Statement in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade

Since the Supreme Court's ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson last Friday, the friars have observed heated debate surrounding the Court's decision. As Dominicans who speak the Truth with charity and clarity, below is our concise, philosophically-grounded statement on this important social issue.

Read the full statement here or the text below.


June 29, 2022

Statement in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade

The recent and historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Dobbs v. Jackson, which overruled both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, returned the choice to regulate abortion to the people and their state representatives. We welcome the Court's ruling as an opportunity to uphold the most fundamental and universal human right – that every human being has an inherent and natural right to exist.

The protection and defense of human life is not exclusive to any certain group or religious tradition but is a precept of the natural law applicable to all people at all stages of life. Although the Dominicans are a Catholic religious order, we stand alongside many other faith traditions and peoples who believe the right to life is one of the most basic tenets of justice. It is brutally unjust to end innocent life, and to do so violates our values of justice, equality, and human dignity. Further, protecting and supporting women and protecting and supporting the unborn are not mutually exclusive efforts. To position them as such in our civil discourse is a disservice to honest and constructive dialogue.

We also recognize that this ruling has highlighted our nation’s division and shows a great misunderstanding of the nature of human life. We resolve to continue our wholehearted dedication to teaching and preaching the truth with charity and clarity, and we join people from all backgrounds and traditions in civil dialogue to help heal wounds, repair division, and work toward a just and supportive environment for pregnant women and new mothers. The foundation of freedom is in truth, and that truth is rooted in the steadfast upholding of the integrity and dignity of every human being.