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January 19, 2022
TALLAHASSEE - Encouraged by the oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, yet in somber recognition of the millions of lives lost to abortion, Florida’s Catholic bishops have released a joint statement marking the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Their full statement follows:
“On this tragic 49th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion and stripped the unborn of their fundamental right to life, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of over 62 million victims. The Catholic Church stands emphatically and unreservedly for the rights of the unborn. We look forward with the hope that God will soon bring our nation to a profound awareness of the dignity of human life and a recognition that all lives deserve protection under the law.
“We are especially encouraged that the U.S. Supreme Court has heard arguments in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This case addresses whether banning abortions after 15 weeks gestation is constitutional. Although difficult to predict, this could very well be the case that overturns Roe entirely or in part. We are steadfast in praying that there will be a monumental shift in the Court’s abortion precedent in favor of protecting unborn children. We entreat the faithful to commit to daily prayer and fasting along with other believers across the country for a decision that honors the sanctity of unborn life through the Pray for Dobbs campaign (www.prayfordobbs.com).
“We also remain hopeful that the Florida Supreme Court will have an opportunity to reconsider its 1989 ruling that interpreted our state constitution’s privacy clause to find a right to abortion in Florida. We are closely following a case currently on appeal, Gainesville Woman Care, LLC v. State of Florida, addressing the constitutionality of a common-sense Florida law requiring a 24-hour reflection period prior to abortion. Though this good law is being challenged on the basis that it violates the state constitutional right to privacy, we pray for a judicial outcome that upholds the pro-life law so that women have more time to deliberate undergoing an abortion. Additionally, we urge Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration to strengthen enforcement of existing abortion regulations.
“As a Church, we are committed to accompanying all women, including those experiencing unplanned pregnancies or considering abortion. One way that we have been serving pregnant women and their families is through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ initiative Walking with Moms in Need, which connects parishioners with volunteer opportunities at community pregnancy resource centers. We wholeheartedly support this ministry that offers tangible, life-affirming support for vulnerable families – fathers, mothers and their babies. As Pope Francis has said, “And among the most fragile are children who do not see the light because their mothers suffer economic, social and cultural conditioning that drives them to give up that wonderful gift that is the birth of a child.” (Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Hospital of the Innocents Institute, May 2019)
“The Church seeks to be a beacon in a dark world and desires to serve as a field hospital to all who are contemplating or have been harmed by abortion. Even while we recommit to highlighting the great good in embracing life so that abortion is unthinkable, may the Lord continually renew our collective passion to advocate for the protection of unborn children from harm. We ask that the Lord would guide and strengthen our elected and appointed officials in Florida and pray that the legislative and judicial branches at both the state and federal levels come to respect the sacredness of each human life, including the unborn. Let us continue to fight for a culture of life in all spheres so that our society may appreciate the truth that every person—no matter their size, ability, or location—is worthy and worth protecting.”
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The full text of the statement is also available online in English and Spanish.
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is an agency of the Catholic bishops of Florida. It speaks for the Church in matters of public policy and serves as liaison to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The archbishop and bishops of the seven (arch)dioceses in Florida constitute its board of directors.