The United States saw the second anniversary of the US Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling to reverse Dobbs v Jackson and return decisions about abortion to the state level, on June 24, 2024. In celebration of the day, Arlington’s Bishop Michael Burbidge, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee (USCCB) on Pro-Life Activities, penned an open letter. It looks at the current state of abortion in the US and where the Church would like to see it go.
He began by noting the immense opportunity to protect innocent human life that was presented by the Supreme Court’s decision. Bishop Burbidge hailed efforts in many states to set up protections for the unborn, but he lamented that there are several states – Kansas, Michigan, and Ohio in particular – that have dramatically expanded access to abortion. He noted that at least 10 states will have abortion referenda on the election ballot, which could allow them to enshrine abortion within their state’s law.
Urging engagement
The bishop called out congressional lawmakers for largely ignoring calls from the USCCB to establish priorities of maternal health and support for children and families in need. He urged Catholics to engage their elected officials on such issues that endanger life. He then mused that the Holy Spirit inspired the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival at a time when so much of the political landscape around the issue is shifting.
Before ending his letter, Bishop Burbidge highlighted three organizations that have made positive impacts on the local and national levels. Walking with Moms in Need is a nation-wide, parish-based initiative that supports pregnant and parenting mothers in need, offering material, emotional, and spiritual support. He also highlighted Project Rachel, a ministry that accompanies women who are suffering the aftermath of an abortion, offering hope to women and men through their grief.
Abundant life
Finally he encouraged all Catholics to subscribe to Respect Life Prayer and Action, a Catholic group that seeks to transform the culture. Respect Life provides members with prayers and alerts about upcoming abortion legislations, complete with directions on when and how to contact Congress and government leaders. Bishop Burbidge wrote:
“Jesus tells us: ‘I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10). I pray we will be united in our efforts to protect God’s gift of life, in every stage and circumstance. Let us draw strength from our communion in the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior.”
