29 September 2010

Paprocki responds to Planned Parenthood

In today's issue of the State Journal-Register the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki reponds to an invitation and criticism from Planned Parenthood given through the SJ-R's article on a march and protest outside of the Planned Parenthood building.

The text of his editorial - titled "A counteroffer to Planned Parenthood" - follows, with my emphases:

In response to my challenge to Planned Parenthood at our peaceful prayer march to their clinic last Friday, Pam Sutherland, vice president for public policy for Planned Parenthood, is quoted as saying, “Any patient who is considering abortion gets an ultrasound, and we ask if they would like to see it” (The State Journal-Register, Sept. 25).

If so, I welcome this change in Planned Parenthood’s policy, since this has not always been their practice.

In light of this change, they should also have no problem supporting the Ultrasound Opportunity Act (HB 5743), introduced by 18 co-sponsors in the Illinois House. The Ultrasound Opportunity Act would require abortion facilities to offer a woman seeking an abortion the opportunity to view her baby in an ultrasound and would set standards for the quality of the ultrasound image. The facility would also be required to document the woman’s response to the offer. I await Planned Parenthood’s endorsement and support for this bill.

Sutherland also invited me to work with them “to help reduce the need for abortion by making sure women have access to comprehensive birth control.”

I decline the invitation since I don’t buy into the myth that contraception will reduce abortion. In fact, the contraceptive mentality does just the opposite.

Instead, I invite Planned Parenthood to join the majority of Americans who oppose abortion on demand.

Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki
Bishop of Springfield in Illinois

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