Roe Vs Wade Initial Reaction

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court handed down a decision in the case of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. That decision reversed the verdict of the 1973 Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton cases, which contended pregnant women had a constitutional right to abortion. As supporters of life from the womb to the tomb, faithful Catholics rejoice in this life-affirming decision. However, our work is not done as pro-life Catholics. Massachusetts law allows abortions to continue up to 24 weeks or six months after conception. Girls as young as 16 will continue to be able to procure an abortion without parental consent. Life at the other end of the spectrum is also threatened as the legislature considers bills legalizing physician-assisted suicide despite its rejection by voters in recent years.

Friday’s decision calls us to rededicate ourselves to the seamless garment approach to pro-life issues first offered by Cardinal Joseph Bernadine several decades ago. That approach is if we Catholics call ourselves pro-life, we must provide support to women and couples faced with problematic pregnancies. Catholics must be willing to offer personal and government financial support to families who struggle due to an unexpected pregnancy.

The members of Holy Redeemer parish should be proud of our commitment to supporting such people. Under the leadership of Rosemary O’Reilly, our Pro-Life Activities Coordinator, we have conducted the Baby Bottle Boomerang to support A Woman’s Concern and the Mother’s Day swimming apparel collection for the Cape Cod Foster Closet. These are only the beginning of what must be our activities to support life in all its stages. If you would like to suggest pro-life activities or would like to assist in Holy Redeemer Parish’s pro-life efforts, please call the Parish Office or speak to Rosemary O’Reilly.

Over the next few weeks, I anticipate using my parish bulletin column to delve more deeply into what should be our Catholic reaction to the Dobbs decision. Today start by praying for women and couples struggling with an abortion decision and ask them to be open to Jesus’ life-giving grace.