In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is calling on Catholics to intensify prayers for the protection of human life at its most vulnerable stage – in the womb.

“The leaked opinion in the Supreme Court case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization gives us renewed hope in our efforts to protect and promote human life at its most vulnerable stage – in the womb.  We need to continue our prayers and intensify our commitment to assisting and accompanying women who choose life and may be in need.  It is also our hope and prayer that the fateful 1973 Supreme Court decision in the Roe vs. Wade case, which legalized abortion, will finally be reversed,” said Bishop Parkes.

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement on the same issue.

“As Catholics, we care about every unborn child and every mother. Our Church has consistently witnessed in word and deed that life begins at the moment of conception. As the bishops shared in our statement Standing with Moms in Need: we pledge ‘to redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during the early years of parenthood, offering them loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need and countless others.’

“We hope and pray for a change in our laws and stand ready to help all pregnant women in need in each of our communities,” added Archbishop Lori.