TALLAHASSEE, FL – Mourning the millions of lives lost to abortion since the January 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the bishops of Florida remain committed to the promotion of public policies that defend the sanctity of life. The bishops are hopeful that proposals at both the federal and state levels will protect babies in the womb, promote the dignity of parents, and preserve conscience protections for health care workers and taxpayers. Full statement follows:

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement identifying concerns with a problematic framework established by Amendment 2, “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions.” Full statement follows:

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-3 decision, has overturned a Texas law that aims to protect the health and safety of women who undergo abortion.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - This new law protects the health and safety of women who choose abortion by ensuring they receive the same level of care as those who undergo comparable procedures at outpatient surgical facilities.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops commends our state legislature for passing legislation that aims to protect the health and safety of women who choose abortion. Although we seek to protect all life, including unborn life, we must also recognize that some women do choose abortion. Unfortunately, there are discrepancies in the level of care women receive at abortion clinics compared to the care offered at other health care facilities. This bill addresses this disparity.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Two state legislators were honored on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Defensor Vitae (Defender of Life) Award for their ongoing, courageous and valiant defense of the sanctity of life. The awards were presented at a Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon attended by the Catholic bishops of Florida, several state lawmakers and more than 300 Catholic faithful from across the state.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Catholic Mass participants will pray for divine inspiration and guidance for those serving in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and for members of the legal profession in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Approximately 2,000 students, parents and administrators representing more than 35 Catholic schools in Florida will travel to Tallahassee Tuesday, January 19 to march to the state Capitol and attend a school choice rally. Members of the K-12 Catholic school community will join thousands of participants from across the state to promote parental empowerment in education and the ability of parents to choose the best educational environments for their children. Rally organizer, Florida Voices for Choices, anticipates this event will be among the largest school choice rallies in our nation’s history.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Saddened by yet another anniversary of the January 22, 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, the Catholic bishops of Florida recognize in their annual Roe v. Wade statement the courage of lawmakers who this past year sought to reduce abortion in our state.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Oscar Ray Bolin, Jr. is scheduled to be executed by the State of Florida on January 7 at 6:00 p.m. for the 1986 murder of Teri Lynn Matthews. If carried out, Bolin would be the 23rd Death Row inmate executed under Governor Rick Scott's leadership. Bolin is serving a separate death sentence for the murder of Stephanie Collins and received a life sentence for the murder of Natalie Blanche Holley.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops urges Governor Scott to commute the sentence of Jerry Correll, scheduled for execution on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Correll is scheduled to be the 22nd person executed during Governor Scott’s tenure, the most to take place under the watch of any one Florida governor since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Earlier today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled in Glossip v. Gross that the drug protocol used for executions by lethal injection in Oklahoma does not violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The methods reviewed by SCOTUS are virtually identical to Florida's three-drug lethal injection process.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Late this afternoon, HB 633 was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. This new law ensures that a woman who seeks an abortion in Florida receives 24 hours to reflect on information provided by a physician before proceeding with the termination of her pregnancy. This good legislation gives women one day to reflect upon the risks of abortion, one day to view the image of her unborn child's ultrasound, and one day to consult with friends, family and faith.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Gabe Tischler, Emergency Management Specialist, Catholic Charities of Florida, Inc., was the recipient of the Public/Private Achievement Award at a luncheon held today for participants at the 29th Annual Governor's Hurricane Conference®. The award was presented to Tischler for his unwavering dedication and tireless work to support the needs of disaster survivors and his selfless and exceptional contributions from the not-for-profit sector. Gathered at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, nine award recipients were honored for their various contributions towards hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts at both the state and local level.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) applauds today's passage of HB 7111, Conscience Protection for Private Child-Placing Agencies, by the Florida House of Representatives.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The following is a statement from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops on HB 7111, Conscience Protection for Private Child-Placing Agencies, passed today by the Florida House Judiciary Committee:

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Diocese of Orlando will host the annual National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Convention and Expo April 7-9, 2015 at the Orange County Convention Center. As the largest event of its kind, the Convention is expected to draw thousands of participants who will be able to choose from hundreds of professional development sessions, meetings, liturgies, and special events. Also during the Convention, several awards will be presented to leaders in Catholic education.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Catholic Mass participants will pray for divine inspiration and guidance for those serving in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and for members of the legal profession in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Catholic bishops of Florida, even as they mourn the deaths of millions of unborn children, remain heartened by progress made towards the recognition and protection of human life. "Often in the face of great opposition, new pro-life laws are passed and pregnancy centers across our state continue to provide counseling and support for mothers in need," said the bishops in their statement on the 42nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, observed January 22, 2015. "We also remain hopeful as we witness, through the efforts of parish and diocesan ministries, those who experience a conversion of heart and come to treasure the unborn child."

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Catholic Conference urges Governor Scott to commute the sentence of Johnny Kormondy, scheduled for execution on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Kormondy deserves severe punishment for the 1993 murder of Gary McAdams and the brutal crimes against his wife, Cecilia McAdams. However, imposing a sentence of death as a consequence of killing perpetuates a cycle of violence.