At the U.S. Bishops’ Conference (USCCB) plenary session this week, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, delivered an address highlighting the ongoing challenges in defending the sanctity of life.

“Recent campaigns and elections, and state ballot initiatives, have shown that abortion continues to be debated within our nation,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Sadly, many states continue to enshrine abortion in their state constitutions.”

Despite these challenges, he encouraged the bishops to remain steadfast in their efforts as he said, “Our work is not only to change laws, as you know, but to change hearts and to change minds, to inspire and to inform.”

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Quoting Pope Francis’ recent document, Dignitas Infinita, Bishop Burbidge underscored the Church’s long-standing teaching on the need to protect the unborn as “the most defenseless and innocent among us.”

He pointed to the Pope’s assessment of the way in which the human dignity of the unborn is denied and violated, citing the pontiff’s words: “Nowadays, efforts are made to deny them their human dignity and to do with them whatever one pleases, taking their lives and passing laws preventing anyone from standing in the way of this.”

The bishop praised Dignitas Infinita for its clarity on the immorality of abortion, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. He also noted the document’s frequent references to St. John Paul II’s landmark encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, which articulates and reaffirms the Church’s constant teachings on issues related to the sanctity of human life.

Bishop Burbidge also highlighted the growing push to legalize assisted suicide and the need to address end-of-life care with compassion and clarity. He referenced Pope Francis’ critique of a “throwaway culture,” where human dignity is often tied to productivity rather than inherent worth. To assist the faithful in navigating these complex issues, the USCCB has produced materials including guides on palliative care, hospice, and advanced medical directives.

Bishop Burbidge also pointed to the bishops’ pro-life pregnancy-related pastoral initiatives. He commended Project Rachel Ministry, which offers healing to those suffering after abortion. “Just as we courageously speak up for the unborn, we also recognize those who grieve their aborted children and have distanced themselves from God and the Church,” he said. He described these ministries as “field hospitals after battle,” providing a bridge to Christ’s healing and peace.

He also praised the initiative Walking with Moms in Need, a parish-based program that connects expectant mothers with life-affirming support. Launched in 2020, the program aims to ensure that “a pregnant or parenting mother in need can turn to any local Catholic parish and be connected with the life-affirming assistance and accompaniment that she needs.” Bishop Burbidge emphasized the Church’s dual commitment to defending unborn children and supporting their mothers.

“Our defense of the lives of preborn children necessitates our commitment to serve and support their mothers before and after birth, because we are for every woman, we are for every child,” he said.

Bishop Burbidge also touched on past USCCB documents relevant to the issue of the sanctity of life, including Married Love and the Gift of Life, which addresses the problems inherent in contraception, and Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology, which discusses moral concerns around reproductive technologies like IVF, as well as resources on the death penalty, disabilities, and surrogacy.

Called on the bishops to recommit to the Church’s pro-life mission, he encouraged dioceses to embrace available resources and initiatives and to reaffirm their dedication to creating a culture of life.

“As Pope Francis has challenged us,” he said, “our parishes are to be islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.”

LifeNews Note: Louis Knuffke writes for CatholicVote, where this column originally appeared.

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