As Catholics in the United States observe Respect Life month throughout October, we are encouraged to pause and remember the beautiful truth that every human life is precious, created in the image and likeness of our loving God. Reflecting on this, we begin to grasp the immense dignity and worth of every human being regardless of age or ability.
We lovingly speak this truth when we accompany mothers in need through the challenges of unexpected or difficult pregnancies assuring them in word and deed that they are not alone and that their temporal and spiritual needs will be met through our Gabriel Project parish-based pregnancy support and the Catholic Charities pregnancy and adoption programs.
Our call to love every human life is the why behind our outreach to parents wounded by the loss of a child for any reason: illness, suicide, or the scourge of abortion.
The Church grieves with those who mourn and seeks to bring Christ’s healing and consolation to wounded hearts. Project Rachel After Abortion Care stands ready to serve men and women in need of healing from their participation in abortion, offering compassionate and confidential care without judgment. Moreover, Gift for Life financial assistance is available to expectant families in need or those who have experienced a pregnancy loss.
The Church loves God’s children enough to speak the truth, and when necessary to warn when dangers or threats loom. The majority of abortions in the United States now take place by means of abortion pills, which carry increased health risks for mothers and are, of course, deadly for their children. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities states:
“Every abortion involves the death of a child and harm to the mother … The Food and Drug Administration has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telehealth appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb. This leaves women vulnerable to suffering an abortion alone at home, without any medical supervision. It also sets up additional opportunities for exploitation by violent partners or human traffickers. From now through the end of October, Respect Life Month, the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills.”
Deep concern for all the members of our local church is also why I am now calling all members of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington to confront the legal threats to the sanctity of human life and the sacredness of marriage that are currently before Virginians on this fall’s ballot.
I implore all Catholics to vote “no” on Ballot Questions 1 and 2 in the Commonwealth of Virginia this election season. These ballot measures pose serious threats to life, liberty, and the happiness of families, parents, and their children. They threaten to unleash a torrent of harms to women, children, and their families.
By learning more about these threats at CatholicsVoteNo.com, all Catholics may properly form their conscience. Together, we can proclaim our greater “Yes” to the Gospel in the public square by voting “No” on these two ballot measures. Early voting is underway, and Election Day is November 3.
This is a decisive moment for the future of our beloved Commonwealth. As important as every “no” vote is, we know we cannot do this without praying for God’s divine assistance. Our Lord tells us in Mark 9:29 that certain evils “cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” Therefore, throughout this month of October I invite you to join me in prayer and in fasting as we ask God to protect human life, strengthen families, console those who suffer, and have mercy on all Virginians as we work to defeat Ballot Questions 1 and 2.
Mary, Mother of Life, pray for us!
