"Abortion is murder: the Church cannot change its position" - Pope Francis, September 2021
On December 1, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case which could overturn Roe v. Wade and legalized abortion in the United States. This case is different from past Supreme Court cases in that the central holding of Roe, that abortion is a fundamental right secured by the US Constitution, is being challenged. This page is here to help you stay up-to-date on what is going on with the case and to give you resources.
Understanding the Case
The State of Mississippi enacted a law, the "Gestational Age Act" which makes elective abortions illegal after 15 weeks except in cases of severe fetal abnormality or the life of the mother. This act was challenged by Jackson Women's Health Organization, Mississippi's sole abortion provider. The Act was enjoined by the 5th Circuit Court. It directly challenges the central holding in Roe v. Wade that there is a fundamental right to abortion found in the Constitution of the United States. The Supreme Court did not need to take this case, but it did. Many legal analysts believe that the case was taken by the Supreme Court specifically to overturn Roe's central holding. To better understand the case, please see these resources:
Prayer and Fasting
[Jesus] said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting." - Mk 9:29
On December 1, join others around the diocese in prayer and fasting surrounding the Dobbs case. Oral arguments begin at 10 a.m. Specifically, we are asking everyone to pray for the Supreme Court Justices, that the Holy Spirit will guide the proceedings and that the Court will find that there is no fundamental right to abortion found in the US Constitution. Also, for the unborn to be recognized as Constitutional Persons and for peace and healing.
Ideas for Prayer and Fasting for Parishes and Individuals
- Pray 9 Days for 9 Justices Novena
- Eucharistic Adoration
- Fasting (Ash Wednesday Style)
- Communal or individual Rosary
- Communal or individual Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Offer your Mass
- Almsgiving to a pro-life organization or crisis pregnancy center
- Join the Nation-Wide Adoration to Defeat Abortion
Walking with Moms
Podcasts:
Articles:
We thank the Diocese of Lansing for providing texts and links for this page.