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Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on August 18, 2020:
I am deeply concerned and disappointed that the Austin City Council allocated $250,000 in its budget to provide logistical support for those seeking abortions. This decision shows a severe disregard and exploitation of the unborn that could have serious consequences throughout our community.
Ever since Roe vs. Wade, millions of innocent lives have been taken through abortion. Countless women have been so deeply traumatized by abortion that they spend years seeking peace, healing, and reconciliation. Many men grieve because they could not freely choose to protect a child they helped bring into existence. Abortion increasingly desensitizes our society to accept these evil acts that destroy human life.
This decision of the Austin City Council will further enable these damaging consequences and cause thousands of tax paying citizens to cooperate in an immoral act without their consent. In seeking to address the root causes of crime by investing city funds in community safety and wellness programs, the Council took this unnecessary action which ultimately results in an attack on the most innocent and vulnerable – the unborn.
I pray that the Church, through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, will continue the mission to uphold the dignity and the sanctity of every human person.