STATEMENT ON

THE 18th ANNIVERSARY OF

THE SUPREME COURT ABORTION DECISION

January 22, 1991

     January 22, 1991 marks the eighteenth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that has resulted in the decimation of a whole generation of our youth. It is no wonder that our society ages so rapidly.

     It is especially poignant to reflect on the fact that the very first victims of this decision would have come of age this year, would have reached the legal age to vote in the political process.

     Abortion kills another human being and stops a beating heart. Today, euphemisms abound in terms such as "who decides", or, "a woman's right to choose", without describing the result of that choice. A developing baby is described in such sub-human terms as "blob of tissue" or "product of conception". The idea of killing continues to be socially abhorrent, so language is changed to justify abortion.

     The natural choice is life for one's developing child. It is consistent with God's plan and the natural law.

     Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.

     My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you. When I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139:13-15)

     As we work to end the killing and restore protection to the unborn, we acknowledge the thousands of volunteers who have given millions of hours of their time and talent to change the minds and hearts of others and to protect unborn children and their mothers from the threat of abortion.

     Listed in our 1990-91 Florida Pro-Life Directory are 150 pro-life agencies, which furnish counselling, support services and residential care to pregnant women. They offer non-judgmental love and support, seeking to promote life.

     We reach out in faith and in love to all who suffer as a result of the sin of abortion. Jesus Christ died on the cross to atone for all of our sins, including abortion. He asks only that we turn to Him and seek His love and forgiveness.

     We ask for everyone's prayers and active participation in one of the many pro-life programs where volunteers are desperately needed. It is only through increased effort and continual education and evangelization that the right to life of all American will be restored.

Edward A. McCarthy
Archbishop of Miami

John J. Snyder
Bishop of St. Augustine

J. Keith Symons
Bishop of Palm Beach

John J. Nevins
Bishop of Venice

John C. Favalora
Bishop of St. Petersburg

Norbert M. Dorsey
Bishop of Orlando

Agustin A. Roman
Auxiliary Bishop of Miami