Statement from Bishop Robert Gruss regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
"Today is an historic day for the many women and men who have been fighting for life in the Pro-life movement over these past 50 years. Today’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturns Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion in the United States. After nearly 50 years of praying for an end to this unjust law, today’s opinion is a cause for great joy. We must not forget that, '... life is and always will be a gift from our Creator; it cannot be given or taken by governmental structures, judges, or elected officials.'
"I join my brother bishops and all of you in giving thanks and praise to God for hearing our prayers and drawing us '… closer to a society that recognizes the God-given right of life for all persons, at any stage or in any condition.'
"Please continue to pray for hearts to be softened as we commit and recommit ourselves to doing all we can to support and accompany women in unplanned pregnancies as well as their unborn and infant children. We all must ask ourselves what more we can do to walk with moms in need, so that no woman finds herself alone or believes abortion is her best option.
"Any women experiencing a crisis pregnancy in our diocese can receive help and support through our Walking with Moms in Need Ministry and through partnership with several pregnancy resource centers. For more information, contact Lori Becker, Coordinator of Diocesan Outreach by clicking here.
"Every single life has a purpose and a plan in the mind of God. As we hear from the prophet Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
"Indeed, God has a plan for each new life from the moment of conception. We must remember this as the abortion battle shifts to the states. Here in Michigan, efforts are already underway to challenge the current law in place which makes abortion illegal. Let us keep up our efforts in defending life.
"May God continue to bless and renew you as you continue to pray for and support women, unborn babies and children. As we mark today’s momentous decision, let us call to mind the millions of children lost to abortion since 1973, and the many lives which are still impacted by their decision."