As some of you may be aware, there is currently a ballot initiative petition circulating around the State of Michigan entitled the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative. This campaign is led by a coalition of groups under the umbrella name of Reproductive Freedom for All.
Please do not sign this petition. Thank you.
This petition seeks to make abortion at all stages a constitutional right within the State of Michigan. It only needs 450,000 signatures by July 11, 2022 to appear on the ballot this November, 2022. Once in the State Constitution, abortion will be in Michigan forever. Hence, here is Bishop Boyea’s explanation as to why we should decline to sign this petition:
“Recently, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have begun seeking signatures for a petition to put a much more serious matter on our state ballot this fall. They seek to enshrine within our State Constitution a right to an abortion for the totality of the term of pregnancy. Please do not sign this petition. This is a radical proposal. They do not like the fact that, should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down Roe v. Wade, each state in the United States would then be governed by whatever laws are on their books regarding abortion. Here in Michigan that law bans abortion.”
“So, to sign such a petition is actively to cooperate in the promotion of this great evil of abortion, something Pope Francis has labeled as ‘murder’. Sisters and brothers, please do not sign any petitions that would legalize abortion. To do so is to place oneself in danger of grave or mortal sin because of this active and direct cooperation with evil.”
“In addition, please pray for those who seek abortion as the answer to their situation in life. Also, let us all provide for healthy and safe alternatives to assist those who currently see no way out. Let us always opt for life and help others to be able to do the same.” Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of unborn children, pray for us!
* For more resources: https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/decline-to-sign