Participants in a demonstration against Proposition 1 outside the California capitol in Sacramento, Oct. 6, 2022. / Photo courtesy of California’s No on Prop. 1 Campaign
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 9, 2022 / 09:22 am (CNA).
Ballot initiatives to protect and expand abortion passed across the nation on Election Day.
Americans in five states voted on the issue of abortion during the 2022 midterm elections. Three states — California, Michigan, and Vermont — proposed constitutional amendments to advance abortion. All three passed.
At the same time, citizens in Kentucky weighed a pro-life amendment and Montana voters considered a measure that promises to protect babies who are born alive after attempted abortions. Kentucky voted no to its pro-life measure. Montana’s results are still coming in, with a current majority voting no.
Stephen Billy, who serves as vice president of state affairs at the national pro-life group SBA Pro-Life America, early Wednesday morning stressed that life is still winning.
“Anyone arguing abortion is winning is missing what happened tonight,” he told CNA. “We had strong pro-life candidates at the federal and state level win because they seized on life as a winning issue and exposed the extreme taxpayer-funded abortion until birth policy of their opponents.”
“We know life is a winning issue, we know how to win on life, and we know the American people reject the extreme policy of Planned Parenthood and their candidates,” he added. “Going forward, we have to do better at using our winning strategy and using it to fight back against the millions of dollars Big Abortion puts into ballot initiatives to cause confusion and hide their extreme policy. When the voters see the abortion industry pushing abortion on demand, they reject it — and if we focus on exposing that extreme policy we will win.”
The ballot measures on Election Day follow the Supreme Court’s June decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and freed states to legislate on abortion. They also come after a pro-life amendment recently failed in Kansas.
California: Proposition 1
Proposition 1 will amend California’s constitution to explicitly protect abortion after citizens voted to pass it.
As of mid-Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported that 65.1% voted yes to Proposition 1 and 34.9% voted no, with 41% of the votes in.
Following the election results, Catherine Hadro, director of media relations for California’s No on Proposition 1 campaign, stressed a disconnect between what Proposition 1 allows and what California voters support.
“We know that more than 80% of Californians reject late-term abortion. They oppose late-term abortion,” she previously told CNA. “And that’s exactly what Proposition 1 would allow.”
The proposition reads: “The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives.”
California currently allows abortion for any reason before viability, when a baby can survive outside the womb — generally considered to begin around 24 weeks of pregnancy. After viability, California allows abortion when a woman’s life or health is threatened.
The California Catholic Conference encouraged pro-life voters to say “no” to Proposition 1, calling it “an expensive and misleading ballot measure that allows unlimited late-term abortions — for any reason, at any time, even moments before birth, paid for by tax dollars.”
A campaign for the amendment led by pro-abortion groups, called Yes on Proposition 1, argued that Proposition 1 would “ensure that, in California, people continue to have the power to control their own bodies and personal decisions.”
Michigan: Proposal 3
Michigan’s proposed constitutional amendment, Proposal 3, will advance abortion in that state.
As of mid-Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported that 56% voted yes to the proposal and 44% voted no, with 87% of the votes in.
On the ballot, the amendment is identified as a “proposal to amend the state constitution to establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid prosecution of individuals exercising established right.”
In Michigan, women can obtain abortions for any reason before viability. After viability, abortion is permitted to save the woman’s life.
The Citizens to Support MI Women and Children coalition, which includes the Michigan Catholic Conference, advised pro-life citizens to vote no on the amendment. The group said it would “radically distort Michigan’s Constitution to create a new unlimited right to abortion.”
“This poorly-worded amendment would repeal dozens of state laws, including our state’s ban on tax-funded abortions, the partial-birth abortion ban, and fundamentally alter the parent-child relationship by preventing parents from having input on their children’s health,” the group said.
In support of the amendment, Reproductive Freedom for All argued that “in addition to ensuring access to a broad range of reproductive health care, this amendment would make sure no one goes to prison for providing safe medical care.”
Vermont: Article 22/Proposal 5
In Vermont, citizens voted to pass the constitutional amendment Article 22, also known as Proposal 5, which promotes abortion.
As of mid-Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported that 77.4% voted yes to the proposal and 22.6% voted no, with more than 95% of the votes in.
It reads: “That an individual’s right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”
Abortion is legal up until birth in the state.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, which includes the entire state of Vermont, published a piece in its diocesan bulletin warning that the amendment “promises to enshrine unlimited, unregulated abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy in our state’s founding document” and “would permanently block any attempt to protect the unborn — even those who can survive outside the womb.”
Vermont Right to Life Committee urged citizens to vote no.
Led by pro-abortion groups, Vermont for Reproductive Liberty Ballot Committee argued: “We need this amendment because important medical decisions should be guided by a patient’s health and well-being, not by a politician’s beliefs.”
Kentucky: Amendment 2
Kentucky voted against a pro-life measure — Amendment 2 — which says the state’s constitution does not protect abortion.
As of mid-Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported that 52.6% voted no to the amendment and 47.4% voted yes, with 88% of the votes in.
It reads: “To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.”
Kentucky currently prohibits abortion with exceptions for saving a woman’s life or preventing serious risk to her physical health.
The Yes for Life alliance, which includes the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, asked pro-life citizens to vote yes. The group said that the amendment’s language “will prevent state judges from asserting their own preferences over the will of legislators and the voters.”
Opposing the amendment, the Protect Kentucky Access coalition claimed that the amendment would “pave the way for the state to ban abortion in all cases.”
Montana: Legislative Referendum 131 (LR-131)
Voters in Montana considered Legislative Referendum 131, which says it will protect babies who are born alive after attempted abortions.
As of Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported that 52.6% voted no to the amendment and 47.7% voted yes, with 80% of the votes in.
It reads: “An act adopting the born-alive infant protection act; providing that infants born alive, including infants born alive after an abortion, are legal persons; requiring health care providers to take necessary actions to preserve the life of a born-alive infant; providing a penalty; providing that the proposed act be submitted to the qualified electors of Montana; and providing an effective date.”
Montana law allows abortion before viability. Abortion is also permitted after viability to save a woman’s life or prevent serious risk to her physical health.
SBA Pro-Life America’s Katie Glenn previously told CNA that she found the ballot initiative in Montana — a state she said has been getting progressively more pro-life — the most interesting.
“I think that one’s different than the other four, which are all very much time-gestational bans, in that this is not a pro-life/pro-choice issue,” she said. “This is about providing lifesaving care to a child who’s already been born.”
Opposing the referendum, Compassion for Montana Families claimed that it “would introduce extreme penalties for medical providers who, at the family’s request, do not take a dying infant away from its parents in order to perform invasive and even painful medical treatments in tragic circumstances where they have no chance of survival.”
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Well, Mr. Shaw, we got your “seasoned politician,” “chosen by party elders.” Catholics who aligned with the establishment knew that Biden promised to do just as he is doing. He received a Catholic imprimatur from bishops and cardinals, and dare we say, the pope. As one cardinal solemnly asserted, Biden is a “man of character”, and another happily said, “he is a president we can talk with.”
Whining now about divisiveness and protecting unborn children is but window dressing, and it rings tragically hollow. Those who voted for Biden shoulder the moral responsibility for his actions, especially the decisions he promised all along – before they pulled that lever. These “seamless pro-life” Catholics knew the massacre was coming, and they gave it their blessing. Enough with the charade of “citizens’ informed consciences,” Marches for Life and collections for USCCB “pro-life” activities. Please, not another word from our hireling bishops and Catholic literati.
Sir, we must work with what we have. The votes have already been cast and Joe Biden is president. Mr Shaw is absolutely correct in informing good Catholics (as opposed those calling themselves catholic that voted for Biden) what may happen so we can contemplate counter measures. I am with you that good, practicing Catholics should NEVER have voted for Biden and in my opinion the lazy USCCB and certain bishops should be ashamed of themselves for supporting Biden. I think Mr Shaw wants us to consider our next move. Those Bishops Mr Shaw speaks of better be avoiding anyone carrying a millstone!
What next move? It’s over. “What may happen?” The whole world knows what will happen. Biden promised it and is doing it: he and democrats will make sure that abortion is on-demand, without limits and a cause for pride. And the USCCB is fully on board with Biden. The folks at USCCB headquarters are giddy that Biden was elected and democrats in charge of congress. Every single one of them know exactly what Biden and democrats are committed to doing. Led by bishops, the USCCB’s collective “conscience” is formed by the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN and the democrat party. Let’s call it what it is. As for “those bishops Mr. Shaw speaks of,” he doesn’t mention one, much less the USCCB. Frankly, Mr. Shaw’s column, like so many others, dares not name names for fear of losing favor and access. They sound the alarm but never put favor and access at risk.
Of course, any such attempt at “codifying” Roe and imposing Federal legislation intended to over-ride any state limitations would itself be open to Constitutional challenge in the SCOTUS on 9th and 10th amendment grounds (among others; especially if Roe itself were ever overturned).
We need to start calling abortion what it is: Genocide. And Racist. More than half of all black pregnancies in NYC end in abortion….
Good point, Bruce!
We have been trying for 48 years to end abortion through the Government and laws. It flip flops constantly to our frustration. Perhaps it’s time to address the issue without worrying about the Government and convince women that killing your baby isn’t the answer to the problem. Change minds, change hearts…I, personally, think that’s our mission. Let’s spend our money on alternatives to abortion and show our love for life that way.
Most parishes have a Pro-Life Warrior organization and this is PRECISELY what we do! Good idea, though, in bringing it out in a forum like this. Perhaps more good, practicing Catholics will join and pray outside abortion mills like the one on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, TX! I personally think we are winning this fight on abortion but the Biden Administration wants to make it more difficult to overturn Rod vs. Wade. This “codification” will help to do that!
Interesting comments from three men. I would like to see discussion of care of young impoverished women and their children. Ideas for more real opportunity and hope for this group. This would lead to less of a desire or need for abortion. Vilifying poor women does not lead to anything good.
Can we stop focusing on the act of abortion and look at the whole picture affecting women’s health. We know that burying a problem(literally) does not make it go away. I would like to hear Catholics advocate for the woman who finds herself in a desperate situation. Call a law for full support for both mother and child.
Pregnancy is not a disease. And if a pregnancy is going to make you “desperate” then the intelligent thing to do is not to have sex if you are unprepared for the consequences. An unplanned pregnancy need not end in an abortion. I adopted my two sons and thank God for them every day.Truth be told, I think that teaching young people some sexual responsibility has been a sorely neglected area.
The author’s concerns are legitimate enough , since a leader , who like Haman in Book of Esther , desires that families see the murder of own children as ‘health care’ , in spite of massive evidence of the destructive effects of such choices in all aspects of life and relationships even in this world . Such are manifested as the massive expenditures for health care – breast cancers , heart attacks, bone problems in men , eating disorders , addictions – all examples as well as broken families and loss of faith with the hardening of hearts in not trusting in God and His Goodness , related issues as depression , suicides , gender confusions issues in population at large and on and on ..
Mo.Teresa’s words too how such choices lead to chastisements and wars , supported in Dr. Gloria Polo’ s ministry how the souls of the little ones are loving and praising God .The law makers who felt the panic when the Capitol was breached , hope they can relate at least minimally to what such souls feel , echoing in many other hearts as well ; ironic that the Capitol incident was allowed to happen , as
? chastisement , on the Feast of Epiphany too . Those who chose to do so,
? incited into the rebellious acts in self will , by the spirits that are unleashed by breaking the seals of hell through evil choices .
God’s Goodness in our midst is there too in abundance – just heard the other day , in talks on the Divine Will , words similar to what The Lord tell St.Faustina – prayers by holy persons can have far more impact than all the evils of the world .
https://www.ltdw.org/about-fr-joe.html
Those persons whose hearts have been hardened , by evils such as ? generational spirits of even immediate ancestors belonging to Masonic orders ( ? interesting similar Irish connection in Obama’s family line as well ! ) and lingering bitterness for tragedies in own family – ? desiring the ‘oneness ‘ in that bitterness for others as well , as in the ‘undivided kingdom ‘ , who carry eternal hatred for God and His Goodness..
The need for the unity with those who are in the Divine Will – with the Holy Father on down , who carry The Cross of sorrows for the hardness of hearts and the evils , yet trusting joy , in The Lord and His graces , knowing well that more harshness or words alone would not do much good for those who point to families to hire the ‘hit man ‘ as the way to live in health ! ‘ Codifying ‘ evil rules to thus command the nation to ‘trust’ in the pagan gods , often caricatured as animals after whom the Masons pledge , as a means to destroy trust in God – and we read articles that lament the close to a billion spent for animals , instead of choosing to love His children , to bring them up to praise God , with every human heart – in the love with which The Father created Adam , readying humanity to be prepared to live in His glorious Will .
Families being pointed to such hope as the means to have lasting impact for all eternity – thank God that The Church does same faithfully enough , such as in inviting us again , to drive out the animal powers , in fasting from the self will and its fears and despair , to empower us in the Oneness in the Divine Will –
‘ love and glory to You Lord , in every grain of sand and rock .. in Your fasting and trials , in every drop of The Precious Blood ..’ hoping such too would echo through the errant hearts to see The Light .
I think some Catholics have become too focused on a man when really it is the women who are at fault. Margaret Sanger was the one person who was a Catholic woman who went around the world encouraging contraception and of course now abortion. I think Catholics are good at shifting blame to those in authority because of fear of confronting their sisters, mothers, daughters and aunts who are vocal on pro-choice and some are actively using these services. Most Pro-Choice are like Margaret Sanger was, White middle class women. They are educated and are living with us at home and at work. Just watch who is shouting for abortion in Poland and most recent in Argentina. I do not see men in the crowds. Very few. Why are women exoarating men who make them pregnant and then have Pro-life turn on one man who is basically being hounded by our sisters etc. Do we as women not have the ability to stop this train without combat? COVID-19 is also genocide, particularly as it s only the richest countries, the 10 countries that account for 60% GDP that have bought all the vaccines and refuse patents to poorest countries so that they can develop their own medication to treat COVID-19 or reduce the Coronavirus viral load. So to you all who hide behind Biden pointing fingers like Pharisees and yet are afraid to confront your own family members who are Pro-choice. He has become easy target for lukewarm Catholics who are selective on who should be saved and who shouldn’t. Real Prolife means every breath of life is worth saving . There is no hierarchy of who should be saved. Life for those on death row, life for the elderly and life for all God’s children. Do yourselves a favour, teach your girl child, sister, niece etc not to use these services. Would it not be a big achievement if we use the Lent to pray for all our daughters not to use the abortion clinics and force them to close down. The Crucified Jesus Christ turned our sins into Salvation.He put aside his suffering and gave consolation to the women of Jerusalem who were following him but did not know how to relieve his pain. We too fellow Catholics let us put aside our anger and resentment aside and focus on praying for conversion our enemies before they fall forever.That is Christ’s Way to the Cross.
How about free contraception for men and women. That would do more to prevent the murder of unborn children than merely talking about it.
Contraception for both men and women is free and so is abortion in most EU countries including the United Kingdom. The problem is not the accessibility of these services but White middle class educated women whose demands have to be met. That is the crux of the matter.They are not united. Just take another look at the poster/photo of this article. It goes back to Adam and Eve. Adam trying to please Eve and we all know what happened.
Big Guy look around you at the reality. Your comment approaches the silly. If artificial contraception were not morally wrong which it of course is, this is a battle between the dogma of abortion as a good thing to be celebrated and the Dogma of the Church. We could have buckets of contraceptives on every street corner in the world and the pro abortion crowd would still demand, lie, cheat and steal to be able to have babies killed on the tax payer dollar.
Let’s go radical if we want change and an end to abortion. Since no one cares about inflation and national debt then every woman who carries her child to term would get $50,000 even if they place the child for adoption. If the child is disabled tax payers would pick up all the expenses for assisting the family in raising the child. If the father stays involved in raising the child the couple would get $100,000 the day the child graduates from high school. The inflation and debt would be staggering and the welfare mentality obviously pervades but at least the government and tax payer money would be incentivizing a good.
Contraceptives are free or at reduced cost according to income level at every US public health department I know of.
Truthfully if you are a low income woman or on public assistance the greater challenge is to avoid being offered free contraception. Trust me.
https://www.queenofthedivinewill.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Little-Catechism-of-the-Divine-Will-1.pdf – good little booklet by a priest author , with an interesting background , that can help bring more light as to how The Church has been blessed with the wisdom to help marriages to be what they have been designed to be , by The Author of holy relationships . In advocating contraception , couples are telling God and each other as well as all around that they cannot / would not accept the gift of The Spirit as self control , in loving and thanking Him , for the infinite Love that flows from The Wounds , to thus love Him , with His Love , which is our destiny , the Holy Father too reminding us of that Oneness in the Wounds as Love ..
Denying same leading to the flaring up of the gods of lusts and self will , both in men and women , pervading as the bad leaven all around – hence studies that show how such leads to the increased promiscuity among the teens as well .
The ‘Little Sisters of The Poor ‘ and their courageous stand on the issue having its roots in the same loving concern for all involved .
Fear of life , instead of desire to accept His Will as His Love – the difference in marriages that choose to trust that He can give the grace and power , thus avoid intentional means to deny life , thus also denying the origin of marriage being in God and His Will . ‘Man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife ‘- leaving the father and mother , in the sense of seeing the origin of life not being from the will of man but from God , thus having the awareness of the responsibility as love , ( St.J.P.11 ‘s words ) to return that love , in loving and honoring Him , in all aspects of life – for every heart beat and breath , every drop of the Precious Blood , every affection and act being for His glory …
The wisdom in The Church to help us see through the death loops prepared by those whose hearts have been seduced by lust for the momentary power of this
world . King David , in erring in his choice to take up the census ( ? having momentarily fallen into the grip of the rebellious self will , not heeding to God , His right as The One to whom every life belongs ) , and it says ‘Satan rose up ‘ against him with the plague that follows .
Thank God that the Holy Father has also declared this year in honor of St.Joseph , the ‘chaste guardian ‘ of the Holy Family .
‘Love and glory to You , O Most Holy Trinity , for the rivers of Love , in the Holy Family ‘
PAF is 100% right. Abortion is just a band aid to the real problem of open range sex. Over turning Roe vs. Wade wont end Abortions even though I pray daily to over turn it.
Our time and money should be spent on promoting morals, especially to Hollywood.