On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
As a returnee, I struggle with why Catholics are so anti-abortion. Why shouldn’t a woman have the right to do what she wants with her own body?
Catholics believe in a culture of life, from conception to natural death. In the forty-three years since the 
U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, it’s estimated that more than 57 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, and that millions more mothers, fathers, siblings, and other loved ones’ lives have been diminished by that loss.
A good way to educate yourself further on Church teachings on this topic through the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops’ “9 Days for Life: Prayer, Penance, and Pilgrimage” effort that continues through January 24. You’ll find resources and activities for advocating for life… and for helping those who are suffering after abortions. Information is available in both English and Spanish.
