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Abortion Religious views

Abortion and Sainthood

Kathryn Jean Lopez has written a moving piece responding to Stephen Prothero’s very odd commentary on Dorothy Day’s abortion and her cause for sainthood. Prothero’s conclusion suggests that his real purpose is not to reflect on the possible cannonization of Dorthy Day but to argue that the sinfulness of abortion is not accepted by all American Catholics. Fair enough, but where is the news or interesting thought in that observation?

Elizabeth Scalia, over at The Anchoress, comments on the exchange as well focusing more on Prothero’s point that the prolife message of post-abortion grief and forgiveness has not penetrated deeply enough into American society. My favorite reflection on the exchange between Prother0 and Lopez comes from a reader of The Anchoress who simply identifies herself as NY Mom. She writes:

“I am PRAYING for people to be elevated to sainthood who were post-abortive…who practiced homosexuality…who were drug abusers…..and who all, by the majestic grace and mercy of Almighty God, repented and were reformed to the point of great holiness.

These are exactly the type of role models the Church needs now. A patron saint for those struggling with same-sex attraction? Lord, call them forth! A patron for those dragging the awful burden of a past abortion behind them? Lord, allow it. What better testimony to God’s love, the power of the sacraments, and the infinite beauties of redemption could there be?”

All I can add is AMEN.

Teresa Collett

Teresa Stanton Collett is a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she teaches bioethics, property law, and constitutional law. A nationally prominent speaker and scholar, she is active in attempts to rebuild the Culture of Life and protect the institutions of marriage and family. She often represents groups of state legislators, the Catholic Medical Association, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association in appellate case related to medical-legal matters. She represented the governors of Minnesota and North Dakota before the U.S. Supreme Court as amici curiae regarding the effectiveness of those states’ parental involvement laws. She has served as special attorney general for Oklahoma and Kansas related to legislation designed to protect the well-being of minors and unborn children. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute and has testified before committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittees on the Constitution, as well as numerous legislative committees in the states.