WASHINGTON — Although many pro-life groups immediately reacted positively to the news that the majority of Supreme Court justices seem set to overturn the court’s Roe v. Wade decision, some tempered their reaction with a continued call for more advocacy while others kept a wait-and-see approach until the court issues its opinion in the weeks ahead.
Some Catholic bishops likewise kept their response in check, but acknowledged the work done on the grassroots level by pro-life activists.
For example, hours after the draft of the court’s opinion was published by Politico May 2, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone tweeted: “Tonight I am thinking of all the years of hard work by pro-life people of all faiths and none. Years and years of patient advocacy, help for unwed moms, political engagement and more.”
The next day, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis released a statement that Archbishop Bernard Hebda will comment when the Supreme Court releases its official statement. “No matter the court’s decision, the Catholic Church will continue to work toward building a culture of life and supporting women and their children,” the statement said.
Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in a May 4 statement that the leaked opinion draft “reminds us of the urgent need for prayer and action at this pivotal moment in our country.”
“As we await the court’s decision, we urge everyone to intensify their prayer and fasting that the final decision of the court will bring about the reversal of Roe and Casey,” he said, referring to the court’s 1992 decision that affirmed Roe.
“We hope and pray for a change in our laws and stand ready to help all pregnant women in need in each of our communities,” he added.
In the Arlington diocese, Chief Communications Officer Billy Atwell said in a statement that the leak was unfortunate and that the diocese will not comment further on the case until a final decision is announced.
“As we await that decision, this moment is an opportunity to affirm the inherent dignity of human life, from conception to natural death,” he said. “No child should be subjected to the violent death that occurs in abortion. Women in need should be supported with compassion and the resources necessary to lead healthy lives for them and their children. Pro-life ministries throughout the country serve mothers and their children, and will continue to do so no matter the outcome of this Supreme Court case.”
National Right to Life, an advocacy group that has long fought against abortion, said it “agrees with the statement of Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who said, ‘We will let the Supreme Court speak for itself and wait for the Court’s official opinion.'”
Other groups were not so cautious. Texas Right to Life said it was encouraging news that “Roe soon may be gone. Yet new attacks on life will emerge.”
In its May 2 statement, the group called its supporters to further action saying: “Already, abortion advocates are calling on Congress to ban states from passing pro-life laws.”
“If and when the court overturns Roe, the pro-life movement must defeat attacks such as these and build a culture that values preborn children and pregnant mothers.”
