It’s been three weeks since the Supreme Court of the United States issued its historic Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturning the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision that said women had the right to an abortion.
With abortion policy decisions returned to individual states, Ohio is among those that adopted legislation with strict regulations banning the procedures after six weeks of pregnancy.
“We’ve been praying for this day for nearly 50 years. Our brothers and sisters across the diocese will praise God for this affirming view of life,” said Mary Von Carlowitz, director of the Diocese of Cleveland Office for Human Life. “We’ve waited so long and had much pain along the way.”
In the wake of the SCOTUS decision, von Carlowitz said her office has been working to improve access to information and resources to assist women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
“We have been journeying with expectant and post-abortive moms and will continue to do so. Now comes our finest hour. Going forward, we rejoice in this moment for justice as we look to the future and our continued commitment to advocate for the dignity and sanctity of life at every stage. We’ve been here all along and will continue to accompany mothers in need,” she said.
“The Office for Human Life educates and inspires people throughout the diocese to be stewards of the gift of life that God has given us. Through prayer, education and pastoral care, we uphold and promote the consistent ethic of life from conception to natural death. This ethic of life is the thread that unites all efforts to uphold the dignity of life at all states of existence,” von Carlowitz added.
On the newly revamped website, visitors will find a QR code for immediate access to pregnancy resources as well as a phone number – 800-712-4357 – to connect them with an option line. In addition, there is information on how to follow the office on Facebook and the crisis pregnancy hotline, 216-902-1303, that offers practical support for pregnancy and parenting. Any woman experiencing feelings of crisis or unexpected pregnancy is encouraged to call and those who know a woman in this situation are invited to pass along the number.
There also is a number to for those suffering after an abortion: 216-696-6525, Ext. 2339.
Links to resources for moms in need and for women suffering after an abortion also are featured on the newly redesigned website.
“We know that the struggle is not over. As we look to the future, we want to ensure that our parish communities are places of welcome for all mothers in need and that we are instruments of unwavering hope, mercy, love and compassion for all women,” Von Carlowitz added, reaffirming her office’s ministry to continue walking with all women struggling with a pregnancy or abortion decision, after delivery and post-abortion.
“We are here to help,” she said.
Von Carlowitz said information about the offfice’s resources will be distributed widely in the coming weeks to ensure those in need will be aware of the assistance.