January 22, 1993 On this twentieth anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, we wish to offer our prayers for victims of abortion and our grateful support for all defenders of the unborn. Over the last twenty years, pro-life advocates have seen times of both encouragement and discouragement. Today there are reasons for hope despite some frustration. In the early years following the Roe v. Wade decision, many of those to whom we usually look for leadership accepted the court's ruling as the final answer. Defenders of life were ignored. Some leaders of our society, joined now by the American Bar Association, have alleged abortion on demand to be the solution to a vast assortment of social problems, such as spouse abuse, child abuse and the feminization of poverty. Actually, over the last twenty years, there have been enormous increases in these very problems. This issue affects all of us. We cannot continue to accept the routine killing of our brothers and sisters. Statistics indicate that most Americans do not accept abortion. This is reason for hope. There are encouraging signs in the medical profession, which most directly confronts the appalling reality of abortion. Recent studies reveal that fewer and fewer doctors and medical students either practice or study the performance of abortions. The profession continues to try to disassociate itself from abortion. Over 80% of abortions today are performed outside of traditional medical practice, in abortion clinics. Fortunately, women have always taken the leadership in the fight against abortion, and continue to mobilize on the issue. The largest women's organization in the country, some one million eight hundred thousand strong, is the National Women's Coalition for Life. It is comprised of liberals and conservatives, homemakers and professionals, from all walks of life and beliefs, joined together in defense of unborn children. In Florida there has been tremendous growth in volunteer agencies that assist pregnant women with alternatives to abortion. The latest Florida Catholic Conference "Pro-Life Directory of Assistance for Pregnant Women and Children" lists more than 150 such community organizations. We pray God's abundant blessings upon all who support mothers in resisting the temptation of abortion and who minister to those who suffer remorse for the loss of their unborn child. However, the recent campaign statements of President Bill Clinton and some other office seekers, are discouraging. The proposed Freedom of Choice Act is particularly threatening to respect for life, yet it is supported by many in Congress. We ask all people of good will to join us in praying for the President in the coming months, that he will successfully guide this country through the perilous times we face, and that he will look with care and justice on both the women facing difficult pregnancies and their unborn children. In addition, we plead with President Clinton to afford to the unborn child who may face abortion that same compassion he has exhibited toward others in need. We affirm the fact that our defense of unborn children is rooted in Sacred Scripture. "Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13) We reiterate the constant teaching of the Church as formulated by the Vatican Council II in describing abortion as an "abominable crime." Finally, we urge everyone to practice Christ-like charity which urges us to respect and cherish our fellow human beings, born and unborn. The Lord has charged us: "I assure you as often as you neglected to do it to one of these least ones, you neglected to do it to me." In today's society the unborn child must be seen as the most neglected of the Lord's brothers and sisters. Edward A. McCarthy John J. Snyder John J. Nevins J. Keith Symons John C. Favalora Norbert M. Dorsey John M. Smith Agustin A. Roman |