Roe v. Wade

In January 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States gave our nation Roe v. Wade and its companion decision Doe v. Bolton, and in so doing effectively removed every legal protection from human beings prior to birth. The legacy of Roe is virtually incalculable. In its wake it has left death and sorrow and turmoil.

Millions of lives have been destroyed before birth and even during the very process of being born. Countless women have been traumatized so deeply by abortion that they spend years struggling to find peace, healing, and reconciliation. Men grieve because they could not "choose" to protect a child they helped bring into existence, and society has increasingly coarsened by toleration and acceptance of acts that purposely destroy human life.

Church Documents and Teachings

• Selected Quotes from Church Documents, compiled in April 2008
• Catholics in Political Life, USCCB, June 2004 (en español)
• A Matter of the Heart: On the 30th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, USCCB, November 12, 2002 (en español)
• Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life, USCCB, November 2001
• Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics, USCCB, November 1998 (en español)
• 25th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Message to Cardinal Bernard Law, Pope John Paul II, December 29, 1997 
• Light and Shadows: Our Nation 25 Years After Roe v. Wade, USCCB, November 12, 1997
• Faithful for Life: A Moral Reflection, USCCB, September 1995
• Evangelium Vitae: On the Value and Inviolability of Human Life, Pope John Paul II, March 25, 1995 (en español)
• Resolution on Abortion, USCCB, November 7, 1989
• Donum Vitae: Instruction on Respect for Human Life, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 22, 1987 (en español)
• Declaration on Procured Abortion, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, November 18, 1974 (en español)
• Excerpts from Human Life in Our Day, NCCB, November 16, 1968
• Excerpts from Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Second Vatican Council, November 7, 1965

Basic Information

• Roe v. Wade
• Fact Sheet: Reality Check: The Extreme Campaign Against the Hyde Amendment
• Fact Sheet: Abortion in the Affordable Care Act: Responses to Administration Claims
• Current Abortion Statistics
• Abortion Methods
• Abortion: Test Your Grip on Reality [Contains Outdated Material]
• Abortion Laws
• Fact Sheet: Respect for Unborn Human Life: The Church's Constant Teaching
• Fact Sheet: RU-486 - Mifepristone/Misoprostol Abortion
• UPDATED Fact Sheet: Planned Parenthood Federation of America (April 23, 2019)

Articles and Publications

• Healing within Marriage from an Abortion, Respect Life Program, 2014, (en español)
• Poverty and Abortion: A Vicious Cycle, Respect Life Program, 2014 (en español)
• Life Matters: Roe Plus 40, by Erika Bachiochi, Esq., Respect Life Program, 2013 (en español)
• Life Matters: Responding to Unplanned Pregnancy, by Margaret Hartshorn, Ph.D., Respect Life Program, 2012 (en español)
• Life Matters: Abortion, Respect Life Program, 2011 (en español)
• Abortion and Catholic Social Teaching, Rev. Thomas D. Williams, L.C., 2007
• Abortion and Breast Cancer: The Link That Won't Go Away, Angela Lanfranchi, M.D., 2007
• Partial Birth Abortion: A Bridge Too Far, Susan E. Wills, Esq., 2006  
• Roe v. Reason, Richard Stith, J.D., Ph.D., 2005
• Ten Legal Reasons to Reject Roe , Susan E. Wills, Esq.,  2003
• Women Deserve Better Than Abortion, Serrin M. Foster, 2003
• Moving Toward a Culture of Life, Cathleen A. Cleaver, 2001
• In God's Image: Building a Culture of Life, Cardinal John J. O'Connor, 2000
• Choose Life: Toward a Culture of Life in the New Millennium, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., 1998
• Partial Birth Abortion:The Writing on the Wall,Susan E. Wills, Esq., 1997
• The Good News: More Than Black and White, Rev. Stephen F. Brett, SSJ, 1996
• The Church's Love Letter to the World, Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, 1996

Columns and Commentary

• A Well-Earned Rest, by Deirdre McQuade, Life Issues Forum, February 27, 2015 (en español)
• A Picture is Worth Countless Lives, by Mary McClusky, Life Issues Forum, November 21, 2014 (en español)
• A Perfect Storm, by Richard Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, August 1, 2014 (en español)
• A Crib for Her Baby, by Audra Nakas, Life Issues Forum, May 9, 2014 (en español)
• An Encouraging Trend, by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, April 25, 2014 (en español)
• The Death of "Pro-Choice" by Richard Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, January 17, 2014 (en español)
• Facebook and Our Intrinsic Worth, by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, November 11, 2013 (en español)
• Will You Have to Pay for Abortions in Your Health Plan?, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, September 13, 2013 (en español)
• Supporting Both Victims of Rape, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, July 17, 2013 (en español)
• Bigger than Gosnell by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Fourm, May 24, 2013 (en español)
• Kermit Gosnell and the Rest of Us, by Richard Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, April 26, 2013 (en español)
• Analysis of 22 Studies Confirms: Abortion Harms Women's Mental Health, Susan E. Wills, Esq., Life Issues Forum, September 2, 2011 (en español)
• Light and Shadows in the Cause of Life, by Susan Wills, Life Issues Forum, May 27, 2011 (en español)
• Upholding a Right Not to Kill, By Richard Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, April 29, 2011 (en español)
• Taxpayer Funding and Planned Parenthood , By Vicki Evans, Life Issues Forum, April 1, 2011 (en español)
• A Grisly Business , by Tom Grenchik, Life Issues Forum, March 18, 2011 (en español)
• Finding Truth and Peace this Lent, by Susan E. Wills, Life Issues Forum, March 4, 2011 (en español)
• Ending Abortion Through Adoption, by Mary McClusky, Life Issues Forum, February 18, 2011 (en español)
• Mental Health Risks and Abortion, by Kimberly Baker, Life Issues Forum, February 4, 2011 (en español)
• Healing an Abortion-Wounded Nation, by Deirdre McQuade, Life Issues Forum, January 21, 2011
• Too Many of Whom?, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, December 24, 2010 (en español)
• Voices From the Womb, by Mary McClusky, Life Issues Forum, November 26, 2010
• Pro-Life America by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, May 29, 2009
• Dear Congress: Protect Laws that Protect Life by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, January 16, 2009
• 4 Out of 5 Adults Surveyed... Would Limit Abortion  by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, January 9, 2009
• Fatalism Can Be Fatal by Susan E. Wills, Life Issues Forum, October 17, 2008
• What Reduces Abortions? by Richard Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, October 10, 2008
• Free for Me, But Not for Thee?, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, September 19, 2008
• Reducing Abortions by Promoting Abortions?, by Tom Grenchik, Life Issues Forum, September 5, 2008
• Agenda-Driven Science, by Susan E. Wills, Esq., Life Issues Forum, August 22, 2008
• Supreme Court Out of Touch with the Mainstream on Abortion, by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, January 25, 2008
• The Courage of One, With Support of Many, by Mary Jaminet, Life Issues Forum, November 30, 2007
• Lying About Safe Abortions, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, October 19, 2007
• In the Interest of the Child, by Richard M. Doerflinger, Life Issues Forum, July 27, 2007
• The Resolution to the Resolution, by Tom Grenchik, Life Issues Forum, July 13, 2007
• Abortion - The First Human Rights Abuse, by Ken Ong, Life Issues Forum, June 15, 2007
• Profiting from Death at Any Cost, by Mary Jaminet, Life Issues Forum, June 1, 2007
• Blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb, by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, May 18, 2007
• First, Do No Harm, by Susan E. Wills, Esq., Life Issues Forum, March 9, 2007
• Post Abortion Healing Is Possible, by Deirdre A. McQuade, Life Issues Forum, February 23, 2007

Specific Abortion Issues

• Abortions in Military Hospitals
• Abortion Non-Discrimination/Conscience Rights
• Born-Alive Infants Protection Act
• Freedom of Choice Act
• International Abortion Issues
• Parental Rights  
• Partial Birth Abortion
• Post-Abortion Healing
• Roe v. Wade
• Women and the Culture of Life

Testimony and Letters

• Archbishop Naumann urges Congress to pass the Dignity for Aborted Children Act, October 31, 2019
• U.S. Bishops' Committee Chairmen Letter Opposing Proposed Equal Rights Ammendment, May 8, 2019
• Archbishop Naumann Letter to House to Preserve Pro-Life Policies, March 29, 2019
• Cardinal Dolan Letter to Senate in Support of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, January 16, 2018
• Cardinal Dolan Letter to House in Support of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, January 16 2018
• Cardinal Dolan Letter to Senate in Support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, October 17, 2017
• Cardinal Dolan Letter to House in Support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, September 29, 2017
• Cardinal O'Malley Asks Senate to Defund Planned Parenthood, August 3, 2015
• Cardinal O'Malley Urges Representatives to Support H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, May 11, 2015 (Letter to Senate, June 16, 2015)
• Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop Lori Urge Congress To Include Abortion Non-Discrimination Act in Funding Legislation, November 18, 2014
• Cardinal O'Malley Urges Congress to Prevent Public Funding of Abortion by Passing H.R. 7, January 28, 2014
• Hearing on HR 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, Testimony to House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice of the House Judiciary Committee, Richard Doerflinger, January 9, 2014
• Cardinal O'Malley to Letter to Congress: Support Abortion Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 3279) - November 1, 2013
• Cardinal O'Malley Letter to Congress urging support for the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797)" as approved by the House Judiciary Committee, Jun 14, 2013
• Cardinal DiNardo Letter to the Senate on HR-2354, November 14, 2011
• Cardinal DiNardo Letter to Congress Concerning the "Protect Life Act", HR 358, October 12, 2011
• Cardinal DiNardo Letter on Defunding Planned Parenthood, April 13, 2011
  Hearing on HR-3: No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act, Testimony to House Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee, Richard Doerflinger, February 8, 2011
  Cardinal DiNardo Letter in Support of HR-3, January 21, 2011
• Cardinal DiNardo Letter in Support of HR-358, January 21, 2011
• Letter to Congress Urging Support of HR5939, by Cardinal DiNardo, August 20, 2010
  Issues of Life and Conscience in Health Care Reform: An Analysis of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" of 2010, May 24, 2010
• Letter to House Appropriations Committee on Abortion Funding in the District of Columbia Cardinal Justin Rigali, June 30, 2009
• On Retaining Pro-Life Laws, Letter to Congress, Cardinal Rigali, February 5, 2009
• On Executive Orders Regarding Abortion Letter to President-Elect Obama, Cardinal George, January 16, 2009
• On the Scope and Myths of Roe v. Wade, Testimony to Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House of Representative Committee, Helen Alvare, March 2, 2006
• The Case for a Human Life Ammendment, Testimony to Subcommittee on the Constitution of the U.S, Senate Judiciary Committee, November 5, 1981
  • Testimony of Archbishop John Roach
  • Testimony of Cardinal Terrence Cooke
• On Constitutional Amendment Protecting Unborn Human Life, Testimony to Sub-Committee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the House Sub-Committee on the Judiciary, USCCB, March 24, 1976
  • Testimony of Archbishop Joseph Bernardin
  • Testimony of Cardinal Terence Cooke
• On Constitutional Amendment Protecting Unborn Human Life, Testimony to Sub-Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the Senate Committee, USCCB, March 7, 1974
  • Testimony of Cardinal John Krol
  • Testimony of Cardinal Timothy Manning
  • Testimony of Cardinal Humberto Medeiros
  • Testimony of Cardinal John Cody
•  

News Releases and Statements

• Pro-Life Committee Chair for U.S. Bishops’ Responds to SCOTUS Ruling Temporarily Blocking Louisiana Abortion Law, (February 8, 2019)
• Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Urges Senate Vote and Passage of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, (February 5, 2019)
• “This Legislation is Evil, Pure and Simple,” Says Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Activities Committee; Calls All Catholics to Fight with Renewed Vigor for Unborn, (February 2, 2019)
• U.S. Bishops’ Chairman on Pro-Life Activities Calls All People of Good Will to Stand Up and Protect Unborn and Born Infants, (February 1, 2019)
• Pro-Life Committee Chairman’s Roe v. Wade Anniversary Statement Encourages Faithful to be “Witnesses of Merciful Love”, (January 18, 2019)
• President Trump Announces Commitment to Uphold Pro-Life Laws, (January 18, 2019)
• USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat Expresses Deep Disappointment at Senate Failure to Pass No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, (January 18, 2019)
• Bishops Express Dismay at Court Ruling Enjoining Moral and Religious Exemption to HHS Mandate, (January 15, 2019)
• U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Calls NIH’s Dr. Francis Collins Defense of Using Baby Body Parts from Abortions for Research “Deeply Disturbing”, (December 18, 2018)
• Bishops Applaud Final Rules Providing Expanded Moral and Religious Exemptions to HHS Mandate, (November 9, 2018)
• Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Committee on Pro-Life Activities Applauds Cancellation of FDA Fetal Tissue Contract, Urges Additional HHS Action, (September 27, 2018)
• Chairman of U.S Bishops’ Conference Committee on Pro-Life Activities Calls for National Prayer Effort That Every Human Being is Protected In Law And Welcomed in Life, (July 19, 2018)
• Cardinal Dolan Says Separating Abortion from Title X Family Planning Program is "Greatly Needed" and "Deeply Appreciated", May 18, 2018
• Cardinal Dolan Issues Statement Supporting Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers as Important Free Speech Case Begins, March 20, 2018
• Catholic Bishops' Pro-Life Chairman Praises Trump Administration for Implementation of Expanded Mexico City Policy, February 8, 2018
• Cardinal Dolan Calls Pro-Abortion DNC Pledge Extreme, Disturbing, Intolerant, April 26, 2017
• Cardinal Dolan, Bishops' Pro-Life Chairman, on Deceptive "Catholics for Choice" Ad Campaign, September 14, 2016
• Bishops' Pro-Life Spokeswoman Laments High Court Decision Rejecting Abortion Clinic Safety Law, June 27, 2016
• USCCB, Texas Catholic Conference And Other Christian Groups File Amicus Brief To Support Regulations Protecting Women's Health And Safety In Abortion Clinics, February 2, 2016 (full text of brief)
• Cardinal Dolan: Statement on the 43^rd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade January 14, 2016
• Cardinal O’Malley Welcomes House Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ January 23, 2015
• Cardinal O'Malley: Government Report Confirms Bishops’ Concern on Abortion Coverage September 16, 2014
• Cardinal O'Malley: Gosnell Convictions Draw Attention To Tragedy Of Abortion May 15, 2013
• Bishops' Pro-Life Official Hails House Passage of 'Protect Life Act' October 14, 2011
• USCCB Welcomes House Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ May 5, 2011
• Bishops to Congress: At a Time of Painful Budget Cuts, Defunding Planned Parenthood ‘Not One of Those Hard Choices’ April 14, 2011
• Permanent Ban on Abortion Funding Long Overdue, Says USCCB in House Testimony February 8, 2011
• Bishops Support Three Bills to Strengthen Protections for Life and Conscience January  24, 2011
• Statement of the Committee for Pro-Life Affairs NCCB, 1973
• Pastoral Message of the Administrative Committee NCCB,1973
• Pro-Life Constitutional Amendment Resolution of the NCCB, November 13, 1973