Bishops' Statement on Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recognizes the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. While the January 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion was overturned on June 24, 2022, by the Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, many state and federal laws still threaten the lives of unborn children. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal designates a day of prayer on January 22 "for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion." The Florida bishops have issued a statement, which includes:

"A healthy society can only continue to flourish if based on a consistent recognition of the rights of each individual, especially the weakest and most defenseless. With this in mind, we remain committed to pursuing full legal protection of preborn children and continue to support efforts to offer practical assistance and accompaniment to women and their families experiencing difficulties during pregnancy and beyond. We invite all people of good will to join us in these endeavors."

The bishop's full statement is available in English and Spanish.