Sisters of LifeThe pregnant woman who does not want to be a mother is already a mother".Abortion and jurisprudence in the United StatesIsabel Vaughan-Spruce: "The damage abortion inflicts on women alone should be enough to make us pro-life".The end of June, on the 24th, marks the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, marking the end of abortion as a constitutional right in the United States. This Supreme Court decision was a major breakthrough in the defense of life and, to mark the date, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Committee for pro-life activitieshas sent a press release.
Persist in the work
This date, says the message, "is a day for continued joy and gratitude; a day to remember the countless faithful workers who have dedicated themselves to prayer, action, witness and service in support of the cause of life; and a day to thank God for His infinite faithfulness."
However, this step taken in 2022 is only the beginning. There are still states in which the defense of the abortion is still in force or has even been legally shielded with more instruments. For this reason, the Bishops' Conference affirms that it persists "with confidence in our efforts to defend life."
Laws and hearts
The effort that remains to be made is not confined to the political and legislative arena. "The work ahead of us remains not only to change laws, but also to help change hearts, with firm faith in God's power to do so."
This task is rooted in "knowledge of the truth and the courage to tell it and to live it with compassion". This compassion is essential, as Msgr. Burbidge points out, since "each of us is called to radical solidarity with women facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy."
Solidarity, the communiqué states, means "doing everything possible to provide them with the support and attention they need to welcome their children. For this reason, the bishops are grateful for the efforts and initiatives of "millions of Catholics who are living the call of the Gospel through parishes and communities".
Respect for life and responsibility
The communiqué encourages "all people of faith and good will" to work together "to proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities to God, to himself or herself and to others."
On the other hand, it reminds that "society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and care for human beings at all stages of their lives".
