ATLANTA—Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., released the following statement regarding today’s Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
“We rejoice today that the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health will uphold some protection for unborn babies, their vulnerable mothers and fathers and the communities where abortion tears families apart, however, there is still work to be done. I applaud today’s ruling and urge further action to promote pro-life causes.
No matter how the court ruled today, we will never stop working to protect women and their babies. Whether or not abortion is legal, we want women to know that we are here to support you, to accompany you and to love you and your babies. This support goes beyond the sidewalk outside the clinic. It goes beyond the delivery room and it goes beyond those first days after a baby is born.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has a number of programs to support pregnant and parenting families. If you need help, we hope you will contact one of these groups.
As we now face months of uncertainty and confusion over how the court’s decision will be applied, we ask all people to pray and act in a way that will build a greater respect for life. While politicians and judges wrestle with words, benchmarks and legal challenges, let us redouble our efforts to help pregnant women, expectant fathers and families so that they can choose life and thrive.
Laws alone cannot establish a culture of life in our nation. Catholics and people of goodwill must dedicate ourselves to this work. All human life is sacred. No civil law can counter this truth.
We also ask you to respond with love and in peace to those who wish to debate. There has been so much violence in this country in the last few months. We cannot counter violence with violence. If we are a pro-life people, this should show in how we act in all situations, including ones we are passionate about.
We urge you to contact your state representatives and ask for laws that protect babies and their mothers, to support pro-life and parenting ministries with your time, talent and treasure and to dedicate yourselves to prayer for mothers and babies in crisis.”