Cardinal to Congress: Can't Reduce Abortions by Promoting It
A Catholic cardinal criticized a bill being considered by Congress for "depriving" the American people of the freedom to restrain and regulate the abortion industry.
"FOCA ("Freedom of Choice Act," S. 1173, H.R. 1964) would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars," wrote Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a letter to members of Congress on Friday. "And FOCA would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government to reduce abortions in our country."
The proposed bill is said to not only support the Roe v. Wade ruling that says a woman has the freedom to choose to bear a child or terminate the pregnancy, but is anticipated by supporters because it "would sweep away hundreds of anti-abortion laws [and] policies" that are currently in place because they do not conflict with Roe.
Rigali explains that under FOCA, which Rigali called deceptive in its title, "abortion on demand would be a national entitlement that government must condone and promote in all public programs affecting pregnant women."
With members of both parties recently agreeing to work together to reduce abortions, Rigali noted, members of Congress should oppose FOCA and other similar legislation that promote abortion so that a "serious" and "sincere" dialogue on how to reduce abortion can take place.
"[T]here is one thing absolutely everyone should be able to agree on: We can't reduce abortions by promoting abortion," Rigali stated, "No one who sponsors or supports legislation like FOCA can credibly claim to be part of a good-faith discussion on how to reduce abortions."
Rigali was recently in the news for another abortion-political related criticism. He was among the first to criticize House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, both Catholics, for misrepresenting the Church's view on human life.
Pelosi had claimed during an interview that the church is divided over when life begins and that abortion remains a controversial issue among Catholic leaders. Then Biden in a separate interview had said the beginning of human life issue is a "personal and private" matter of religious faith.
Catholic leaders had quickly denounced the politicians' explanation of the Catholic Church's view on abortion. Pelosi had also been invited to meet with her hometown archbishop to discuss church teaching.
