News Release: Catholic Conference Statement on Passage of Legal Birth Definition Act

LANSING—Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) President and CEO Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., today made the following statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 395, the Legal Birth Definition Act:

“It can not be overstated how critical this legislation is. I am proud of and would like to congratulate the legislators who were strong enough to speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves. Life is a precious and spectacular gift, and this vote today emphasizes the need to define legal birth, to end the cruel and inhuman act of partial birth abortion and to protect the most basic of civil rights—life.

“The state has a compelling interest in protecting the life of a born person, yet it is imperative to understand that this legislation ensures that the physical health of the mother is cared for, and all measures are to be taken to avert an imminent threat to the mother’s life. This is a terrific day for the sanctity of life.”

Earlier this week the MCC and Chairman Cardinal Adam Maida urged both the citizens and elected officials of Michigan to come together and support the Legal Birth Definition Act. In addition, parish priests will honor October as Respect Life Month by reading a pastoral letter during mass the weekend of October 4–5 that speaks to the theological reasons for supporting the Legal Birth Definition Act.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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