Bishop Olmsted defended, attacked for stand against abortion in Catholic hospital
May 27, 2010
An international coalition of pro-life activists and Catholic scholars has joined in a statement of support for Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix, who has drawn heavy press criticism for his condemnation of an abortion performed at a Catholic hospital. “We are also aware of the hostility toward Bishop Olmsted created by a media dedicated to watering down Catholic teaching,” said the group, praising the prelate for his "defense of truth and life."
The statement came as a New York Times columnist, Nicholas Kristof, blasted Bishop Olmsted in particular, and the Catholic Church in general, for being "morally obtuse" in the case. Kristof cited several supporters of Sister Margaret McBride, an ethicist at the hospital who incurred automatic excommunication by approving the abortion. The Times columnist did not bother to include the views of any Catholic who upheld the Church teaching that the deliberate killing of a human being can never be justified. Instead he quoted a doctor who defended the operation by saying that "real life is full of difficult moral decisions."
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Further information:
- Phoenix bishop receives worldwide support for stand on abortion (CNA)
- Sister Margaret’s Choice (Nicholas Kristof, New York Times)
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Posted by: colrose18194 -
May. 28, 2010 3:56 PM ET USA
It is so logical to me as a creature of intellect and free will that the INTENTION of abortion is to KILL the child.We assume the mother lives as a result. The act to TREAT the mother's condition is with INTENTION to SAVE the mother. If the child dies, THAT was not the INTENTION ..it is an unfortunate result allowed by God. We do not KNOW if the child will die; we assume we know the mother will NOT as a result of the curing treatment. What am I missing other than emotional involvement?
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Posted by: lauriem5377 -
May. 27, 2010 11:29 PM ET USA
It is important for Bishop Olmstead to know how many Catholics AND non-catholics stand with him. Be sure to let him know and offer prayers for his intentions. We are very blessed to have this courageous Bishop. Also, pray for mercy for those involved in the abortion decision.
