It seems that government and civil agencies are doing all that they can solidify their positions. Since the release of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Congress has been taking up legislative proposals that are harmful to the common good. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed, and the Senate may soon consider, a series of such bills, including the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, and the Right to Contraception Act, and is advancing appropriations bills that exclude longstanding provisions prohibiting federal taxpayer funding for abortion and protecting the conscience rights of healthcare providers. The recent election in Kansas to amend the state constitution shows what may be the beginning of a disturbing trend toward legislating a national "right to abortion".

Meanwhile, Congress has taken no action since Dobbs on any of the following measures, which the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has previously endorsed and continues to support, and which would help to build up a culture of life: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; an expanded child tax credit, including for pregnant moms; the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act; the PFAS Action Act; and a federal paid family leave policy.  On a positive note, it is encouraging that there is meaningful consideration of needed investments in care for our common home in a possible reconciliation framework.

An important part of turning the tide back for life might lie in how the argument against abortion is presented. So many times, pro-life supporters are accused of caring about the life only until birth and then turning their backs on the child and mother. This grievously-mistaken impression must first be recognized and corrected before there can be any hope of stopping the trend back towards a culture of death can be realized. And, as it is becoming increasingly apparent, it must begin at the grassroots before politicians and jurists will respond as they should. 

Make every effort to support organizations that support life both before and after birth. One noteworthy one in our own neighborhoods is Good Counsel Homes (https://www.goodcounselhomes.org/) which provides housing, food and job support for mothers in difficult situations, as is The Open Door (https://theopendoor.com/).

As Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore has said, “The health, safety, and support of the family should be the focus of all good policymaking. A principled commitment to being pro-life entails a commitment both to protecting all human life, especially the most vulnerable, and to advancing policies that help families to flourish. As we accompany every family with prayer and support, those led by single or adoptive parents are close to our hearts...Families and individuals, civil society, businesses, non-profits, and religious groups, government officials at all levels - and especially members of Congress - should ask themselves how they are supporting families at this moment, particularly around welcoming new life and raising children through adulthood" (https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/after-dobbs-congress-must-come-together-protect-life-and-promote-common-good).

This is a crucial time for our nation and is literally a fight for its soul. Let us with courage, kindness and faithfulness remain witnesses to the truth of our Christian heritage for the world.