Bishop Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision Author: Diocese of Fall River Messages from The Bishop 24 Jun 2022 Share Statement on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court Decision Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. June 24, 2022 In its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision announced today, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the unjust 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which effectively opened the door to abortion across the land; today’s decision returns to individual states the opportunity to restrict or prohibit abortion, thereby protecting the lives of preborn children. Today’s Supreme Court decision will save the lives of millions of children who otherwise would never see the light of day or experience the warmth of a loving family. As Catholics, we stand with the teaching of the Catholic Church which has always upheld the dignity of life and spoken out against abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The Church’s opposition comes not only from its teaching on the sanctity of life from the moment of conception, but also from a moral imperative that transcends any religious doctrine: Developing life is human life and as such deserves the protection of the law. I recognize, sadly, that in Massachusetts where abortion is already codified into state law, the Dobbs decision will have little impact. We must continue our efforts to defend the right to life for unborn children through advocacy and prayer. At the same time, we must also redouble our commitment to providing material and emotional support to expectant mothers who face a difficult or unintended pregnancy and those who find it difficult to care for their children after they are born. The Diocese of Fall River has a Pro-Life Apostolate whose mission is to provide support, assistance, and accompaniment to expectant mothers. As a society rooted in Christian and family values, we must also advocate for both federal and state laws that ensure that no mother or family lacks the basic resources needed to care for their children. My hope and my prayer is that all men and women of good will, regardless of their faith tradition – or even if they have no faith – will work together to create a society where human life is respected in all stages and in every condition, especially the most defenseless and vulnerable among us. Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Previous Next Related Posts In the News 11 Apr 2019 Massachusetts Bishops Speak Out Against Abortion Legislation MASSACHUSETTS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE 66 Brooks Drive Braintree, MA 02184 617-746-5630 www.macatholic.org A Statement of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts The Massachusetts State Legislature will consider passing into law two … Read More Bishop's Blog 29 Jun 2022 Winding Down a Busy Season The End to Roe v. Wade In its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision announced on June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the unjust 1973 Roe … Read More In the News 14 Sep 2016 Five to Receive St. Thomas More Award at Red Mass FALL RIVER — In 1997, while serving as Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., inaugurated a Red Mass to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance … Read More