The Church will continue its mission to serve the most vulnerable and bear witness to the dignity of all human life, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“The Catholic Church has always proclaimed that every human being, born and unborn, is endowed by our Creator with the right to be protected and cherished,” Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski said, following the court’s June 24 ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. “Therefore, just as before today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade, the Church will continue serving those who are most vulnerable and bearing witness to the dignity of every human, regardless of religion, race, age or any other factor.”
Cynthia K. Haehnel, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, and said, “abortion pure and simple is a human rights concern, not a matter of individual choice. I am grateful that SCOTUS (U.S. Supreme Court) decided to return this controversial issue to the states to reflect the will of the people. The decision affirms a great respect for the rights of unborn children and recognizes their inherent dignity and worth.”
The Archdiocese of St. Louis will continue to provide information on local resources for women facing unexpected and difficult pregnancies, Archbishop Rozanski said, “cherishing and protecting women and their children, so that they may both develop their full potential in this world and be happy with God forever in the next.”
The Respect Life Apostolate, which receives support from the Annual Catholic Appeal, has a local online resource guide that includes support providers offering help with financial, housing, emotional and spiritual needs. The locally compiled resources are the result of a nationwide Walking with Moms in Need campaign developed by the U.S. bishops. See walkingwithmomsSTL.com for more information.
The Respect Life Apostolate also has expanded its Abortion Healing Ministry for women and men affected by abortion. More information is available at archstl.org/hope-healing.
Archbishop Rozanski challenged Catholics to further increase their efforts to accompany women and families facing unexpected pregnancies, as well as those who need help in providing for the basic needs of their children.
“I urge all the faithful in our Archdiocese of St. Louis, now more than ever, to demonstrate compassion and provide support to those in need, with a special deference to mothers and children in need,” he said.
Archdiocese of St. Louis response to Overturning of Roe v. Wade
June 24, 2022 - “The Catholic Church has always proclaimed that every human being, born and unborn, is endowed by our Creator with the right to be protected and cherished. Therefore, just as before today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade, the Church will continue serving those who are most vulnerable and bearing witness to the dignity of every human, regardless of religion, race, age or any other factor.
Here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we will continue providing resources for women facing unexpected and difficult pregnancies, cherishing and protecting women and their children, so that they may both develop their full potential in this world and be happy with God forever in the next.
I urge all the faithful in our Archdiocese of St. Louis, now more than ever, to demonstrate compassion and provide support to those in need, with a special deference to mothers and children in need.”
- Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archbishop of St. Louis
USCCB Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson
WASHINGTON - In response to the Supreme Court of the United States issuing its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement:
“This is a historic day in the life of our country, one that stirs our thoughts, emotions and prayers. For nearly fifty years, America has enforced an unjust law that has permitted some to decide whether others can live or die; this policy has resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of preborn children, generations that were denied the right to even be born.
“America was founded on the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This truth was grievously denied by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized and normalized the taking of innocent human life. We thank God today that the Court has now overturned this decision. We pray that our elected officials will now enact laws and policies that promote and protect the most vulnerable among us.
“Our first thoughts are with the little ones whose lives have been taken since 1973. We mourn their loss, and we entrust their souls to God, who loved them from before all ages and who will love them for all eternity. Our hearts are also with every woman and man who has suffered grievously from abortion; we pray for their healing, and we pledge our continued compassion and support. As a Church, we need to serve those who face difficult pregnancies and surround them with love.
“Today’s decision is also the fruit of the prayers, sacrifices, and advocacy of countless ordinary Americans from every walk of life. Over these long years, millions of our fellow citizens have worked together peacefully to educate and persuade their neighbors about the injustice of abortion, to offer care and counseling to women, and to work for alternatives to abortion, including adoption, foster care, and public policies that truly support families. We share their joy today and we are grateful to them. Their work for the cause of life reflects all that is good in our democracy, and the pro-life movement deserves to be numbered among the great movements for social change and civil rights in our nation’s history.
“Now is the time to begin the work of building a post-Roe America. It is a time for healing wounds and repairing social divisions; it is a time for reasoned reflection and civil dialogue, and for coming together to build a society and economy that supports marriages and families, and where every woman has the support and resources she needs to bring her child into this world in love.
“As religious leaders, we pledge ourselves to continue our service to God’s great plan of love for the human person, and to work with our fellow citizens to fulfill America’s promise to guarantee the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.”