Catholic Bishops of Florida Recognize 50 Years Since Roe v. Wade Decision

Florida’s Catholic bishops have released a joint statement that observes January 22, 2023 as marking 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The Catholic Church annually designates January 22 as a day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.”

The full statement follows:

“Today marks 50 years since Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that imposed by judicial ‘fiat’ the most extreme abortion policy in the Western world. It deprived more than 63 million unborn children of their right to life and severely limited the ability of states to mitigate the harms of abortion through legislation. 

“On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe, allowing elected representatives at the state level to once again protect women and their children from abortion. This is a fruit of prayer, born of a commitment to justice.

“Millions of women and men, children, and families have experienced the heartbreak of abortion over the last five decades. We maintain a profound sense of sorrow and grief for both the tragic loss of unborn children since 1973 and that abortion continues in Florida today. Our ultimate goal is to foster a culture of life in which hearts and minds are changed so that abortion is unthinkable. We remain hopeful as Dobbs opens a new chapter in our efforts to engage all people of good will to protect women and children from abortion and empower women and vulnerable families in their times of need.

“We applaud the restrictions enacted in the 2022 Florida legislative session to limit abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The law mirrors the underlying Mississippi law at issue in Dobbs. It was a prudent and beneficial step for Florida as the U.S. Supreme Court considered the case. Our advocacy for the legal protection of life in the womb must continue to make the most of the opportunities presented by Dobbs. The legislature must enact further limits on abortion.

“The current legal challenge to the 15-week limit provides expectant hope. Like Roe, the Florida Supreme Court case wrongfully interpreting a broad right to abortion in the Florida Constitution may soon be overturned. 

“Additionally, Florida can do more to promote alternatives to abortion, particularly through the network of pro-life pregnancy help centers that assist women and families with young children. United with our fellow bishops across the United States in our support for the Walking with Moms in Need initiative, we continue to call on Catholics and people of good will to support and engage in the good work undertaken in these agencies.  

“We pray that Christ will guide us as we work collectively towards the full legal protection of every human life. May every child conceived be protected in law and welcomed in life.”

Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski 
Archdiocese of Miami 

Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito 
Diocese of Palm Beach

Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane
Diocese of Venice

Most Rev. John G. Noonan
Diocese of Orlando

Most Rev. Erik T. Pohlmeier 
Diocese of St. Augustine

Most Rev. Gregory L. Parkes 
Diocese of St. Petersburg

Most Rev. William A. Wack, C.S.C.
Diocese of Pensacola- Tallahassee

Most Rev. Enrique E. Delgado 
Archdiocese of Miami 

The full statement is available online in English and Spanish.