Archbishop statement on ‘Reproductive Justice Fund’

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April 10, 2024

Statement from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, regarding City Council consideration of ‘Reproductive Justice Fund’ budget proposal

I am very concerned to hear that the City Council is again considering allocation of scarce taxpayer dollars for a “Reproductive Justice Fund” to enable circumvention of Texas state law for abortion procurement out of state.

The U.S. bishops reaffirmed last November: “Abortion remains our pre-eminent priority as it directly attacks our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, destroying more than a million lives each year in our country alone.”

Pope Francis too recently reminded us, “At every moment of its existence, human life must be preserved and defended.”

In a statement earlier this year from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee for Pro-Life Activities, the bishops reiterated that we remain steadfast in our commitment to work for the legal protection of every human life from conception to natural death.

“This is a responsibility that we all must share – especially now when this very protection is being undermined …. The truth is seldom easy, but it is necessary. The truth is with us,” the statement read.

I am extremely disappointed that this “Reproductive Justice Fund” would remove or shift dollars that could be allocated to programs which could surround women and families facing an unexpected or challenging pregnancy with loving support.

As I initially said last Fall when these discussions first began, let us instead redouble our effo1ts to provide true help and assistance to women and families in need.