SW News: In reaction to the public statement made on June 24 in which 31 members of Congress referenced teachings of the Catholic Church to defend the legal right to abortion, the US Catholic bishops have urged the members of Congress not to distort faith.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine, gave a clarification stating that it is wrong and incoherent to claim that the taking of innocent human life at its most vulnerable stage can ever be consistent with the values of supporting the dignity and wellbeing of those in need.

The bishops said that members of Congress who recently invoked teachings of the Catholic faith itself as justifying abortion or supporting a supposed right to abortion grievously distort the faith.  They said human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception, including through the civil law. Abortion violates this with respect to preborn children and brings untold suffering to countless women.

“Conscience rightly enjoys a special regard both in Church teaching and in the public sphere. And policymakers should support the freedom of Catholics and of others to serve the common good in accord with their beliefs in a wide range of areas – from services and assistance to recently arrived migrants, to offering health care and social services,” said the statement.

The bishops implored and prayed for Congress to join them in working toward the true common good by prioritizing authentic, uplifting support for the vulnerable and marginalized, including mothers and families in need.

On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in all 50 states.