Will County Gazette

The Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade's declaration of a constitutional right to abortion, is being celebrated by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet. 

The decision effectively outlawed abortion right away in a number of states. Prior to the ruling, Illinois increased access to abortion and is also providing financial aid to out-of-state women who want to get abortions. While he is pleased with the ruling, Hicks said he mourns “the fact that here, in our home state of Illinois, it will have no immediate impact given the state’s 2019 enshrinement into law of abortion as a misguided fundamental right.” 

“Today’s decision is an answer to decades of prayer and upholds the protection of the most innocent of all human life – the child in the mother’s womb – which has long been a tenet of Catholic social teaching,” Hicks said. “Perhaps the court’s ruling and recent public conversations, coupled with our own prayers, will stir within the hearts, minds and souls of our elected political leaders a greater respect for the beauty and dignity of human life from conception to natural death. I ask that you join me in earnest and fervent prayer for not only the conversion of those in civic leadership, but for those in our own homes, families and communities who need the light of Christ to see clearly how all are made in the image and likeness of God.”

Included in the bishop’s statement is a request to support Walking With Moms in Need. According to him, it is “an initiative of the U.S. bishops to aid and encourage women facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has urged us to embrace the 'culture of encounter’ by pausing, meeting with, and accompanying those in need on their journey. What is a more promising example of such an encounter than expectant and new moms and their babies?” 

“Finally, I implore all to receive today’s ruling with peace toward their neighbors and animus toward none. We are all called to see the face of God in our neighbor, regardless of any strong disagreements on issues as significant as the sanctity of life,” Hicks said. “As a missionary people seeking to draw others into an encounter with the risen Lord, how we react to the court’s ruling or any other matter of political, moral or social concern can leave a lasting impression upon others as to what it means to follow Christ. We must always speak the truth in charity and be willing to accompany one another in patience, humility and gentleness. Through the peace we extend others, the goodness of our God will surely shine through.” 

Abortion providers predicted a five-fold rise in the number of abortions according to Prairie State Wire.  Abortion clinics in Illinois recently expanded its capacity in preparation for an increase in the number of requests for abortions. Along the state's border with states controlled by Republicans, Planned Parenthood has opened a number of additional abortion centers. 

Block Club Chicago reported that the number of women seeking abortions coming from outside of Illinois has steadily increased since 2014. The number of abortions conducted on non-residents in Illinois in 2019 was 7,534, up 150% over the previous five years, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Nonprofit organizations that support out-of-state abortion seekers, such as the Chicago Abortion Fund, are partially responsible for the rise in the number of non-residents seeking abortions in the state.

Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the City of Chicago donated $500,000 to help people of color and poor people get abortion care. The money for several organizations, including the Midwest Access Coalition and the Chicago Abortion Fund, was approved by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “So we've got to be ready, and we've got to step up,” she said, according to NBC Chicago.