In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice, Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director, reflects on the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Allmon notes the long pro-life effort and highlights Texas' Human Life Protection Act, passed in 2021, which made elective abortion illegal at any stage of pregnancy.
Allmon also discusses recent Supreme Court rulings on abortion cases. In FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the court ruled that plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge FDA's regulatory actions regarding mifepristone. In Moyle v. United States, the court dismissed a case concerning whether EMTALA preempts Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reports an increase in infant mortality in Texas due to congenital anomalies. Allmon argues that these deaths are natural losses rather than intentional abortions and advocates for palliative care and support for pregnant women.
Allmon emphasizes ongoing advocacy efforts by TCCB to support pregnant mothers and block legislation expanding exceptions to current abortion laws. She references an article from the National Review discussing how Texas is becoming more supportive of mothers through its Human Life Protection Act.
Religious Freedom Week was celebrated during the last week of June, highlighting religious freedom as a fundamental principle of American democracy. Allmon points out rising attacks on houses of worship since 2020 and conflicts between Church teachings and current administration views on abortion and transgender issues.
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for July focuses on deepening appreciation for Christ's presence in the Eucharist as Catholics gather for the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21.
The newsletter lists upcoming executions: Ruben Gutierrez (July 16), Arthur Burton (Aug. 7), Travis Mullis (Sept. 24), and Steven Nelson (Feb. 5, 2025). It calls for prayers for victims of violence, those on death row, and an end to the death penalty.
