As a group of feminist organizations pushes abortion in the Zika virus healthcare crisis in Brazil, the Brazilian Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated the disease is “no justification whatsoever to promote abortion.”

The virus, spread by mosquitos, has been linked to an increase in microcephaly — a condition where babies are born with small heads and other complications.

“The connection between the Zika virus and microcephaly deserves special attention, even though it has not been scientifically proven,” the bishops said, as they called for a “comprehensive and effective national health policy” to fight the disease as well as “medical assistance to persons affected by the disease, especially babies with microcephaly and their families.”

For a clear, nuanced discussion of microcephaly and the situation in Brazil, please click here.