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March 5, 2019Statement from The Very Reverend Bernard Healey, Director of the RI Catholic Conference, on House Committee Vote on Abortion Bill
Tuesday’s vote at the State House is a defeat/stinging rebuke for the principle that each and every human life has inherent dignity, and therefore must be treated with the respect due to a human person. This is the foundation of the Church's social doctrine, including her teachings on war, the use of capital punishment, euthanasia, health care, poverty and immigration. Today’s vote is a low point in the three-century history of the R.I. General Assembly.
Civilized societies are distinguished by the protections they afford their weakest and most vulnerable members. Today’s vote fails that fundamental test.
We will continue to speak passionately and emphatically for those unborn who have no voice as the legislative process continues. By our advocacy for the unborn, we will honor the idea that there is no distinction between defending human life and promoting the dignity of the human person.
As Pope Francis has taught: “The right to life is the first human right. Abortion is killing someone that cannot defend him or herself.”
The R.I. Catholic Conference will continue to defend the innocent unborn.
