Virginia Catholic Conference Statement on Dobbs Decision

June 24, 2022

With deep gratitude the Virginia Catholic Conference welcomes the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Please read the statements issued by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout.

We call upon Catholics across Virginia to continue to work with us to safeguard human life and guarantee its dignity at every stage.

Since the Virginia Catholic Conference was established in 2005, we have advocated with determination and persistence for state policies that provide unborn babies and their mothers the protection, care and resources they need.

Our efforts – joined with those of many others – led to the Virginia General Assembly’s enactment of life-saving laws numerous times. Tragically, however, pro-life protections developed over decades were later dismantled almost completely during the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions. 

Our commitment to restore policies that protect lives and ensure compassionate care and support for unborn children, their mothers and families will continue. 

Our two dioceses offer vital assistance to women in crisis pregnancies. Since the beginning of 2021, for example, the Gabriel Project has assisted more than 500 pregnant women, and has given over $200,000 in financial assistance to expectant families for prenatal care, other medical care, rent, utilities, and counseling and baby supplies. And over the same period of time, Catholic Charities agencies across Virginia provided well over 1,000 women with adoption and/or other pregnancy support services. We will continue to highlight and support these extensive life-affirming services.

Through prayer, advocacy for and direct assistance to our vulnerable neighbors in need may we continue to build a culture of life in Virginia. The outcomes we desire will take time and require increased and persistent engagement by Catholics across our Commonwealth. But the vision is clear and the goal is vital: We pray that one day every child – here and throughout our nation – will be welcomed in love and protected in law.

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In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.

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The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.

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