SW News: While pro-life supporters in the US are rejoicing over the epoch-making Supreme Court verdict overturning the nearly five-decade-old Roe v Wade which legalized abortion in 1973, the Catholic prelates of England and Wales are decrying the appalling number of abortions that took place in both nations last year. The figures issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on June 21 have revealed that 214,869 abortions took place in England and Wales in 2021. It is the highest number since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967.

The study says that 99 per cent of abortions in both nations were funded by the National Health Service in 2021. As much as 77 per cent of abortions took place in the independent sector. Last year, 43 per cent of women who sought an abortion had undergone the procedure before. In 2011, the number was 36 per cent. And 3,370 abortions were done due to disability of the baby, including 40 because the child had a cleft lip or palate. Down Syndrome was the reason for 859 babies being killed.

Following the release of the statics, the Catholic Church in England and various pro-life organizations have urged the faithful to respect life. Decrying the shocking number of termination of pregnancies, the Most Rev. John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said, "The trends point to a lack of support for pregnant women though we thank those charities and groups which provide excellent assistance. They are one of the building blocks needed to create a culture of welcome which upholds the dignity of life. We also see attempts to protect the unborn child with a disability through changes in legislation."

Reiterating the Church teachings on abortion, the prelate called the faithful to "celebrate life as a gift" of the Lord. He also urged legal protection and support for mothers and unborn babies. Finally, addressing each abortion as a "tragic end of life," the prelate ensured prayers and efforts from the Church to assist the mothers.

The pro-life organization Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) condemned the statistics and "pointed out the growing problem of abortion coercion." Michael Robinson, Executive Director of SPUC, stated, "DIY home abortion is a reckless policy which leaves women to suffer the effects of abortion at home without any medical supervision or support."