Bishops Call for Prayer and Fasting in Midst of Tensions Over Leaked Dobbs Opinion

This week, the USCCB called upon the faithful to pray and fast today, May 13, in response to the growing tensions over the leaked Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Since the draft was leaked, some abortion advocates have called for nationwide demonstrations, including at the homes of specific Supreme Court justices, and disruptions of church services. Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the USCCB, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invited the faithful to fast and pray the Rosary for the following intentions: 

• For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death.
• For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson.
• For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion.
• For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society.
• For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life.

The bishops also encourage the faithful to “witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need.”

While the bishops were calling for prayer, the U.S. Senate once again failed to advance a bill that would have imposed abortion on demand nationwide at any stage of pregnancy through federal statute . The Women’s Health Protection Act would have eliminated pro-life laws in every state, forced citizens to support abortion with their tax dollars, and likely would have eliminated conscience protections for individual healthcare providers. The Senate failed to advance the bill with a 49-51 vote, in which Democrat Joe Manchin joined all Senate Republicans in opposition.