Fides Media Living the Faith
By Joe Bukuras
The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 decision, bringing an end to nearly a half-century of nationwide legalized abortion in the U.S.
The June 24 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was welcomed by Catholic bishops across the USA.
Below is a compilation of responses to the decision from the local dioceses and bishops of the U.S., arranged by state. Some local dioceses do not have individual statements, but are represented by those of the state Catholic conference.
Alabama
Archdiocese of Mobile
Archbishop Thomas Rodi: “I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which from the beginning was objectionable for both Constitutional and moral reasons. However, this is not the end of our efforts to call our country back to a respect for life. This issue now returns to the Democratic process in state legislatures. We need to increase our efforts to share with others that the preborn baby is a human being, so that our laws may reflect this. In calling our country back to a respect for life, we also need to do what we can to support mothers and their children.”
Diocese of Birmingham
Bishop Steven Raica: “Today’s decision marks a major step forward in constructing a culture of life. Over time, a culture of life becomes a culture of hope that honors and respects all.”
Alaska
Alaska Catholic Conference of Bishops: “We recognize that abortion remains legal here in our State and to that end, we will continue to work to uphold the life and dignity of the human person created in Gods image, from conception until natural death … The Church will never cease to do what it has always done, to pray, work, and serve until the day when every human life is protected in law, and welcomed in love. Until that day comes, in every way possible, we will continue to care for women and children in need, so that every family has the support to joyfully choose life.”
Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau
Diocese of Fairbanks
Arizona
Ruthenian Eparchy of Holy Protection of Mary of Phoenix
Diocese of Phoenix
Apostolic Administrator Bishop Thomas Olmsted and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares: “Let today’s decision be a turning point for our nation—the day we renew our commitment to uphold the inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence and build a culture of life and civilization of love. Let us redouble our efforts to accompany mothers in need, act as peacemakers with all our fellow citizens, strengthen laws that protect innocent life, and proclaim the dignity of every human person, each of whom is made in the image of our loving God.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Tuscon
Diocesan spokesperson, Ana Sanguineti: “The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson is gratified with the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and correct the previous injustice of denying preborn children their legal and human rights.”
Arkansas
Diocese of Little Rock
California
California Catholic Conference: “Today is a day to give thanks and celebrate. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops profoundly welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobb’s v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which has affirmed our dearly held belief that life is precious, valuable, and should be protected, and that states have a compelling interest to protect the unborn and limit abortion. This has been our prayer, the Church’s prayer, for the last 50 years.”
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
In his role as chairman of the U.S. Bishops, Archbishop Jose Gomez released a joint statement with the bishop’s pro-life chairman, Baltimore Archbishop William Lori: “America was founded on the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This truth was grievously denied by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized and normalized the taking of innocent human life. We thank God today that the Court has now overturned this decision.”
Archdiocese of San Francisco
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone: “This historic Supreme Court decision would not have happened without fifty years of patient, loving, hard work by people of all faiths and none, in diverse fields including social service, religion, law, medicine, culture, education, policy and politics. But our work has just begun.”
Diocese of Fresno
Diocese of Monterey
Diocese of Oakland
“Bishop Barber joins in giving thanks and celebrating today’s ruling by SCOTUS, and notes there is much more to do.”
Diocese of Orange
Bishop Kevin Vann: “Roe might be overturned, but abortion will continue to be widely available in California. As bishops, we have been awed by the response of our Catholic community to reject the violence of abortion and to embrace the call to love and serve our sisters and families struggling with challenging pregnancies. Now is the time for us to continue to work together as a Church to build a civilization of love and reject a throwaway culture.”
Diocese of Sacramento
Bishop Jaime Soto: “Now is a critical time for people of faith to become even more involved in assisting women, children and families in California needing help during an unexpected pregnancy and beyond. Our support will make the difference so that all families can flourish. Find out more at WeWereBornReady.com.”
Diocese of San Bernardino
Diocese of San Diego
Bishop Robert McElroy: “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.”
Diocese of San Jose
Bishop Oscar Cantú: “As we seek to contain the expansion of abortion in California and work to defeat the efforts of state leaders to enshrine abortion into the state constitution permanently, my brother bishops and I ask that all Catholics throughout the state meet this moment and actively engage through the California Catholic Conference, in their dioceses and parishes, and in their communities to help women, children, and families. It is not enough to claim we are for life; we must be the hands and feet of Christ working to make it a reality. And while the Supreme Court’s decision will save the countless lives, we look to increase our work to support California’s women, children, and families and protect the sanctity of every human life.”
Diocese of Santa Rosa
Diocese of Stockton
Colorado
Colorado Catholic Conference: “All Americans who value the sanctity of human life should celebrate the end of nearly half a century of extreme judicial overreach on abortion, which cost the lives of millions of preborn children. Today, we celebrate our country embarking on a path toward embracing life at every stage and condition!”
Archdiocese of Denver
Archbishop Samuel Aquila: “This is a remarkable moment, and I want to personally thank everyone who has fervently prayed and worked that we might see this day. Our prayers have truly been answered! With that said, we acknowledge that the work continues, especially here in Colorado.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Colorado Springs
Diocese of Pueblo
Connecticut
Connecticut Catholic bishops: “Throughout this struggle to protect life, we have heard many voices cry out for the innocent lives of the unborn, and we are grateful for their witness and renewed commitment. This is a most hopeful and encouraging moment, but there is a need for renewed vigilance ahead as we work and pray to become a nation that values all human life, beginning with the unborn and extending to children in our schools and to all people who are vulnerable and at risk of violence.”
Archdiocese of Hartford
Ukrainian Eparchy of Stamford
Diocese of Bridgeport
Diocese of Norwich
Delaware
Diocese of Wilmington
Bishop William Koenig: “We continue to pray for and support all mothers, fathers, and their children. We remain committed to the church’s teaching on the sanctity, value and dignity of human life from conception through natural death.”
Florida
Florida Catholic bishops: “The Dobbs case marks a new era for the work of the Church and all those who strive to protect children in the womb. We remain committed to ministries of service that accompany expectant mothers facing difficult or unintended pregnancies. We strive to continue to build a society that empowers women so that mothers are truly supported throughout pregnancy and beyond.”
Archdiocese of Miami
Archbishop Thomas Wenski: “Abortion too often is seen as the solution to an unforeseen problem, a fall back position if contraception failed or was not used. But abortion is no solution — and it is no right. It is a wrong, a grievous wrong that has prematurely ended the lives of more than 60 million souls in this country alone since 1973.”
Diocese of Palm Beach
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Bishop William Wack: “While this decision is what we have been praying for, we know that the issue of abortion will not simply go away. Our ministry to assist women and families will continue. More than ever, we must be attentive to the needs of women facing unplanned and crisis pregnancies — to help them choose life for their child.”
Diocese of St. Augustine
Diocese of St. Petersburg
Diocese of Venice
“This ruling now undoes the grave injustice of 1973, when Roe v. Wade decided that an entire class of human beings, the preborn, were outside the protection of the law. Now the states will once again have the opportunity to protect the lives of preborn children and in doing so, also protect millions of women from the tragic consequences of abortion. Of course, legal protection must be accompanied by more care for mothers and their children. The Catholic Church, and the Diocese of Venice, stand ready to help mothers in need. Pregnant women are not alone.” Read full statement here.
Georgia
Archdiocese of Atlanta
Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer: “We rejoice today that the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health will uphold some protection for unborn babies, their vulnerable mothers and fathers and the communities where abortion tears families apart, however, there is still work to be done. I applaud today’s ruling and urge further action to promote pro-life causes.”
Diocese of Savannah
Bishop Stephen Parkes: “I am grateful today for the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States giving each state the ability to legislate the availability of abortion services. As Catholics, we honor and celebrate that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God.”
Hawaii
Diocese of Honolulu
Bishop Larry Silva: “Although the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs. Wade would have been welcome any day, it is significant that it occurred on this day on which we honor the ardent love of Jesus for all his people. For fifty years, we have been living with a legal decision based on a manufactured right that was never in the United States Constitution, and we thank God that the truth that the Constitution grants no such right has finally been affirmed … I thank God for all the women and men who worked so hard and so patiently these past fifty years to bring the matter to the legal resolution announced today. I am particularly grateful to all the people in our own diocese and state who have never given up hope that this day would come. I invite all to praise God for bringing this landmark decision to fruition!”
Idaho
Diocese of Boise City
Bishop Peter Christensen: “These past five decades, U.S. citizens have lived with an unjust law that permitted some to decide whether or not others can live. As a result, generations of preborn children have been denied the right to life. From here forward, June 24th can now be celebrated as a birthday of sorts for our nation; as a day that recognizes the value of God’s gift of life for all … We must remind ourselves that although the Supreme Court’s decision offers a greater respect for life by returning this issue to the states, it increases the opportunity for all of us to be made even more ready and willing to offer Christian charity to all expectant mothers and their children who live in vulnerable, challenging situations.”
Illinois
Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Nicholas of Chicago
Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Chicago
Archdiocese of Chicago
Cardinal Blase Cupich: “Make no mistake, because this ruling regrettably will have little impact on abortion in Illinois, as there are virtually no restrictions here, we will continue to advocate strongly for legal protections for unborn children. And we will redouble our efforts to work with all to build a culture that values the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. This ruling is not the end of a journey, but rather a fresh start. It underscores the need to understand those who disagree with us, and to inculcate an ethic of dialogue and cooperation. Let us begin by examining our national conscience, taking stock of those dark places in our society and in our hearts that turn to violence and deny the humanity of our brothers and sisters, and get to work building up the common good by choosing life.”
Diocese of Belleville
Bishop Michael McGovern: “The decision by the Supreme Court today gives fresh hope to Americans who wish to work to create a compassionate culture where every human being is welcomed in life, cherished in the community, and protected by law. Because abortion law in Illinois continues to be among the most extreme in the nation, all Illinoisans must strive to assist women who are pregnant to welcome their children, even in the most difficult circumstances. By providing material, emotional and spiritual support, the Catholic Community in southern Illinois is committed to providing pregnant mothers with real choices, building bridges that will help women in crisis pregnancies reach a secure future for themselves and their children.”
Diocese of Peoria
Bishop Louisa Tylka: “Today’s decision is not the last word in this matter. It is, however, a significant moment in the efforts to work toward a greater respect for life and it is a reason to give thanks to God. May the Holy Spirit instill in all of us an ever-greater respect for the sanctity of every human life, especially the lives of unborn children.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Bishop Thomas Paprocki: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States marks an important moment for our nation, lifting a cloud that has hung over our country for nearly a half century. There is no way to undo the tragedy of tens of millions of innocent lives lost or the decades of division sown by the Roe v. Wade decision. But, for the sake of future generations, we can now move forward with a more honest debate and efforts to advance policies and support programs that protect innocent life and promote stability and security for vulnerable mothers.”
Diocese of Rockford
“Roe v. Wade has caused a collective loss of recognition and love for them as human beings and for their right to life enshrined in our Constitution and our national purpose. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court does not end our national debate about protection for the right to life of the preborn … We need to ask for God’s grace for a renewed commitment to the beauty of God’s gift of life and for all the joys and sacrifices to serve that life as we build up the human family at every moment from conception to natural death.”
Indiana
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Archbishop Charles Thompson: “We pray that Indiana’s General Assembly will move quickly to pass legislation to protect the God-given dignity and humanity of all unborn babies and their mothers in our state, and we support all efforts to legally protect human life from the moment of conception until natural death.”
Diocese of Evansville
Bishop Joseph Siegal: “To be clear, the Dobbs decision and subsequent overturning of Roe v. Wade states that there is no constitutional right to abortion, and issues such as these should be decided by the people at the state level. It does not end abortion in this country as many suggest. Therefore, we should recognize this decision as one more step in our defense of human life. We now need to turn our attention to our state legislators to urge them to protect in law the rights of the unborn.”
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Bishop Kevin Rhoades: “Today is a historic day for our nation as the Supreme Court overturned the tragic Roe v. Wade decision which denied the child in the womb the right to life and led to the deaths of millions of unborn children in our nation. The gravely immoral and unjust decision in 1973 has finally been reversed, after so many years of prayer and sacrifices, advocacy and peaceful witness for the protection of the lives of the innocent unborn.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Gary
Bishop Robert McClory: “The ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a landmark decision, answering many prayers in the ongoing effort to protect the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We are very encouraged by the decision, as it moves us forward in building a culture that respects and values all life.”
Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana
“The states are now left to legislate for or against procuring abortion. Some have already done so. While the Supreme Court’s decision offers an important moment for us to bolster life protections for the unborn, it does not end the public debate. We now need to turn our attention to our Indiana state legislators to urge them to enact or preserve sustainable laws to protect the rights of the unborn.” Read full statement here.
Iowa
Iowa bishops: “Here in Iowa, abortion is still legal. The Iowa Catholic Conference is advocating for the ‘Protect Life Amendment,’ which would allow Iowans to pass laws protecting preborn children. A recent Iowa Supreme Court decision has left the state constitutional right to an abortion in doubt.” Read full statement here.
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Diocese of Davenport
Diocese of Des Moines
“The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization corrects the grave injustice introduced in 1973 by Roe v Wade, when we, as a country, denied the right of the preborn to exist. Now, the legality of abortion rests with the states. The Catholic Church teaches that all human life possesses inherent dignity from the moment of conception to natural death and beyond.”
Diocese of Sioux City
Bishop R. Walker Nickless: “Deliberately taking the life of an innocent person, as is always done in abortion, is gravely contrary to both the natural law and the divine law. A just civil law must protect the sanctity of human life. Let us pray for our nation and continue to respect the right to life.”
Kansas
Kansas Catholic Bishops: “’Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.’ Isaiah 1: 18. Today the United States Supreme Court issued its widely anticipated ruling in the case Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the infamous Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion throughout America.”
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Archbishop Joseph Naumann: “I’m overjoyed that the American people can determine what the public policy on abortion will be . . . I’m glad we’re back to where we were pre-1973. But the battle is not over. This is a significant victory, but now each state will have to determine what will be the public policy on abortion.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Dodge City
Diocese of Salina
Diocese of Wichita
Kentucky
Kentucky Catholic bishops: “We believe that the deliberate decision to end a life in the womb is not the answer for women, children or families. As Pope Francis states, ‘Yet this defense of unborn human life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems…It is not progressive to try to resolve problems by ending a human life’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 213-214).”
Archdiocese of Louisville
Diocese of Lexington
Diocese of Owensboro
Diocese of Covington
Louisiana
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Archbishop Gregory Aymond: “We give thanks to God that the injustice of abortion on demand has come to an end, and that we as a society will have the opportunity to save more innocent unborn lives. The people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans must stand ready to support mothers in need and their babies. We must do what we can to advocate for medical care and resources for mothers and their families.”
Diocese of Alexandria
Diocese of Baton Rouge
Randall Waguespack, director of the Office of Life, Peace and Justice: “We should look at the Supreme Court’s reversing of Roe v. Wade as a significant accomplishment in the war against abortion, but it is also crucial that we remember that the fight is not over.”
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
Diocese of Lafayette-Louisiana
Diocese of Lake Charles
Bishop Glen Provost: “On this historic day, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we offer thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the Supreme Court’s decision in support of human life, consistent with the Constitution of this nation.”
Diocese of Shreveport
Maine
Diocese of Portland
Bishop Robert Deeley: “Today’s decision reaffirms the truth that every life is sacred, and it promotes protection for women and children from the grave injustice of abortion. We welcome the possibility of saving the lives of countless unborn children as well as sparing many women and families from pain.”
Maryland
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Archbishop William Lori: “I think it is good news for the cause of life. And I also think it is a moment for us as Catholics, as believers, as people of goodwill, now to redouble our efforts to surround women in difficult pregnancies with love and care and services. So it is both a victory but also a day of challenge.”
Massachusetts
Archdiocese of Boston
Cardinal Sean O’Malley: “For all of us who have spoken, written, worked, marched, and prayed to reverse Roe v. Wade, today’s Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson is deeply significant and encouraging. This decision will create the possibility of protecting human life from conception; it calls us to recognize the unique burden faced by women in pregnancy; and it challenges us as a nation to work together to build up more communities of support — and available access to them — for all women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.”
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Edgar da Cunha: “Today’s Supreme Court decision will save the lives of millions of children who otherwise would never see the light of day or experience the warmth of a loving family.” Read full statement here.
Melkite Eparchy of Newton
Diocese of Worcester
Bishop Robert McManus: “Our prayers must continue in earnest for a greater respect for all human life. As Christians we must respond with charity in support of the life of the child in the womb whose dignity deserves our respect and legal protection, to the mother who is afraid, alone or whose life may be in jeopardy, and with respect for all citizens who struggle with this most divisive issue in our country and our world … Only the virtue of charity can vanquish evil.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts
Bishop William Byrne: “I affirm today’s Supreme Court decision, upholding each state’s
Here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts we still have much work to do so that all citizens recognize the sanctity of all human life.
We continue to work, advocate and pray that our brothers and sisters will recognize the right to life of the most vulnerable among us.”
Michigan
Michigan Catholic bishops: “Nearly fifty years after the unjust decision in Roe v. Wade, our country draws closer to a society that recognizes the God-given right of life for all persons, at any stage or in any condition. While today’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns Roe is a cause for joy, we must remember that life is and always will be a gift from our Creator; it cannot be given or taken by governmental structures, judges, or elected officials.”
Archdiocese of Detroit
Archbishop Allen Vigneron: “While the decision announced today by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cause for praise and thanks to God, it does not mean our work is over. I join my brother bishops in Michigan in affirming that the Church must redouble her efforts to ensure every woman, child, and family has the support necessary to thrive in pregnancy, early childhood, and beyond.” Read full statement here.
Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Detroit
Bishop Francis Kalabat: With gratitude and joy we give glory to God for the news on Roe v. Wade as we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since 1973 we have been strongly praying to God in addition to holding protests and rallies at home an in Washington D.C.”
Diocese of Gaylord
Bishop Jeffrey Walsh: “In God’s Providence, the Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case was issued on the same day our Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today’s scripture passage read at Mass, from Ezekiel 34:11-16, prophetically reveals the love of God in stating: ‘I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.’”
Diocese of Grand Rapids
Bishop David Walkowiak: “The United States Supreme Court’s decision moves America one step closer to protecting human life from its earliest stages of existence. The Catholic Church remains committed to helping women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies. For every pregnant woman who may be unsure of what is next, the Catholic Church is here. We will continue to accompany and care for women in need of emotional, spiritual, or physical support and their child(ren), born and unborn. Support is available through Catholic Churches as well as other local organizations.” Read full statement here.
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Bishop Paul Bradley: “Today’s historic Supreme Court decision overturning the unconstitutional Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 is a reason for all who value human life to rejoice. In union with my brother bishops in Michigan, I call upon all Catholics, along with all people who value human life, to prayerfully reflect on the significance of this decision. Let us ask God, the Source of all Life, for the grace to help us continue restoring a Culture of Life, and refusing to promote death for those who are the most innocent and vulnerable among us.”
Diocese of Lansing
Diocese of Marquette
Diocese of Saginaw
Bishop Robert Gruss: “Please continue to pray for hearts to be softened as we commit and recommit ourselves to doing all we can to support and accompany women in unplanned pregnancies as well as their unborn and infant children. We all must ask ourselves what more we can do to walk with moms in need, so that no woman finds herself alone or believes abortion is her best option.”
Minnesota
Minnesota bishops: For almost 50 years, Roe grievously denied one of America’s founding principles: that all men and women — irrespective of their stage of development — are created equal, with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Forgetting this self-evident truth has resulted in the death of over 60 million preborn children and the wounding of millions of mothers and fathers.”
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Archbishop Bernard Hebda: “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to determine abortion laws fills my heart with a combination of sadness and gratitude. In 2022 with all of our scientific advancements that prove beyond any doubt that the child inside a mother’s womb is human, it troubles me that in a moment of extreme vulnerability for both the woman and the baby that the violence of abortion is even discussed and debated as a possible good. How did our hearts become so hardened?”
Diocese of Crookston
Diocese of Duluth
Diocese of New Ulm
Diocese of St. Cloud
Bishop Donald Kettler: “Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is good news for the protection and sacred dignity of human life. The right to life is one of our nation’s founding principles. It also is the first principle of Catholic social teaching. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God, and God loves every single human life.”
Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Bishop Robert Barron: “Friends, today is a time to rejoice as we celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn ‘Roe v. Wade,’ a deeply unjust law that has resulted in over 60 million lost lives.”
Mississippi
Bishops of Mississippi: “Today, Lady Justice has turned her attention to the cry of the unborn child hidden in the refuge of his or her mother’s womb. Today, justice has not abandoned that unborn child and his or her capacity to feel pain, but there is still more work to be done. Together with many throughout our country, we join in prayer that states are now able to protect women and children from the injustice of abortion. The Catholic Church has had a vested interest in this matter – the dignity and sanctity of all human life.”
Diocese of Biloxi
Diocese of Jackson
Missouri
Missouri Catholic bishops: “The Missouri Catholic Conference welcomes the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The MCC has worked and prayed with other pro-life organizations for this day since the Court issued the Roe decision in 1973. With the return of the issue to the states, we know our work is not done.”
Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
Archdiocese of St. Louis
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski: “Here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we will continue providing resources for women facing unexpected and difficult pregnancies, cherishing and protecting women and their children, so that they may both develop their full potential in this world and be happy with God forever in the next.”
Diocese of Jefferson City
Bishop W. Shawn McKnight: “I welcome the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade, ending 50 years of our federal government defending the killing of the unborn. As I wrote recently, whenever we disregard the dignity of any class of human beings, we impoverish our own dignity and the bonds that hold our nation together suffer.”
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Bishop James Johnston: “While we welcome this week’s good news for the value of human life, it is important to remember that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health does not put a universal end to abortion. Decisions about access to abortion now reside with our state governments. This Supreme Court decision does not change abortion access in the State of Missouri. The diocese stands ready to meet the increased demand for resources that may result with an renewed focus on alternatives to abortion.”
Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Bishop Edward Rice: With the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v Wade and the return of the issue to the states, The Catholic Church stands ready to continue providing spiritual and material support to expectant mothers and their families through our parishes and ministries, and to advocate on their behalf and on behalf of their unborn children at the state and federal level.
Montana
Montana Catholic bishops: “Today’s decision is the result of prayers, sacrifices and advocacy of countless Americans from every walk of life. We join with them in gratitude for this moment and for their tireless work and witness over these past five decades.”
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Diocese of Helena
Nebraska
Marion Miner, Associate Director of Pro-Life & Family Policy for the the Nebraska Bishops Conference: “We are overcome with joy at the arrival of this day, for which we have waited, worked, and prayed for 50 years. Nebraska is once again free to protect preborn babies from the lethal violence of the abortion industry. This is cause for rejoicing and is also a mandate to act.”
Archdiocese of Omaha
Archbishop George Lucas: “The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs case is a major victory for unborn children, for their mothers and for the cause of justice in our country. Citizens and their elected representatives in each state will now have the opportunity to guarantee the right to life for the child in the womb.”
Diocese of Grand Island
Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt: “Today there is new hope for the unborn in this country. There is new hope for their mothers and fathers, that they might accept the amazing gift of life they have created. Today there is new hope for humanity, that each unborn person may be given the chance to enrich our lives with their unique gifts. Today the Supreme Court has taken an important step in bringing respect for all human life back to this country.”
Diocese of Lincoln
Bishop James Conley: “The fact that this decision was released on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is no coincidence. Our Lord has given us a great gift from the love of His most sacred heart. We now have to reach out to women and families who find themselves in difficult situations and love them with the heart of Jesus. We need to accompany them with our love and care, welcome them, walk with them and show them that life is good and they are not alone. Praised be Jesus Christ.”
Nevada
Diocese of Las Vegas
Diocese of Reno
Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg: “Due to laws codified after Roe, abortion remains legal in the State of Nevada. Regardless of the legal status of abortion, the Church’s call to respect life remains unchanged. We must continue not only to speak out against abortion, but also to care for mothers who face unplanned or challenging pregnancies.”
New Hampshire
Diocese of Manchester
Bishop Peter Libasci: This historic decision comes down against the backdrop of extraordinary conflict and division in our nation and in our world. The Dobbs decision is the latest occasion that demands of us how we as Catholics, as Americans, and as human beings, will respond to the challenges of the present day. In times of great consequence, when decisions that are made carry with them the opportunity for some to assume victory and some to assume defeat, the mark of an evolved society will be the extent to which Prudence is invited, no, invoked and embraced to lead its citizens to the higher ground on which all are called to stand. As the scriptures remind us, ‘pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall.’ (Prv 16:18)”
New Jersey
New Jersey Catholic bishops: “We the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey express our deepest gratitude for the United States Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health. This decision ends a very dark chapter in American history and now is the time for our nation to move forward to heal wounds and social divisions.”
Ruthenian Eparchy of Passaic
Syrian Eparchy of Our Lady of Deliverance in the United States
Archdiocese of Newark
Cardinal Joseph Tobin: “The United States Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide recognizes that even the most helpless and dependent human beings have a right to life and possess inherent dignity and worth.”
Diocese of Camden
Diocese of Metuchen
Bishop James Checchio: “As Catholics who believe in the intrinsic dignity of life from conception to natural death regardless of race, creed, or socioeconomic status, we welcome the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.”
Diocese of Paterson
Bishop Kevin Sweeney: “That the Supreme Court has recognized that life begins at conception is an answer to