KC Reporter

On September 20, 2024, Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph issued a statement addressing the potential consequences of Missouri's Amendment 3, which will be voted on November 5. The amendment aims to establish an absolute right to abortion in the state constitution.

Bishop Johnston highlighted several concerns regarding the amendment:

"Abortions for any reason before viability (usually in the sixth month of pregnancy) even when a preborn child is old enough to feel pain, resulting in extremely late-term surgical abortions; no parental notification or consent for any reproductive healthcare decisions; new health risks for women – any 'health care professional' could legally perform an abortion including a nurse, physician assistant, dental hygienist, or pharmacist; very limited civil or criminal recourse against negligence resulting in harm or death of a mother receiving reproductive healthcare or a wanted child during delivery; an open door to force taxpayer funding of abortion, as is now happening in Michigan."

The full text of Amendment 3 can be accessed at sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-086.pdf.

Bishop Johnston urged action through prayer and voting: "I believe the magnitude and gravity of the current moment requires a fervent spiritual response... Go to Mass and pray that God will save Missouri; pray the Rosary daily through November 5; invoke the intercession of St. Joseph who protected the infant Christ against the wickedness of Herod, and if you’re able, practice fasting on Fridays."

He further called on citizens to vote "no" on Amendment 3: "I am urging you to vote 'no' on Amendment 3 so that women and preborn babies continue to be protected in Missouri from the trauma of abortion and that Missourians will not surrender their rights."

Additionally, he encouraged participation in various support programs: "Join these ministries and programs to redouble efforts to give women control and real choices." Resources mentioned include hopeafterabortion.org for those seeking healing after an abortion, gabrielprojectkc.org for mentoring young mothers, lifeandjusticekcsj.org for locating pregnancy resource centers, and catholiccharities-kcsj.org for supporting Catholic Charities’ Mom’s Empowerment Program.

In his conclusion addressed both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences: “As Catholics we must renew and add to the ways we support women and families experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or difficult diagnosis and their preborn babies through supportive care and love. This is the best response to what Pope Francis has called the ‘throwaway culture.’ I hope we can all respond to this gathering storm with prayer and action.”

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend James V. Johnston, Jr.

Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

Missouri cuenta con sólidas leyes provida que protegen a los niños antes de nacer del daño o la muerte... El 5 de noviembre se les pedirá que voten sobre la Enmienda 3...

La enmienda completa puede leerse aquí: sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-086.pdf

Entonces ¿qué pueden hacer?

Orar

Vayan a Misa y recen para que Dios salve a Missouri...

Votar

Les insto a votar “no”...

Protegerlos a ambos

Únanse a estos ministerios y programas para redoblar los esfuerzos por dar a las mujeres control y opciones reales...

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,

Reverendísimo James V. Johnston Jr.

Obispo de Kansas City-St. Joseph