Catholic leaders vow to continue fight after state abortion measures pass

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

51% : "Abortion is now legal in Michigan at an unprecedented level, and millions of lives are at stake," wrote Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron in a letter to Catholics posted on the archdiocesan website Nov. 9.
51% : The archbishop called the measure an "unjust and perverse law" and pointed out that in the last several months pro-life advocates in the state had "worked tirelessly to spread the truth about Proposal 3, imploring voters to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
51% : It is the most egregious expansion of abortion this country has ever seen."
48% : On its website, the Catholic conference -- which is the public policy arm of the state's bishops -- said the measure "would enshrine the explicit right to abortion in our state constitution, setting a nationwide precedent.
47% : He asked Catholics to join him in prayer about this issue and to renew their "commitment to accompanying women and families in need, with greater resolve than ever," pledging to " continue our efforts to build a culture of life in which abortion is unthinkable, all families receive the support they need, and the dignity of all people is recognized."
46% : The most problematic, however, may be the explicit intent of our state's lawmakers by this amendment to create the strongest legal precedent for keeping abortion on demand for any stage of pregnancy, even late-term pregnancies, for any reason."
45% : These ballot measures were the first time voters faced the opportunity to weigh in on abortion laws since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision in June that overturned Roe v. Wade, its 1973 case legalizing abortion nationwide.
45% : After the Dobbs decision, the measure's supporters said the constitutional amendment was needed to provide more protections for abortion.
42% : The measure, also known as the Reproductive Freedom for All Amendment, modifies the state's constitution to remove restrictions on abortion in the state and eliminate other pro-life laws.
41% : In other state ballot measures, Kentucky voters rejected a constitutional amendment that said there was no right to abortion in the state, while Montana voters rejected a measure to approve the Born Alive Infants Protection Act requiring doctors to try to save the life of infants "born alive at any state of development."
39% : "We pray that the defeat of the amendment will not lead the courts to assume the role of determining public policy on abortion.
36% : In October, the Michigan Catholic Conference released a letter to Catholics in the state urging them to reject Proposal 3 and describing the measure as "the most extreme proposal concerning abortion this state or country has ever seen."
34% : Catholic bishops in states where these votes took place expressed disappointment and renewed their commitment to keep up the fight to end abortion and to provide support to women and families in need.

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