Public Policy Advocacy

Protecting and promoting the inviolable rights of persons is the most solemn responsibility of civil authority. As Americans and as religious leaders we are committed to Governance by a system of law that protects human rights and maintains the common good. We are reminded that "the Church must be committed to the task of educating and supporting lay people involved in law-making, government and the administration of justice, so that Legislation will always reflect those principals and moral values which are in conformity with sound anthropology and advance the common good" (the Church in America, no. 19, Quoting the Synod for America, proposition 72).
 

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The USCCB has developed a pastoral plan calling upon the resources of the Church -its people, services and institutions, to pursue in a united effort to restore respect and legal protection for every human life- to be what the Holy Father asks us to be: a people of life and a people for life (The Gospel of Life # 78). We are called to pursue this effort with renewed energy and commitment in four major areas:
 

Public Information and Education
Pastoral Care
Public Policy
Prayer and Worship
Annual March for Life

This annual march is held on January 22nd in Washington, DC to call attention to the 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, decriminalizing abortion in the US. Many thousands converge at the Washington Mall to pray and support each other in their effort to overturn that law. They then prayerfully march on Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court.
 

Respect Life Sunday
Respect Life Sunday is celebrated nationally on the first Sunday in October of every year. On this day Catholics across the country come together to pray for an increased awareness of the full Gospel of Life. For activities in your area, contact your local parish.
 

Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life activities
This annual publication is sent to all pastors in the Fall. It outlines the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's plan for Pro-Life activities for the coming year.
 

Contact Information:
Contact: the ProLife Secretariate
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street N.E.
Washington. D.C. 12203-1004
www.usccb.org/prolife