Archbishop Jackels' Messages

Iowa court’s decision to strike down waiting period before abortion ‘sad’ and ‘bad’

The judgment of the Iowa Supreme Court, striking down the mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion can take place, is sad and bad.
 
It is a sad judgment for how it devalues the God-given sacredness of human life and dignity, facilitating deadly attacks on vulnerable children still in the womb.
 
It is a bad judgment for failing to recognize that the State has a legitimate right to insist that decision-making in this matter of life and death should at the very least be informed and reflective.
 
The teaching of Jesus, that he takes personally what we do to one another, inspires us to pray and advocate for women, children, and families in distress, as well as for an end to abortion and all other attacks on human life and dignity.