Pope John Paul II called America's pro-life movement “one of the most positive aspects of American public life” in his ad limina remarks to the bishops of Hawaii, Nevada, and California last year (See Battle on Reproductive Issues, this page). But, he pointed out, there is still much to be done.

In the twenty-five years which have passed since the judicial decision legalizing abortion in your country there has been a widespread mobilization of consciences in support of life. The pro-life movement is one of the most positive aspects of American public life, and the support given it by the Bishops is a tribute to your pastoral leadership.

Despite the generous efforts of so many, however, the idea that elective abortion is a “right” continues to be asserted. Moreover, there are signs of an almost unimaginable insensitivity to the reality of what actually happens during an abortion, as evidenced in recent events surrounding so-called “partial-birth” abortion. This is a cause for deep concern. A society with a diminished sense of the value of human life at its earliest stages has already opened the door to a culture of death. As pastors, you must make every effort to ensure that there is no dulling of consciences regarding the seriousness of the crime of abortion, a crime which cannot be morally justified by any circumstance, purpose or law.