Cardinal Designate Issues Statement on Supreme Court Abortion Ruling
(SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2022) – Cardinal-designate Robert McElroy of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego issued the following statement following today’s US Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
“Today is a day for thanksgiving and celebration. Catholic social teaching tells us that life begins at conception, a belief that is shared by millions of people in this country regardless of their faith. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reaffirms this belief and recognizes the ability of states to regulate abortion to protect the rights of the unborn.
“As we celebrate this decision – the culmination of prayer and decades of legislative advocacy, pro-life events, time and resources dedicated to pregnancy centers and walking with families facing an unplanned pregnancy – in some ways, our work is just beginning.
“We must work to ensure that California law protects the rights of the unborn. And we must emphasize that being pro-life requires much more than just opposing abortion.
“It demands that we do everything we can to support families; it demands that we provide access to quality health care, affordable housing, good jobs and decent housing.
“This means that we must ensure that parents and families have access to quality health care, so that when women and other family members become parents, they are not forced to drop out of school or work.
“It also means we need to revitalize our adoption system to ensure that women and families who for whatever reason are unable or unwilling to take on the responsibilities of parenthood have options.
“Support for children and families cannot end with the birth of a baby.”