FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 16, 2003
Contact:  Sheila S. Hopkins
Associate for Social Concerns
(850) 222-3803
shopkins@flacathconf.org

Florida Bishops Statement on 30^th Anniversary of ROE v WADE Decision

Tallahassee – As has been the custom the last 30 years, the Catholic Bishops of the State of Florida have issued a statement calling for an end to abortion.  Over 40 million babies have died since the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton rulings including 85,000 in Florida last year.

The Bishops renew their commitment to offer assistance to any woman who may be contemplating the termination of their pregnancy including shelter, housing and medical care.  “The majority of women who had an abortion felt forced into the decision because they either lacked emotional support or financial support,” said Sheila Hopkins, Associate for Social Concerns for the Florida Catholic Conference.

Women and men who are experiencing trauma from their involvement in abortion are urged by the Bishops to seek healing and reconciliation through post-abortion counseling programs. Project Rachel is a Catholic statewide network of counselors trained to provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological care.  The toll free number is 1-877-908-1212.

On January 22, 2003, as they have for the last 30 years, thousands of pro-life supporters will participate in March for Life in Washington, DC.  Catholics are also called to fast and pray on that day for restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. Sheila Hopkins said, “There is real hope that in the near future, these rulings will be overturned based on the changing attitudes of the younger generation who value life despite growing up in a society where abortion on demand is the law of the land.”