Policy & Advocacy
Letter from Cardinal Rigali to the U.S. Senate on the Pregnant Women Support Act (2009)
Letter from Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman, Committee for Pro-Life Activities to the U.S. Senate on the Pregnant Women Support Act, May 15, 2009
Cardinal Rigali urges Congress to support and co-sponsor the Pregnant Women Support Act (S. 1032), which is a "common-ground" approach to reducing abortions by supporting women.
The bishops argue that abortion under economic or social pressure is not a true exercise of choice, and they emphasize two widely agreed principles:
- High abortion rates are a social tragedy that should be reduced.
- No woman should feel forced into abortion due to lack of support or resources.
The purpose of the Pregnant Women Support Act is to:
- Provide practical assistance to pregnant women
- Ensure women have real alternatives to abortion
Key provisions include:
- Increased access to health care and prenatal care
- Increased funding for support services and resources
- Increased economic and educational support
- Enhanced services to provide protection for vulnerable women