London, England - The Catholic church is backing the Conservative Party's support for a reduction of the legal time limit for abortions, withdrawing its traditional support for the ruling Labour Party.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, praised Conservative Party leader Michael Howard as he issued a letter urging Catholics to question parliamentary candidates on six key policy issues ahead of general elections expected in May.
Though the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales will not expressly recommend one party to worshippers, it suggests voters closely scrutinize candidates on their attitudes to right-to-life issues and marriage.
Howard has indicated that he is in favor of reducing the limit on abortions from the 24th week of pregnancy to the 20th week.
Though Prime Minister Tony Blair has admitted a debate will continue, he has said the government has no plans to change current policy.
"Abortion, for Catholics, is a very key issue. We are totally opposed to it. The policy supported by Mr. Howard is one that we would also commend, on the way to a full abandonment of abortion," the cardinal said Monday.
He also reiterated the church's rejection of cloning of human embryos and euthanasia, warning efforts may be made in the next parliament to legalize so-called "mercy killing".
Catholics have also been advised to look specifically at party policies on education, criminal justice, refugees and migrants and the global common good.
O'Connor admitted that may mean a break with traditional backing for the Labour Party.