The Catholic Church kicked off Respect Life Month in October with Archbishop William E. Lori, of Baltimore, putting out a statement in which he outlined the Church's stance against abortion and called for a revival of the culture of life.

“It is the time for a renewal and rededication of our efforts to build a culture of life and civilization of love,” Lori said in a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) statement. “Justice requires that the basic protections of the law against violence be extended to the pre-born child... a world in which all are welcome requires not only justice, but compassion, healing, and above all, unconditional love.” 

Lori, who once chaired the USCCB, said Catholics must “shift the paradigm to what St. Pope John Paul II described as ‘radical solidarity,’ making the good of others our own good, including especially mothers, babies (born and unborn), and families throughout the entire human lifespan.”

He mentioned the victory in Dobbs v. Jackson, saying it can serve as a starting point for Catholics as they pray for pro-life legislation in the states.

“Our Church understands that parents, children, and families need help not just during pregnancy, but throughout the whole of life’s journey because millions of Catholics already accompany their neighbors in such circumstances,” Lori said.

Other Catholic leaders piggybacked on Lori’s message.

“Our work for the cause of life is more spiritual than it is political,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who also is president of the USCCB, tweeted in his Respect Life message. “We believe that our God is a God of love. Let us ask him today in our rosary to open our hearts to the love for all life, even those hardest to love.” 

Abortion remains a divisive topic in America. The majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion, according to a Gallup Poll conducted in May. Its results show that 50% of respondents said they believe abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances, and 13% believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances, while 35% believe abortion should be legal in all cases. 

The Catholic Church has maintained a strong stance against abortion for centuries, regardless of evolving biological theories about when exactly life begins, according to the USCCB. The Catechism directs that: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" (No. 2271) 

RespectLife.org offers materials to help people better understand the gift of human life. Catholics who want to help rebuild the culture of life, both inside and outside the Church, can call on the group for helpful materials. The group’s website provides a parish webinar, a respect Life poster, Prayer for pregnant mothers, an action guide and other helpful resources.