WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities has issued the following update on Walking with Moms in Need.

Archbishop Naumann’s full statement follows:

“One year ago—in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life)—the U.S. bishops launched an exciting, nationwide initiative to serve pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties, entitled: Walking with Moms in Need. When we launched this ground-breaking pastoral effort, no one could have foreseen the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on our Church and nation.

“While the pandemic disrupted much of our initial momentum, it has also provided us with opportunities to adapt and expand this important initiative, and it reaffirmed the need for the Church to accompany mothers facing difficulties, especially in these trying times.

“Tragically, our nation’s legislators have exploited this crisis to expand taxpayer funded abortion. In a recent USCCB statement, bishops asked the President and leadership on Capitol Hill “not to force upon Americans the wrenching moral decision whether to preserve the lives and health of the born or unborn, all of whom are our vulnerable neighbors in need.”

“The Church will seek to help fill the gaps in services and resources to mothers facing challenging pregnancies and those parenting young children in difficult circumstances. We encourage even more dioceses and parishes to implement Walking with Moms in Need in their local area, as we work towards a society where mothers and children are protected in law and welcomed in love.”

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