An important component of the work of the Respect Life Apostolate is its effort to impact public policy. Without successfully improving our laws, our efforts to educate and provide abortion alternatives will achieve limited results.
The number of abortions in the United States increased dramatically after the 1973 decisions by the Supreme Court. The law not only permits abortion but it teaches abortion. The laws of our nation should not permit us to violate fundamental rights of other human beings. The legality of abortion communicates a message that abortion is a legitimate and ethical option to deny many the first and fundamental right of the Right to Life. Laws should assist the efforts of the Church and others in the private sector who attempt to provide quality alternatives to individuals facing a crisis pregnancy. Our nation's public policies need to prohibit abortion and offer support to parents, children and families.
The RLA works with Parish Respect Life Committees to maintain and build effective communication networks which can be mobilized to contact public officials regarding pertinent legislation. The RLA works in close cooperation with the Missouri Catholic Conference and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to keep the people of the archdiocese well informed about legislation on the state and federal levels.
Public Policy Initiatives
USCCB Dobbs Resources for Parish Leaders