As of June 1, 2024, I have been the Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for eight years. During that time, in numerous columns for The Mirror, I have used the terms “culture of death,” and “culture of life,” to highlight the contrast between abortionists and the pro-life position. Typically, I would receive a note or two saying that I should not use the term, “culture of death,” because it is too negative and judgmental. It may trigger emotions in people and cause them harm. Further, we’re not supposed to judge, and we’re supposed to be people of hope. And while we are people of hope, and we are not supposed to judge, in my position as a Bishop of a diocese, I have the responsibility to teach authentic doctrine and to warn my people of dangerous cultural trends, many of which span a wide variety of issues such as marriage, religious freedom, sexuality, family life, worship, etc., and many of which should be challenged by authentic Church teaching. Whatever dangers appear on the horizon, it is the responsibility of a bishop to analyze and highlight these dangers, always calling his people to a greater fidelity to Church teachings.
Over the past weeks, I have heard more and more political speeches calling for unlimited abortion, even including partial birth abortion. It is quite obvious that a line has been drawn in the sand. I recently stayed up late to listen to various political speeches and while I’m glad I did, it made me sick to my stomach. That is no exaggeration! As I listened to some of the discourse, I became nauseous. Person after person called for radical, anti-life legislation, including partial-birth abortion. In an NPR article, the Ohio physician who developed the procedure for partial-birth abortion explained it: “It involved dilating the woman’s cervix, then pulling the fetus through it, feet first, only until the head remained inside. Using scissors or another sharp instrument, the head was then punctured, and the skull compressed, so it too could fit through the dilated cervix.” The doctor explained that the procedure was developed because he wanted to find a way to perform second-trimester abortions without an overnight hospital stay, because local hospitals did not permit most abortions after 18 weeks.
Does the word “barbaric” fit? Or, “inhumane?” Or, “uncivilized?” I can’t think of a word that fully describes the procedure. Maybe, “diabolical?”
AMENDMENT 3 IS ON THE BALLOT
Missouri is also one of the battleground states calling for an amendment that would enshrine abortion in our State Constitution. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft affirmed that enough signatures were received for the proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine a so-called “right to reproductive freedom” on the November general election ballot. The Secretary of State’s office explains Amendment 3:
A “yes” vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of a pregnancy in the Missouri constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant woman.
In contrast: A “no” vote will continue the statutory prohibition of abortion in Missouri.”
This is the most recent, up-to-date actual language that will appear on the ballot. Again, a line has been drawn in the sand.
These words were spoken in February 1997 at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, “But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? What is taking place in America is a war against the child.”
While Mother Teresa, who spoke the quote above, frames the discussion in the context of “war,” Pope St. John Paul’s imagery is true as well: the “culture of death.” Our response as Catholic Christians is to promote a “culture of life,” Walking with Moms in Need. Our response in southern Missouri is found in so many charitable efforts, like our own LifeHouse Springfield and LifeHouse Cape Girardeau! Regardless of the outcomes of any election, we are People of Hope, because ultimately, Life Will Be Victorious!
Despite what pro-abortion supporters are saying, Missouri’s present day pro-life laws have a “life of the mother exception,” and allow women to get the health care they need and instances of ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage. I urge all Catholics and all people of goodwill to advocate for the health and safety of women and their preborn children by VOTING NO on Amendment 3. And for those who wish to write to me and complain about this column, my address is 601 S Jefferson Ave., Springfield MO, 65806.
“O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.”
Published in the September 13, 2024 issue of The Mirror.
Photo Credit: ADORATION UNDER THE STARS—Saint Agnes Cathedral youth group joined Bishop Rice in Eucharistic Adoration Sept. 29, 2024. (The Mirror)