Letter
On Abortion and the African American Family by Bishop Martin D. Holley (2008)
On Abortion and the African American Family by Bishop Martin D. Holley, Chairman, USCCB Sub-Committee on African American Affairs, October 14, 2008.
Bishop Holley argues that abortion has had a disproportionate and devastating impact on the African American community. He highlights statistics showing that Black women have abortions at significantly higher rates than white women and claims that abortion has become the leading cause of death among African Americans since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, amounting to millions of lost lives.
Bishop Holley asserts that this disparity raises serious moral and social concerns, urging that abortion be treated as a central issue affecting the survival and well-being of the Black community. He criticizes policy approaches that emphasize expanded access to contraception, arguing that such measures do not reduce abortion rates and may contribute to other social problems.
He also criticizes organizations like Planned Parenthood, claiming they target minority communities and receive substantial government funding. Holley cites historical and contemporary examples to argue that these efforts harm African American families. He calls for a cultural and moral response grounded in strengthening family life, promoting chastity and fidelity, encouraging prayer and service, and affirming the dignity of every human life. He urges the community to reject abortion and embrace every child as a gift.