Catholic bishops urge ‘people of faith to pray’ Supreme Court upholds Louisiana abortion restrictions

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops on Wednesday urged “people of faith” to pray that the Supreme Court upholds a Louisiana law regulating abortion.

“The Catholic Church encourages all people of faith to pray about the outcome to this very important case,” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Kat Talalas wrote in a statement. “We also ask all to pray for the women who are compelled to seek abortion: that they may find alternatives that value their health and well-being, and the lives of their precious children.”

The case, June Medical Services v. Russo was argued before the court Wednesday morning. If the court decides to uphold Louisiana law, doctors who perform abortions will be required to acquire admitting privileges to hospitals near their facilities. Supporters of the law argue that this measure will protect women in the case that something should go wrong during an abortion.

Talalas argued in her statement that the law protects both women and unborn children.

“Women, their bodies, and their babies are immeasurably valuable,” Talalas wrote. “The violent act of abortion not only destroys the lives of unborn children, but often severely harms women’s physical, psychological, and spiritual health. Louisiana is right to prioritize women over abortion industry profits.”

The case has developed into a contentious fight over the future of abortion. Critics argue that the law makes it too burdensome for abortion doctors to obtain the necessary certifications from hospitals. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh signaled on Wednesday that he would consider upholding the law, questioning whether the regulations would be unfair to abortion doctors.

Hours later, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer threatened Kavanaugh and fellow Trump appointee Neil Gorsuch.

“I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh: You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price,” Schumer said at a pro-abortion rights rally. “You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.”

The justices will meet to vote on the case later this week. A decision is expected by the summer.

Related Content