Abortion & the African American Community

Bishop Martin D. Holley

The loss of any child from abortion is a tragedy, but we must ask: Why are minority children being aborted at such disproportionate rates?ⁱ

We must demand an end to the victimizing of African American children, women, families and communities by Planned Parenthood and others in the abortion industry.ⁱⁱ

This endless and seamless garment of social concerns often tends to push the primary moral issue of abortion onto the back burner, when in reality it clearly must be at the heart and center of our discussion on the survival of African American people.ⁱⁱⁱ

With abortion in the Black family, there is no future, only further extinction.^iv

Because the Black family has been affected physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually by racism and social injustices, and is being damaged even further by the trauma of abortion, there is an urgent need to offer forgiveness and healing to all those involved in an abortion decision.^v

Bishop George Murry, S.J.

[Roe v. Wade] poisoned our political life and has divided our people like no other Supreme Court decision since the Dred Scott decision in 1857, which said that African Americans whose ancestors were sold as slaves had no rights under the constitution.^vi

Bishop Joseph N. Perry

Since the Supreme Court of the United States made abortion a constitutional right (1973), it is reported by the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life : www.blackcatholicsforlife.org and Black Americans for Life : www.nrlc.org/bal in New York, that 14 million black children have been aborted or 1,200 African American babies are killed by abortion in the United States every day. This is a cause of death that far exceeds heart disease rates, cancer, AIDS and complications from diabetes found in the black community.^vii

Culture of Life & the African American Community

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

However, as we reflect upon where we are at present both with regard to all that has been accomplished and all that remains to be accomplished, we know that enacting Civil Rights legislation or electing an African-American as President will not fully achieved the goal that is truly desired, which is a respect for the human dignity of each and every person no matter the circumstances of their lives.^viii

Bishop Martin D. Holley

The Culture of Death will be defeated in the African American community and throughout our nation when we—as individuals and as Church—proclaim and witness with our lives to God’s love, the sacredness of human life, and the meaning of human sexuality and marriage. Let us embrace this task with the urgency and the enthusiasm it demands!^ix

Abortion

Bishop George Murry, S.J.

 To stand with God is to stand for life. And to stand for life means that God’s people must stand against anything and everything that threatens to destroy life. One of the most serious threats to human life in contemporary society is abortion.^x

Some people note this inhuman activity as a form of freedom of choice.  But if we listen to the stories of women who have had abortions, they tell us a different tale. They tell us that they did not have a choice. They had an abortion because they did not feel that they were free to choose. They had an abortion because they had no other choice.^xi

While never failing to speak up and speak out against abortion, we must also take on the responsibility of providing concrete and tangible assistance for those who want to bring a child to term.^xii

Numerous studies as well as life experiences have shown that taxpayer support of contraception does not reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions. For example, a 2006 study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute presents evidence that those States which are aggressive in promoting contraception also have the highest abortion rates.^xiii

Bishop Joseph N. Perry

Catholic moral teaching consistently sets forth that human life is sacred and begins at conception. We do not kill life in the womb. Therefore, abortion is never a private matter but bears enormous implications for the moral tone of society and an individual's personal salvation. Those who cooperate with abortion are opposed to the constant moral teaching of the Church and set themselves in separation from communion with the Church.^xiv

Bishop John Ricard, S.S.J.

Sadly, the tragedy of abortion is a recurring story right here in our own community. We must face this tragedy. As Christ has taught us, we are not to speak with angry shouts and cruel slogans, but with love and prayer.

Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D.

One of the greatest evils of our time is abortion.  It robs countless children of their lives before they even have a chance to breathe the gift of God’s air in their lungs.^xv

Culture of Life

Bishop Edward K. Braxton

As Catholics, we are committed to a culture of life, not a culture of death. I urge every Catholic in southern Illinois to learn about [the Freedom of Choice Act] and express strong opposition to it in every way possible.  . . . Let us pray as well for all newly elected members of our government. Pray that they will lead us and guide us with a deep concern for all, especially the innocent, vulnerable developing human life in the womb.^xvi

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Jesus asks us to see and respond and to help others to see and respond to the common human dignity of all people as made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore a real desire to live in peace, justice, and harmony with one another.^xvii

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory

Far longer than the Declaration of Independence, the Catholic Church has placed life first among those rights that are therein described as inalienable… We will also speak up for the other concerns that cannot be ignored or dismissed because they flow from the very human dignity that we all enjoy as God’s children.^xviii

Bishop George Murry, S.J.

[W]e must therefore continue to support and defend all human life. We must not fail; we must not pull back. We must not turn down the volume of our voices. We must call out for life in every aspect of humanity.^xix

The respect-life movement must continue onward in a Christian and pacifist manner, to hammer the message while trying to change the hearts of individuals and reshape society on this issue.  It is a long and arduous task of the kind, to use Jesus' words, that begs for prayer and fasting. Some of you bear battle scars in this effort.  But, we are in fact saving lives!^xx

As regards pre-born life, the Church speaks its message from revelational roots that describe our meaning and destiny with God.  There is no authentic freedom or privacy without reference to the code of behavior God has given us!^xxi

Bishop John Ricard, S.S.J.

At the core of the church’s teachings on social justice is the intrinsic value of all life from conception to natural death. This is the foundation of the church’s action in the world.^xxii

Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D.

At the base of our defense of marriage and our opposition to abortion is a fundamental principle: human life is sacred.^xxiii

When we promote the beauty and sanctity of human life, it is necessary to promote life in all its facets.^xxiv