision of abortion so that they actually see that their lives can move forward at the same time that they let the unborn live. They are often confused and frightened. If we do not truly welcome these young people, putting ourselves in their place and understanding their fears, then little can be done to defend the life of the unborn.

- As a college professor, do you think we need to change our way of explaining ourselves when defending life?

At the university level, I am very interested in being involved in academic discussion (anthropological and biomedical discussion). All these issues can be explained well using scientific language. Fortunately, science is not opposed to a true defense of life.

- The defense of life has very concrete manifestations: euthanasia, embryo selection, embryo experimentation ... Do I need to be Catholic to defend life consistent with human dignity?

Clearly not. There are many non-Catholics, even non-believers, who defend these issues as we do. This is compatible with a completely scientific discourse in which we can all reach common agreements.