USCCB: statement for Respect Life Month

September 18, 2014

Cardinal Seán O’Malley, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has issued a statement for Respect Life Month, which takes place in October.

“We want to be part of a society that makes affirmation and protection of human rights its primary objective and its boast,” he said. “Yet to women faced with an unexpected pregnancy, abortion is often presented as their only ‘choice.’ A large percentage of children pre-diagnosed as having Down syndrome are never given the chance to live outside their mothers’ wombs. Elderly members of our families fear they will become burdensome and seek physician assisted suicide.”

He added:

What can be done to prevent this? We must draw close to Jesus in prayer and in the sacraments. We must ask the Lord for the grace to see ourselves and others as he sees us—as masterpieces of his creation. When God created each of us, he did so with precision and purpose, and he looks on each of us with love that cannot be outdone in intensity or tenderness. We must look at ourselves and at others in light of this truth and treat all people with the reverence and respect which is due.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal O’Malley Launches 2014-15 Program With Respect Life Month Statement (USCCB)
• Full text of statement (USCCB)