“So great is the value of a human life, and so inalienable the right to life of an innocent child growing in the mother’s womb, that no alleged right to one’s own body can justify a decision to terminate that life, which is an end in itself and which can never be considered the ‘property’ of another human being.” – Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia, no. 83

In their annual statement marking the January 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, the bishops of Florida acknowledged that the Church’s teaching on abortion is continuously proving to be prophetic. “Our nation is increasingly rejecting abortion and Roe v. Wade as states continue to adopt more limitations on abortion and expand alternatives to abortion,” said the bishops.

The bishops also recognized that much work still needs to be done. The privacy clause in our Florida’s constitution poses unique challenges regarding abortion laws in our state. Florida courts have invoked a broad interpretation of the right to privacy to block good laws that seek to protect mothers and their defenseless children in their wombs from the harm of abortion.

Laws blocked by our courts include requiring a 24-hour reflection period prior to abortion, which is pending appeal, and parental consent prior to a minor’s abortion. “We advocate for the reconsideration of these decisions, and we remain hopeful that the courts will ultimately protect women in Florida from the predatory practices of the abortion industry,” stated the bishops.

Read and print the full statement of the bishops of Florida on the 46th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade in English and Spanish.

Additionally, as part of our Culture of Life Brochure Series, a new resource on Florida’s privacy clause is available in English and Spanish.