The Catholic bishops of Ohio are encouraged by the United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This is a positive step toward a desperately needed conversion to a culture of life in our country, one that respects the inherent dignity and sacredness of every human being from conception to natural death. This decision enables the possibility of the state of Ohio to fully protect the lives of preborn children. The Catholic Church in Ohio – including its dioceses, eparchies, parishes and social service ministries – remains committed to serving women in crisis pregnancies, both before and after delivery, with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that they can flourish and contribute to the common good.
The constant teaching of the Catholic Church is that human life begins at conception. God alone is the author and Lord of life. Therefore, intentional taking of innocent human life is intrinsically evil and must always be opposed. Modern science only strengthens the Church’s opposition to abortion since advancements in genetics and prenatal imaging increasingly demonstrate that a unique human life begins at conception.
Pope St. John Paul II noted in his encyclical Evangelii Guadium (The Joy of the Gospel) in which he calls for the Church to be an evangelizing community of encounter and accompaniment, “standing by people every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be.” (EG24)
The Catholic bishops of Ohio urge all people of good will to pray for and actively assist pregnant mothers in need.
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, mother of the Church, graciously help us to build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the creator and lover of life. Amen.
Click here to read the bishops’ complete response, including a message on the Catholic Church’s culture of life and charity.
The statement was signed by all Ohio bishops: Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr; Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic; Columbus Bishop Earl Fernandes; Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton; Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas; Youngtown Bishop David Bonnar; Bishop Milan Lach, Eparchy of Parma; Bishop J. Michael Botean, Romanian Catholic Eparch of St. George in Canton; and Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma.