FLORIDA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
313 SOUTH CALHOUN STREET
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32301-1807
PHONE. (850) 222-3803
FAX (850) 681-9548
D. MICHAEL McCARRON, PH.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida
On the 30th Anniversary of Roe v Wade
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I
dedicated you..." Jeremiah 1:5
This is the thirtieth anniversary of the infamous United States Supreme
Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, rulings
which we have often condemned. These decisions removed protection of law
from every child before birth. In Stenberg v. Carhart, the court
struck down a law against partial birth abortion that sought to protect a
child in the process of being born. Over 40 million children have been
aborted in this country under these decisions; in Florida alone over 85,000
abortions occurred last year. With a live birth rate of 205,800 in 2001,
almost one-third of the potential population was destroyed in the womb.
Generations have grown up in a society that accepts abortion as a way of
life. Yet we are encouraged by signs that this younger generation expresses a
deeper appreciation for the life of all, including the unborn. We are confident
that continuing efforts to change laws, as well as moral and social values, will
eventually reverse these bad decisions.
We salute the dedicated men and women who, in the last three decades, have
worked to provide resources so that no woman feels forced into an abortion
because of lack of housing, medical care or shelter. The evolution of ultrasound
machines, which are turning pregnancy centers into medical clinics, has provided
the proof to abortion minded women that the life within them is not just a "blob
of tissue". We praise and thank birth mothers for their courage and fidelity to
life, as well as the many people of good will who have counseled women facing
difficult pregnancies to choose life, and those who have lobbied and prayed for
the cause tirelessly since 1973.
We extend an offer of assistance to anyone considering abortion because of
lack of emotional or financial support, medical care, shelter, or any other
needs. Inspired by the word and example of Jesus Christ, the Church will help
you with caring compassion and without condemnation.
Our prayers and empathy are extended to the many women who were deceived by
the claim that abortion would solve their problems. In fact, it has created
physical, emotional and spiritual harm. Through counseling and reconciliation
programs, such as Project Rachel, there is opportunity for forgiveness and
healing, not only for the women who have suffered, but for men and others who
supported the abortion or made no attempt to intervene.
As Christians, we are all called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit
those in prison, and to serve the least of our brothers and sisters. Due to
these decisions 30 years ago, the unborn child is the least, the most
defenseless, the most vulnerable today. The great challenge we face is to bring
this great nation back to its founding principles, the first of which is we are
all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights,
especially the right to life.
Archbishop John C. Favalora Archdiocese of Miami
Bishop John J. Nevins Bishop of Venice
Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, CP Diocese of Orlando
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee
Bishop Robert N. Lynch Diocese of St. Petersburg
Bishop Victor Galeone Diocese of St. Augustine
Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM, Cap Diocese of Palm Beach
Bishop Agustin A. Roman Archdiocese of Miami
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski Archdiocese of Miami
January 12, 2003
