• Bishops' Office Launches Ads To Dispel Myths Of Legal Abortion (05-016)
  January 24, 2005
  The Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a major advertising campaign in the Washington Metropolitan area and in national news media outlets. The campaign, called the "Second Look Project," presents basic facts about legal abortion that much of the public does not understand and encourages people to take a "second look" at their views on abortion.
• Thousands Gather At Annual Mass To Pray For An End To Abortion (05-015)
  January 24, 2005
  Thousands of Catholics from across the country crowded into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Sunday evening, January 23, for the annual Vigil Mass for Life. The event marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision which made abortion legal throughout pregnancy for any reason.
• Cardinal Keeler Urges Senate To Reject Pro-Abortion Test For Judicial Nominees (05-004)
  January 6, 2005
  Cardinal William Keeler wrote to members of the U.S. Senate today in anticipation of their being called upon to advise on and consent to presidential nominations for the Federal bench, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Reacts To New Study On Morning After Pill Showing No "Benefit" From Over-The-Counter Access (05-003)
  January 6, 2005
  While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) weighs a second request by Barr Laboratories to sell its morning-after pill "Plan B" over-the-counter without a prescription, a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that such a change would have no effect on pregnancy rates. The study, co-authored by a Planned Parenthood doctor, analyzed a sample of over 2000 girls and young women, ages 15 to 24 years. One group was given packs of morning after pills and another obtained them from a pharmacy, but the results were the same: 8% of the participants became pregnant and 12% acquired sexually transmitted diseases.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Criticizes Abortion Advocates' Suit To Allow Discrimination Against Pro-Life Doctors (04-244)
  December 13, 2004
  Today a pro-abortion association whose members include Planned Parenthood announced plans to file a federal lawsuit against the pro-life conscience protection in the newly-enacted federal spending bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005. The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) plans to attack the provision, known as the Hyde-Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment, which prohibits discrimination against health care providers who choose not to provide or participate in abortions.
• Bishops' Official Applauds Pro-Life 'Conscience Protection' Provision of Appropriations Bill (04-242)
  December 9, 2004
  Yesterday President Bush signed into law a federal spending bill which includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against hospitals and health care providers who choose not to provide or participate in abortions. The provision is known as the "Hyde-Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment," sponsored by Reps. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) and Dave Weldon (R-Fl.).
• Bishops' Official Applauds Passage Of Pro-Life 'Conscience Protection' In Appropriations Bill (04-235)
  November 22, 2004
  A federal spending bill passed by Congress on Saturday includes protection against discrimination for hospitals and health care providers who decline to provide, pay for, or refer for abortions. The provision, known as the "Hyde-Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment," is named after its House sponsors, Reps. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) and Dave Weldon (R-Fl.).
• Bishops' Official Reacts to Another U.S. Woman's Death from RU-486 (04-231)
  November 15, 2004
  A spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reacted to the announcement today by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") that another U.S. woman has died from the abortion drug RU-486. The FDA also announced changes to RU-486's label, stating that the new label will include information on "the risk of serious bacterial infections, sepsis, and bleeding and death that may occur following any termination of pregnancy, including use of Mifeprex." Mifeprex is the brand name for RU-486. No details about the woman's death were given.
• Bishops' Official Commends Justice Department Appeal Of Partial-Birth Abortion Rulings (04-190)
  September 29, 2004
  This week the U.S. Department of Justice appealed rulings against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act from federal courts in the Southern District of New York and Nebraska.
• Catholic Bishops' Official Applauds Congressional Hearing On Abortion's Destructive Impact On Women (04-188)
  September 29, 2004
  Today the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health conducted a hearing on "Improving Women's Health: Understanding Depression After Pregnancy."
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Calls Nebraska Ruling Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Callous (04-172)
  September 8, 2004
  A federal district court judge in Nebraska ruled today that the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act is unconstitutional because some abortion doctors claim the procedure provides health benefits for women. This ruling, like the previous two rulings against the Act from federal judges in California and New York, will likely be appealed.
• Leaders Urge Congress to Preserve 'Conscience Protection' Language in Legislation (04-169)
  September 3, 2004
  A joint letter from three Catholic leaders urges Representatives to reject any effort to strike conscience protection language that would protect hospitals and other institutional and individual health care providers from governmental discrimination when they decline to provide, pay for, or refer for abortions.
• Bishops' Official Blames Roe V. Wade For New Ruling Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (04-166)
  August 26, 2004
  A federal judge in the Southern District of New York found August 26 that partial-birth abortion "is a gruesome, brutal, barbaric, and uncivilized medical procedure," but said that the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act must be struck down under the dictates of Roe v. Wade.
• Bishops' Official Commends Justice Department Action On Partial Birth Abortion (04-148)
  August 3, 2004
  This week the U.S. Department of Justice filed an appeal of a June ruling by a federal judge in the Northern District of California declaring the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in violation of Roe v. Wade.
• Catholic Leaders Back Conscience Protection In Letter To House Appropriations Committee (04-135)
  July 13, 2004
  Leaders of three Catholic organizations have urged Congress to add Conscience Protection language to the Fiscal Year 2005 Labor/HHS Appropriations bill's Hyde Amendment on abortion funding.
• Bishops' Official Says Women Should Be Told That Abortion At 20 Weeks Or Beyond Causes Pain To The Child (04-118)
  June 22, 2004
  Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., spokesperson for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, made the following statement today:
• Bishops' Official Criticizes Court Ruling Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (04-101)
  June 1, 2004
  Today a federal judge in the Northern District of California declared the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in violation of Roe v. Wade in a lawsuit brought by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Challenges against the Act are also pending in federal courts in New York and Nebraska.
• Bishops' Official Applauds FDA for Putting Women's Interests Over Profits in "Plan B" Decision (04-086)
  May 7, 2004
  Yesterday the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied the request of Barr Laboratories, a for-profit drug distributor, to sell its "morning-after pill" Plan B without a prescription. The FDA left the door open for Barr to submit its petition again after more research is done on the drug's effect on teenage girls.
• Pro-Abortion March Out Of Step With American People; More Americans 'Pro-Life' Than 'Pro-Choice' According To Poll (04-078)
  April 26, 2004
  "Abortion activists were marching out of step with the American people last weekend," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., Director of Planning and Information of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. "National public opinion polls show that Americans reject exactly what the marchers support: abortion on demand," she said.
• Bishops' Official Contrasts "Choice" March With Abortion Trials; Says Women Deserve Better than Abortion (04-071)
  April 22, 2004
  "As abortion activists gather this weekend to protest what they see as new threats to 'choice,' abortion providers are in court describing the grisly reality behind the political slogan," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., Director of Planning and Information for the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Catholic Bishops' Official Applauds President Bush for Signing the Unborn Victims of Violence Act -- "Laci and Conner's Law" (04-063)
  April 1, 2004
  Today President George W. Bush signed into law the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, also known as "Laci and Conner's Law" in memory of Laci Peterson and her unborn child. The law, which passed the House and Senate earlier this year with bipartisan majority votes, recognizes an unborn child as a second victim in a violent federal crime against a pregnant woman.
• Catholic Bishops' Official Applauds Senate Passage of Unborn Victims of Violence Act -- "Laci and Conner's Law" (04-058)
  March 26, 2004
  Yesterday a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, S. 1019, by a vote of 61-38. The bill, also known as "Laci and Conner's Law" in memory of Laci Peterson and her unborn child, recognizes an unborn child as a second victim in a violent federal crime against a pregnant woman. It will now be sent to the President, who has promised to sign it into law.
• Cardinal Keeler Urges Passage of Unborn Victims of Violence Act (04-052)
  March 18, 2004
  Cardinal William Keeler, Chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged the Senate to pass S. 1019, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. The bill would recognize unborn children as second victims when their mothers are victims of federal crimes of violence. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation as early as next week.
• Catholic Bishops' Official Applauds Senate Hearing on Abortion's Destructive Impact on Women (04-043)
  March 3, 2004
  Today the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space, chaired by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), heard testimony from previously "pro-choice" women whose own abortions changed their opinions. Evidence of the negative physical and psychological health consequences of abortion was also presented.
• Cardinal Keeler urges approval of Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 (04-029)
  February 20, 2004
  Cardinal William Keeler has urged Congressional approval of H.R. 1997, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 (also known as Laci and Conner's law) and rejection of any substitute that would nullify its intent.
• Bishops' Official Reacts to 31 Years of Roe v. Wade (04-018)
  January 22, 2004
  Today is the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that overturned the laws of all 50 states and the District of Columbia and created a legal right to abortion at any time in pregnancy for any reason. Tens of thousands of people come to Washington every year on this date to march in protest of this decision and to pray for an end to abortion.
• Vigil Mass for Life to Mark Anniversary of Roe V. Wade (04-017)
  January 21, 2004
  Thousands of Catholics from across the country will gather in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Vigil Mass for Life and National Prayer Vigil for Life tonight, the eve of the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
• Bishops' Conference Official Reacts To Federal Court's Approval Of Ohio's Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (03-246)
  December 18, 2003
  Yesterday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld Ohio's partial-birth abortion ban. The decision in Women's Medical Professional Corporation v. Taft stated that Ohio may constitutionally ban partial-birth abortions including cases where the procedure is sought for negligible or transient "health" reasons.
• Bishops' Official Applauds Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, Urges Swift Passage (03-240)
  December 9, 2003
  An official of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) applauded the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) and urged speedy passage by the Congress.
• Catholic Bishops' Pro-Life Committee Chairman Issues Statement on Signing of Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (03-210)
  November 5, 2003
  President George W. Bush today signed into law the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. The Chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Charles Chaput, issued the following statement on this historic event.
• Bishops' Conference Official Hails Senate Vote on Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, Looks Forward to Action by President Bush (03-204)
  October 21, 2003
  Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), hailed today's vote by the U.S. Senate which passed the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.
• Cardinal Urges Senate To Approve Partial-Birth Abortion Ban, Scuttle Harmful Provision Supporting Roe V. Wade (03-182)
  September 12, 2003
  Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua has urged the U.S. Senate to work toward final approval of the partial-birth abortion ban-without a Senate amendment that expresses support for Roe v. Wade.
• Church Official Hails House Vote Against Coercive Abortion Programs (03-150)
  July 15, 2003
  "The House of Representatives has affirmed the dignity of women and their unborn children in developing nations," said Gail Quinn, executive director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.
• Bishops' Official Applauds Senate Introduction of Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (03-147)
  July 14, 2003
  Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, applauded the introduction of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) in the U.S. Senate today.
• Cardinal Urges Congress to Keep Ban on Funding Organizations Involved in Coerced Abortion (03-143)
  July 10, 2003
  Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua has urged Congress to keep the ban on U.S. funding of organizations involved in programs of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization.
• Cardinal Bevilacqua Hails Passage Of Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (03-116)
  June 5, 2003
  "The Catholic Bishops of the United States are grateful and encouraged by the House of Representatives' overwhelming vote of 282-139 to ban partial-birth abortion."
• House Committee Passes Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill One Step Closer to Becoming First Federal Abortion Law Since Roe v. Wade (03-072)
  March 26, 2003
  Today the House Judiciary Committee voted 19 to 11 to pass H.R. 760, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, without amendment. The bill is now in position for a vote on the House floor, and is expected to pass by a wide margin.
• Senate Passes Partial-birth Abortion Ban -- President Vows to Sign (03-059)
  March 13, 2003
  Today the Senate voted 64-33 to pass S. 3, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the first time in seven years that the Senate has passed the ban without the threat of presidential veto. The ban will next move to the House of Representatives where it is assured of passage.
• Cardinal Bevilacqua Urges Senate Passage of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act (03-054)
  March 10, 2003
  Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua urged the Senate today to support the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 and to oppose substitute amendments that might weaken it.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Applauds Supreme Court Decision In Favor of Pro-Life Protestors (03-040)
  February 26, 2003
  Today the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in Scheidler v. NOW that the federal racketeering statute did not reach the activities of pro-life protestors.
• Bishops Say Roe V. Wade Has Left "Trail Of Broken Hearts"" Young People Understand Women Deserve Better Than Abortion (02-236)
  November 13, 2002
  While Roe v. Wade remains, for now, the law of the land, the pro-life cause is winning the minds and hearts of the young, according to a statement passed by the U.S. bishops at their fall meeting here.
• Bishops See Pro-Life Movement Winning Hearts of the Young (02-218)
  November 1, 2002
  While Roe v. Wade remains, for now, the law of the land, the pro-life cause is winning the minds and hearts of the young, according to a draft pastoral message to be considered by the full body of U.S. bishops at their fall meeting.
• Cardinal Urges Senate To Support Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (02-195)
  October 9, 2002
  Warning of "a growing nationwide effort to attack the conscience rights of Catholic and other health care providers," Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua urged members of the Senate to support the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (S. 2008/H.R. 4691)
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Hails Drop In Abortion Rate; Questions Explanation For Higher Rates Among Lower Income Women (02-196)
  October 9, 2002
  A spokeswoman for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Pro-Life Secretariat hailed a recent report showing a sharp decline in the nation's abortion rate.
• Bishops' Conference Official Calls On Majority Leader To Bring Partial-Birth Abortion Ban To Senate Floor (02-192)
  October 2, 2002
  With the Senate nearing the end of its current session, a spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to bring H.R. 4965, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, to the Senate floor.
• USCCB Official Hails Ruling That Unborn Children Are Eligible for Health Coverage (02-187)
  September 27, 2002
  The General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops hailed the final rule issued today by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that unborn children are eligible for health coverage. The rule recognizes the unborn child as a "child" within the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
• Pro-Life Official Hails House Passage of Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (02-185)
  September 25, 2002
  An official of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops hailed the House of Representatives today for its 229-to-189 vote approving H.R. 4691, the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act.
• Cardinal Urges House to Support Abortion Non-discrimination Act (02-183)
  September 20, 2002
  Warning of "a growing nationwide effort to attack the conscience rights of Catholic and other health care providers," Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua urged members of the House of Representatives to support the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act.
• Bishops' Official Applauds Petition Against FDA's RU-486 Approval (02-162)
  August 21, 2002
  A petition filed yesterday with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeks a ruling which would withdraw the abortion drug RU-486–known as Mifeprex in the United States–from the market on the grounds that it jeopardizes the health and safety of women.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Applauds House Passage of Partial-Birth Abortion Act (02-148)
  July 25, 2002
  The House of Representatives voted 274 to 151 (July 24) to pass H.R. 4965, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, making it the fourth time the House has passed a bill banning partial-birth abortions.
• Cardinal Bevilacqua Urges House of Representatives to Ban Partial-Birth Abortion (02-146)
  July 23, 2002
  Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua has urged the House of Representatives to support the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 4965), and to oppose any weakening amendments, including the Hoyer/Greenwood bill (H.R. 2702), which may be offered as a substitute.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Applauds Judiciary Committee's Passage of Partial-Birth Ban; Urges House to Move Quickly (02-140)
  July 18, 2002
  On July 17 the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 4695, the new Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, opposing all weakening amendments.
• Bishops' Spokesperson Urges Swift Passage of Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (02-135)
  July 12, 2002
  Congress must move swiftly to pass the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) to protect health care providers who do not wish to participate in abortions, according to Cathy Cleaver, Esq., Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Lauds Hearing On New Partial-Birth Ban (02-132)
  July 10, 2002
  A spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the House Subcommittee on the Constitution for conducting a hearing on the newly-introduced ban on partial-birth abortion, H.R. 4965.
• Senate Vote for Military Abortions Criticized by Bishops' Spokeswoman (02-119)
  June 21, 2002
  A spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized a vote by the U.S. Senate today to amend the Defense Authorization bill to lift the ban on abortions at military bases.
• Church Official Urges Congress To Pass Child Custody Protection Act (02-063)
  April 16, 2002
  The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on the Child Custody Protection Act.
• National Prayer Vigil for Life, Events, Scheduled for January 21-22 (02-007)
  January 7, 2002
  Thousands of Catholics from across the country will gather in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Vigil Mass for Life and National Prayer Vigil for Life on January 21, the eve of the 29th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
• Cardinal Keeler Issues Statement to Open Respect Life Program (01-172)
  October 1, 2001
  In a statement marking the opening of the Catholic Church's annual Respect Life Program, Cardinal William Keeler said that, while it may seem to some that human life has become cheap, the response to the terrorist attacks showed humanity at its best.
• "Second Look Project" Campaign Launched to Provide Facts So That the Public Can Take 'A Second Look' at Abortion (01-153)
  September 4, 2001
  The Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will launch in the Greater Philadelphia area the "Second Look Project," to present basic factual information about abortion.
• Bishops' Pro-life Spokeswoman Applauds House Vote to Save "Mexico City" Policy (01-080)
  May 16, 2001
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) hailed today's vote in the House of Representatives to save the "Mexico City" policy.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Urges ACOG to Tell Women the Truth about the Morning after Pill (01-069)
  April 2, 2001
  An official for the Catholic Bishops' Conference today responded to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) call to promote advance prescriptions of the so-called "morning after" pill. Dr. Thomas Purdon, the new head of ACOG, issued the call on Monday at ACOG's annual meeting.
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Applauds House Passage of Unborn Victims of Violence Act (01-066)
  March 25, 2001
  Cathleen Cleaver, director of planning and information at the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, applauded the overwhelming 252-172 House vote today to pass the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 503).
• Bishops' Spokeswoman Denounces Misleading Attacks on Pro-lifers, Priests for Life (01-064)
  April 26, 2001
  Cathleen Cleaver, director of planning and information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, denounced "misleading, insulting and inflammatory" remarks about the pro-life community made by a state legislator.
• Bishop's Spokeswoman Urges Support for Victims of Violence Act (01-063)
  April 26, 2001
  Cathleen Cleaver, director of planning and information for the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged congressional support for the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
• Pro-life Official 'Gratified' at Arrest of Suspected Killer of Abortion Doctor (01-051)
  March 29, 2001
  Cathleen Cleaver, Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement following a report today that the man suspected of the 1998 killing of abortion doctor Barnett Slepian had been arrested in France.
• Statement on Partial Birth Abortion (00-255)
  October 20, 2000
  Galveston-Houston Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference, and Baltimore archbishop, Cardinal William H. Keeler, chairman of the Conference's Pro-life Activities Committee, have issued the following statement on partial birth abortion.
• Bishops' Conference Official Comments on Approval of Abortion Pill (00-243)
  September 28, 2000
  Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement today on the approval by the FDA of the abortion pill Mifepristone.
• Congress Urged to Enact Born-alive Infants Protection Act (00-239)
  September 22, 2000
  The Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities has urged Congress to approve the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.
• Supreme Court Decision 'Frightening Development,' Says Cardinal (00-166)
  June 28, 2000
  Cardinal William Keeler called the Supreme Court decision striking down Nebraska's ban on partial-birth abortions "a frightening development." Cardinal Keeler is Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
• Bishops' Official Notes Coverage of Post-abortion Program (00-084)
  April 12, 2000
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, Helen Alvare, issued the following statement regarding the many stories that are appearing nationwide about the Church's outreach to women and men suffering after abortion.
• Bishops' Aide Hails Latest House Vote to Ban Partial-birth Abortion (00-077)
  April 5, 2000
  Helen Alvare, Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, hailed today's vote by the House of Representatives to pass a ban on partial-birth abortion by a margin sufficient to override an expected presidential veto.
• New Poll Finds 68% of Americans Oppose Partial-Birth Abortion (00-074)
  April 3, 2000
  On the eve of another congressional vote on banning partial-birth abortion, a new poll shows that sixty-eight percent of Americans support a law banning this procedure.
• Bishops' Aide Says NIH Guidelines Demean Human Life, Undermine Federal Policy on Protection of Human Subjects (00-021)
  February 1, 2000
  The General Secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference (NCCB/USCC) said proposed NIH guidelines to fund research on stem cells obtained by destroying human embryos demean human life and undermine longstanding federal policy on protection of human subjects.
• NCCB Official Hails House Investigation of Fetal Organ Trafficking (99-265)
  November 9, 1999
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) hailed today's decision by the House of Representatives to investigate and conduct hearings concerning private companies that traffic in fetal organs.
• Conference Official Hails Passage of Partial-birth Abortion Ban (99-243)
  October 22, 1999
  Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement today on passage by the Senate of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. The Senate passed the abortion ban by a vote of 63-34, October 21.
• NCCB Official Asks Investigation of Reports on Fetal Body Parts (99-242)
  October 21, 1999
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) today called on Congress to investigate reports that abortion clinics are committing infanticide and performing abortions in ways calculated to produce the maximum of fresh human body parts for sale.
• Cardinal Urges Support for Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act; Senate Vote Expected this Week (99-237)
  October 19, 1999
  Cardinal William Keeler has urged Senate support for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. He said partial-birth abortion, wherein an infant is killed after being forcibly partially delivered outside his or her mother's body, is a procedure "more akin to infanticide than abortion."
• 1999-2000 Respect Life Materials Are Now Available (99-198)
  August 25, 1999
  Respect Life program materials for the 1999-2000 observance are now available from the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). Respect Life Sunday, which begins the year-long effort, is October 3.
• Analysis On Stem Cell Research 'Gravely Deficient' (99-123)
  May 28, 1999
  The recommendations of a new report on embryonic stem cell research is based on analysis which is "gravely deficient," according to a strongly worded letter from the Chairman of the Bishops Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
• Special U.S./Holy See Meeting to Explore Newest Threats to Life (99-036)
  February 25, 1999
  A special pro-life leadership meeting is being convened next week by Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston and Cardinal John O'Connor of New York, in collaboration with the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), and the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. It will explore such topics as biotechnology, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, international family planning, and human sexuality.
• Positive Trends Show Gradual Movement Toward Respect for Life (99-008)
  January 15, 1999
  Helen Alvare, an official of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the pro-life movement has reason to be encouraged by information released today by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARRAL).
• Decline in Number of Abortion Facilities Hailed (98-263)
  December 10, 1998
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops today welcomed the news of a substantial decline in the number of facilities performing abortions in the United States.
• NCCB Administrative Committee, Representing Bishops From Throughout The Country, Urges Senate to Override President's Veto of a Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion (98-194)
  September 16, 1998
  In a statement released here today, the Administrative Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), which represents Bishops from Catholic dioceses throughout this country, urged the U.S. Senate to override President Clinton's veto of a ban on partial-birth abortion.
• Cardinal Law Commends Vote To Override Veto of Partial Birth Abortion Ban (98-168)
  July 23, 1998
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Pro-Life Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement today after the House of Representatives voted to override the President's veto of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban.
• Child Custody Protection Act Reflects Views of 85% of Americans
  New poll finds that vast majority oppose taking minors out-of-state for abortions without parental knowledge (98-157)
  July 9, 1998
  A nationwide survey released today shows that 85% of Americans agree that a minor should not be taken across state lines for an abortion without her parents' knowledge.
• Conference Official Disappointed Court Won't Hear Challenge to Clinic Access Law (98-119)
  May 26, 1998
  Helen Alvare, Director of Planning and Information, Secretariat for Pro-LifeActivities, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement today.
• Cardinal Law Issues Statement on Explosion in Birmingham (98-020)
  January 29, 1998
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement today following the explosion at the clinic in Birmingham.
• Papal Blessings to Pro-Life Pioneers in Prayer Vigil at Basilica (98-015)
  January 21, 1998
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, presented papal blessings to two persons who have made significant contributions to the pro-Life movement.
• More Americans Call Themselves "Pro-Life" While Support For Pro-Choice Label Drops; Poll Shows Preference For Pro-Life Label Cutting Across Educational, Political Lines (98-011)
  January 21, 1998
  The 25th anniversary of Roe v. Wade brings with it an increase in the number of Americans who identify with the "pro-life" designation and a corresponding decrease in the number calling themselves "pro-choice," according to a new poll released today by the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Pope Sends Message on 25th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision (98-010)
  January 21, 1998
  In a message to Cardinal Bernard Law on the 25th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade abortion decisions, Pope John Paul II said "legalized abortion has been a destructive force in the lives of many individuals, especially women who are often left alone to bear the deep sorrow and regret which follow the decision to destroy the life of an unborn child."
• Postcard Effort on Partial-Birth Abortion Will Resume in January (97-268)
  December 16, 1997
  Millions of Catholics are again poised to flood the Capitol with postcards and letters in a nationwide campaign aimed at stopping partial-birth abortion.
• Abortion Ban Veto Will Only Intensify Effort Says NCCB Official (97-222)
  October 10, 1997
  The President's veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act "will only ensure a renewed grassroots effort by Catholics and other people of good will to win the congressional support needed to override his veto," said Helen Alvare of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.
• Bishops' Head Urges President to Sign Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (97-218)
  October 9, 1997
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, has urged President Clinton to sign the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act into law. Bishop Pilla wrote to the President on October 8, the day the House voted overwhelmingly to accept Senate amendments to the legislation and to send it to the President for his signature.
• Bishops' Spokesperson Hails Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Vote (97-217)
  October 8, 1997
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops hailed today's vote by the House of Representatives to accept Senate amendments to the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act and send the legislation to the President for his signature.
• NCCB Official Comments on Vote on Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (97-108)
  May 20, 1997
  Helen Alvare of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement after the Senate voted today to ban partial-birth abortion. The Senate vote was 64-36, three votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to override an expected veto by President Clinton.
• Conference Official Hails AMA Stand on Partial-Birth Abortion (97-105)
  May 19, 1997
  The following is a statement of Helen Alvare of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the occasion of the American Medical Association's decision to support the passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.
• Cardinal Urges Senate to Ban Partial-birth Abortion Procedure (97-101)
  May 13, 1997
  Cardinal Bernard Law has urged the Senate to ban "the inhumane partial-birth abortion procedure" and to oppose substitute proposals and weakening amendments.
• Catholic Bishops' Ads on Partial-birth Abortion Focus on Absurdity of Contemporary Abortion Debate (97-096)
  May 9, 1997
  The National Conference of Catholic Bishops is sponsoring a national print ad on Partial Birth Abortion that draws attention to the absurdity of the fact that a debate continues over whether to allow this brutal and unnecessary abortion method to continue.
• NCCB Official Comments on Announcements Concerning RU-486 (97-077)
  April 9, 1997
  An official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) commented on the announcement by the German drug company Hoechst AG that will cease making RU- 486, the abortion pill.
• Congress Urged to Ban Partial Birth Abortion, Not Weaken Bill (97-058)
  March 17, 1997
  The Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities has urged Congress to support a ban on partial-birth abortion and to oppose all weakening amendments.
• Official Says Facts about Partial Birth Abortion Will Stop It (97-054)
  March 11, 1997
  In Congressional testimony, an official of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) said the truth about the partial-birth abortion procedure, the method itself, and its elective nature is all that is needed to make the case for abolishing the practice.
• Baptists and Evangelicals Join Cardinal's Complaint to Sony; The Three Groups Represent 95 Million Christians in the U.S. (97-044)
  February 24, 1997
  The heads of the Southern Baptist Convention and National Association of Evangelicals joined the Cardinal who chairs the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities in asking the assistance of the Chairman of the Sony Corporation in Japan in the matter of Sony Music Entertainment's release in this country of a "Christmas album" to raise money to promote legal abortion.
• Official Expresses Dismay on Vote For Funds For Abortion Groups (97-033)
  February 13, 1997
  Today the House of Representatives voted 220 to 209 in favor of the Clinton Administration's resolution to release an additional $123 million to family planning groups including those which promote and perform abortions overseas.
• Cardinal's Letter to Congress Cites Abortion, Suicide Concerns (97-025)
  January 31, 1997
  Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston called on Congress to put a stop to partial birth abortions and to defeat the Administration's proposal to spend an additional $123 million during the current fiscal year for organizations that promote abortion in developing nations.
• Cardinal Invites President to Meet on Partial-birth Abortion Ban (97-018)
  January 22, 1997
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, urged President Clinton to reconsider his position on the Partial -Birth Abortion Ban Act. In a letter, the Cardinal invited President Clinton to meet with him and with a knowledgeable physician to discuss the partial-birth procedure, about which the President has made several controversial statements.
• Speaking for Bishops, Cardinal Law Denounces Bombing (97-011)
  January 16, 1997
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, expressed sadness upon learning today that a building in Atlanta housing an abortion clinic was the target of explosives. "Our bishops' conference and all its members have repeatedly, exhaustively and publicly denounced violence as a growing cancer in our society," Cardinal Law said.
• Cardinal Law Denounces Sony's Pro-abortion 'Christmas Album' (97-008)
  January 16, 1997
  Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, sent a letter to the president of Sony Music, Inc., denouncing Sony's release of a "Christmas Album" to raise money to promote legal abortion.

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