Cardinal-designate Issues Statement about Abortion Ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court
(SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2022) – Cardinal-designate Robert McElroy, of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, issued the following statement after today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
“Today is a day to give thanks and celebrate. Catholic social teaching holds that life begins at conception, which is a belief shared by millions of Americans regardless of religious faith. The ruling by the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization affirms that belief and recognizes the ability of states to regulate abortion to protect the rights of the unborn.
“While we celebrate this decision — the culmination of prayer and decades of legislative advocacy, life-affirming events, committing time and resources to pregnancy centers, and walking with families facing an unplanned pregnancy— in many ways, our work has just begun.
“We must work to ensure that California law protects the rights of the unborn. And we must emphasize that being pro-life demands more than opposition to abortion.
“It demands we do everything we can to support families, to provide access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, good jobs and decent housing.
“It means making sure parents and families have access to affordable childcare, so that being a parent doesn’t force women and families to drop out of school or leave the job market.
“It also means reinvigorating our adoption system, to make sure there are options for women and families who are unable or unwilling, for whatever reason, to take on the responsibilities of parenthood.
“Support for children and families cannot stop at birth.”