Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month,” encouraging Catholics to consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and to reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.
This year, the U.S. Bishops’ Respect Life Month statement (PDF) echoes Saint John Paul II, who coined the term “radical solidarity” in reference to the care owed to vulnerable pregnant women: “In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman.”
For more information about how to celebrate Respect Life Month and to register to join those praying the Respect Life Month Novena, October 13-21 visit: https://www.respectlife.org/celebrate
To learn more about Respect Life efforts in the Diocese of Raleigh, please visit the Office of Human Life and Dignity website.
Read the full USCCB statement: U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Asks for “Radical Solidarity” with Mothers in Respect Life Month Statement (PDF)