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WASHINGTON – Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the
United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” This year,
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference
of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invites
Catholics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month by
embracing “radical solidarity” with women facing difficult or
challenging pregnancies.
Bishop Burbidge echoes Saint John Paul II, who
coined the term “radical solidarity” in reference to the care owed to
vulnerable pregnant women: “In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is
necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is
truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is
that of radical solidarity with the woman.”
While our efforts must remain strong to end
legalized abortion, Bishop Burbidge affirmed the personal responsibility
of all Catholics to “thoroughly surround mothers in need with
life-giving support and personal accompaniment.”
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