The Arizona Life Coalition praised a recent ruling by Judge Kellie Johnson that removed the 1973 injunction which was “blocking the state’s abortion ban from enforcement,” according to a release posted online.

This ruling effectively bans abortion in Arizona. It was signed a week ahead of the start of October, which is Respect Life Month. 

To recognize Respect Life Month, Archbishop William E. Lori, of Baltimore, outlined the Church's stance against abortion. He also called for a revival of the culture of life in America.

“It is the time for a renewal and rededication of our efforts to build a culture of life and civilization of love,” Lori said, according to a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) press release. “Justice requires that the basic protections of the law against violence be extended to the pre-born child... a world in which all are welcome requires not only justice, but compassion, healing, and above all, unconditional love.”  

Catholics must work to “shift the paradigm to what St. Pope John Paul II described as ‘radical solidarity,’ making the good of others our own good, including especially mothers, babies (born and unborn), and families throughout the entire human lifespan,” Lori, who formerly chaired the USCCB, said.

He mentioned this year’s Dobbs v. Jackson ruling and said it can be a starting point for the Church to pray for pro-life legislation in the states.

“Our Church understands that parents, children, and families need help not just during pregnancy, but throughout the whole of life’s journey because millions of Catholics already accompany their neighbors in such circumstances,” he continued.

Other Catholic leaders echoed support for Lori’s statement.

“Our work for the cause of life is more spiritual than it is political,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who also is president of the USCCB, said on Twitter. “We believe that our God is a God of love. Let us ask him today in our rosary to open our hearts to the love for all life, even those hardest to love.” 

The Catholic Church has spoken out against abortion for centuries, despite modern biological theories about when exactly life begins, the USCCB says. The Catechism says this on the topic: ”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) 

A Gallup Poll conducted in May 2022 found that the majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion. It found that 50% of respondents said they think abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances, while 13% think it should be illegal in all circumstances and 35% think abortion should be legal in all cases. 

Arizona Life Coalition said it stands ready to help struggling mothers and their children, to offer alternatives to abortion through Church ministries who provide maternal care, and the 2,700 non-profit pregnancy centers in Arizona. Arizona Life Coalition believes “all innocent human Life is sacred and must be protected,” according to the group's release on Facebook.

RespectLife.org offers materials to help people better understand the gift of human life and to help Catholics who want to work to rebuild the culture of life from within and outside the Church. A parish webinar, Respect Life poster, Prayer for pregnant mothers, an action guide and other resources are available on the group’s website.