SEATTLE – Washington state’s bishops commended the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, but said “much work remains to build a culture of life in our state.”
Abortion remains legal in Washington state because of laws passed before Roe, the bishops noted in a joint statement, “A Call to Respect Life and Serve Families in Need,” issued after the June 24 decision.
“Regardless of the legal status of abortion, the Church’s call to respect life remains unchanged,” according to the statement signed by Seattle Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, Yakima Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, Spokane Bishop Thomas A. Daly and Seattle Auxiliary Bishops Eusebio Elizondo and Frank Schuster.
“We must continue not only to speak out against abortion, but also to care for mothers who face unplanned or challenging pregnancies,” the bishops said. “As mothers and families choose life under difficult circumstances, we are called to accompany them on their journey and to do all we can to support them and their children,” the bishops said.
The bishops invited all Catholics — individuals, parishes, institutions and organizations — to “redouble efforts to accompany women and couples confronted with unexpected or difficult pregnancies.”
They noted the many Catholic programs around the state that are available to help, accompany and mentor vulnerable families from pregnancy through early childhood.
“Now is the time for the faithful to offer a viable alternative to abortion by increasing efforts to serve families in need,” the bishops said.
More information about how to help is available from the Washington State Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the state’s bishops. Through the conference, the bishops said, they will continue advocating for policies that support life and help struggling families.
“We invite you to pray with us that all will one day recognize that every human life is sacred and deserving of reverence, protection, and assistance in times of need.”