Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington has attacked U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s proposal to codify a national right to abortion if Democrats take control of Congress.
“President Biden recently declared that pro-abortion legislation will be his top priority if the Democratic Party wins control of Congress in November 2022. Burbidge stated, “I abhor abortion and any political strategy that will codify abortion as national policy.”
“Abortion, at its core, ends the life of a wonderful child and leaves the child’s mother grievously wounded. The purpose of Congress is to enact laws that benefit the greater good; but, the president’s top focus only results in suffering and death.”
Biden, a Catholic, stated on October 18 at a Democratic National Committee event at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., “Here is the promise I make to you and the American people: the first bill I present to Congress will codify Roe v. Wade.”
In addition, the president committed to veto a Republican-backed bill that would prohibit abortions beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy except in circumstances of rape, incest, or threat to the mother’s life.
The 8 November 2022 U.S. elections will determine control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
Burbidge responded to Biden’s plan by stating, “We see firsthand the wounds mothers and fathers suffer after aborting their kid. Clearly, they deserve something better than abortion. Through a variety of initiatives, the Diocese of Arlington assists persons who have experienced the agony of abortion.
“Any attempt to legalize abortion, as opposed to enacting policies that help unborn children and mothers, should be greeted with peaceful, active, and staunch opposition by the Catholic faithful and all persons of good will,” he continued.
Though the U.S. Supreme Court’s June Dobbs ruling was “probably the most major pro-life win of the last century,” there is still much work to be done to make abortion unthinkable and assist moms in need, according to Burbidge.
“The Catholic Church has traditionally provided those in need with hope, healing, and material assistance. We are prepared to continue assisting all pregnant families in need.”
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement in response to Biden’s legislative plan for abortion on October 25.
Lori stated, “It is a tremendous error for the president to continue pursuing every available way to enable abortion, rather than using his influence to improve support and care for moms in difficult situations.”
“This single-minded fanaticism must end, and we urge President Biden to recognize the humanity of unborn children and the need for genuine life-affirming care for women in this country,” he continued.