The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) is calling on the faithful to live out their pro-life beliefs and condemn legislation such as the “Protect Reproductive Options Act.”

“We must work together as Catholics and all people of goodwill to ensure we never just talk the talk, but that we are truly walking with moms in need,” the MCC said in a Facebook posting. “We can do this by supporting our local pregnancy resource centers and promoting pro-family policies, such as increasing funding for the state’s Positive Alternatives Grant program.” 

The “Protect Reproductive Options Act” would guarantee that pregnant Minnesotans retain the option to undergo abortions, regardless of whether Roe v Wade is overturned, a legislative press release says. The legislation would further prohibit Minnesota politicians from restricting abortion in the state. 

The Catholic Church has long held a strong stance against abortion, contending that life begins at conception regardless of evolving biological theories about exactly when life begins, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The Catechism provides that group’s guidance, saying: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" (No. 2271). 

Americans are divided on the matter, but only one-third think it should be available at will, a May 2021 Gallup poll shows. Almost half (48%) of respondents said they believe abortion should be legal only under certain circumstances, while 19% of respondents said abortion should be illegal in all circumstances and 32% of respondents though abortion should be legal in all cases.