BISHOPS URGE
“YES” VOTE ON AMENDMENT 1
2004 Parental Notification of Abortion
Amendment
to the Florida Constitution
We
strongly support Amendment 1, which would allow for notification to parents
before their child would have an abortion. Young women who are considering an
abortion should have the benefit of the wisdom and guidance of their parents
when making this life changing decision. Parents’ concern about the best
interests of their children and knowledge of their health history make their
involvement critical.
The passage of this amendment also changes the current
trend in Florida as an abortion destination for those wishing to escape parental
involvement and consent laws in other states. Entering into this fourth decade
of legal abortion, we are alarmed and concerned as the abortion rate in Florida
is still in excess of 88,000 abortions a year.
We commend our Governor, and those courageous
lawmakers, who are steadfast and consistent in defending the sanctity of
innocent, unborn life. We must continue to fight for those entrusted to us by
God through the miracle of life. We will not rest in our efforts until our
nation and culture respects all members of the human race, the born and unborn.
We urge a “yes” vote on Amendment 1.
Archbishop John C. Favalora Bishop John J. Nevins Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, CP
Archdiocese of Miami Diocese of Venice Diocese of Orlando
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ Bishop Robert N. Lynch Bishop Victor Galeone
Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of St. Augustine
Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, JCL Coadjutor Bishop Thomas G. Wenski Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J. Estevez
Diocese of Palm Beach Diocese of Orlando Archdiocese of Miami
The Florida Catholic Conference
P.O. Box 1677 * Tallahassee, FL * 32302-1677
Phone (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548