BISHOPS URGE “YES” VOTE ON AMENDMENT 1
2004 Parental Notification of Abortion Amendment
to the Florida Constitution

     We strongly support Amendment 1, which would allow for notification to parents before their child would have an abortion. Young women who are considering an abortion should have the benefit of the wisdom and guidance of their parents when making this life changing decision. Parents’ concern about the best interests of their children and knowledge of their health history make their involvement critical.

     The passage of this amendment also changes the current trend in Florida as an abortion destination for those wishing to escape parental involvement and consent laws in other states. Entering into this fourth decade of legal abortion, we are alarmed and concerned as the abortion rate in Florida is still in excess of 88,000 abortions a year.

     We commend our Governor, and those courageous lawmakers, who are steadfast and consistent in defending the sanctity of innocent, unborn life. We must continue to fight for those entrusted to us by God through the miracle of life. We will not rest in our efforts until our nation and culture respects all members of the human race, the born and unborn.

     We urge a “yes” vote on Amendment 1.
 

    Archbishop John C. Favalora          Bishop John J. Nevins                               Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, CP

    Archdiocese of Miami                             Diocese of Venice                                         Diocese of Orlando                       

    Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ              Bishop Robert N. Lynch                            Bishop Victor Galeone   

    Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee        Diocese of St. Petersburg                              Diocese of St. Augustine 

    Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, JCL   Coadjutor Bishop Thomas G. Wenski    Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J.  Estevez

    Diocese of Palm Beach                           Diocese of Orlando                                         Archdiocese of Miami

Florida Catholic Conference
 201 W. Park Avenue * Tallahassee, FL * 32301-7715
Phone (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548