Archbishops Timothy P. Broglio and Michael F. Burbidge and Bishop Daniel E. Flores, representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, condemned a declaration by 30 Catholic members of Congress affirming their support for abortion based on their faith.

These Catholic leaders criticized the lawmakers, according to a June 28 USCCB news release. The one-year anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision was June 24. The Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade.

"Members of Congress who recently invoked teachings of the Catholic faith itself as justifying abortion or supporting a supposed right to abortion grievously distort the faith," they wrote in the release. "It is wrong and incoherent to claim that the taking of innocent human life at its most vulnerable stage can ever be consistent with the values of supporting the dignity and well-being of those in need."

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., was one of the Catholic Democrats who shared their support for a woman's right to choose, according to a June 24 release from her office.

"As Catholics, we believe all individuals are free to make their own personal decisions about their bodies, families and futures," the joint lawmakers' statement said, according to her release. "The role of informed conscience is at the very core of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church plainly states that 'a human being must always obey the certain judgment of his [or her] conscience. If he [or she] were deliberately to act against it, he [or she] would condemn himself [or herself].' We regard conscience as both a sacred gift and a responsibility: we are called to follow our conscience."

Broglio, who represents the Archdiocese for the Military Services, is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the conference's website said. Burbidge is chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Flores is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine. 

Burbidge released a statement in celebration of the first anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in a June 6 release.

“Conscience rightly enjoys a special regard both in Church teaching and in the public sphere," the bishops wrote in the June 28 release. "And policymakers should support the freedom of Catholics and of others to serve the common good in accord with their beliefs in a wide range of areas – from services and assistance to recently arrived migrants, to offering health care and social services. Nevertheless, conscience is not a license to commit evil and take innocent lives. Conscience cannot and does not justify the act or support of abortion."

The congressional statement said 68% of Catholics support "the legal protections for abortion access enshrined in Roe," and 63% believe "abortion should be legal in all or most cases," the DeLauro release reported. 

However, the Conference of Bishops disputed those claims, according to the organization's release.