“Using funds allocated for COVID recovery to enable the taking of innocent lives and the harming of mothers and their children is both unjust and immoral,” he said.
“Since abortion is not ‘health care,’ it is counterintuitive that recovery funds would support the killing of the most vulnerable members of our society. As St. John Paul II writes, ‘“Causing death” can never be considered a form of medical treatment … it runs completely counter to the health care profession, which is meant to be an impassioned and unflinching affirmation of life,’” the bishop said.
Thomas said the Church “stands ready” to support women in need and specifically named the U.S. bishops’ pro-life initiative Walking With Moms in Need, which helps women with free support through pro-life pregnancy centers.
“It is our responsibility as faithful servants of God to spearhead legislation to make it easier for mothers and fathers to flourish economically so they can provide a loving and thriving home for their families,” he said.
The bishop urged all people of goodwill to join him in opposing the ordinance by making their voices heard to the city council.
The three city council members who sponsored the ordinance — Nick Komives, Theresa Gadus, and Michele Grim — are all Democrats, according to Ballotpedia. The council has 12 members.