DECEMBER 17, 2021
mississippicatholic.com
Justices seem willing to allow Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban BY CAROL ZIMMERMANN
could say have been wrongly decided. WASHINGTON (CNS) – In the And that discussion of previous Supreme Court's first major aborcourt decisions, the use of "stare detion case in decades – which looked cisis" came up frequently. The term, at Mississippi's ban on abortions which literally means to stand by after 15 weeks of pregnancy – the things decided, was used in refermajority of justices Dec. 1 seemed ence to previous abortion cases but willing to let that ban stay in place. also several other cases with some But it was unclear if they would justices pointing out that precedence take this further and overturn Roe. should not always be a deciding facWhile the justices considered the tor and that some cases did need to state law and the possible ramificabe overturned. tions of supporting it or not, people Justice Stephen Breyer indicated on both sides of the issue were on the court was treading on contestthe steps of the Supreme Court reed ground and was concerned that vealing the divide on this issue by its decision could be seen as merely what they were shouting or with being political. their placard messages calling aborJustice Sonia Sotomayor took tion murder or an essential right. this a step further, saying the court At several points during the arwould be seen as highly politicized gument, Chief Justice John Roberts if it were to overturn Roe and other continued to bring the focus back to related rulings. "Will this institution the question at hand: the 15-week survive the stench that this creates ban on abortions in Mississippi, in the public perception that the which was struck down by a federal District Court in Mississippi in 2018 A pro-life activist holding a crucifix joins a protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court build- Constitution and its reading are just and upheld a year later by the New ing in Washington Dec. 1, 2021, ahead of the court hearing oral arguments in the case political acts?" she asked. "I don't Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, an appeal from Mississippi to keep its see how it is possible." ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. (CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters) But as the arguments continued, for the 5th Circuit. more reflection seemed to be on the A 15-week ban is not a "dramatstates cannot restrict abortion before 24 weeks or when issue of abortion itself and the possiic departure from viability," Roberts a fetus is said to be able to survive on its own. bility of bringing the issue "back to the people," as Missaid. Roberts seemed hesitant to take this further, asking if sissippi Solicitor General Scott Stewart suggested. The point of viability – when a fetus is said to be able to survive on its own – was key to the discussion the court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, if it also would – Continued on page 6 – because the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that be asked to reconsider several other cases that people
Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild follow devastating tornadoes BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Vatican secretary of state, said Pope Francis "was saddened to learn of the devastating MAYFIELD, Ky. (CNS) – Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild shattered lives, impact of the tornadoes" in the Midwest and the South. "He offers heartfelt prayers that almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who homes and businesses in Mayfield followed one of the most powerful twisters in U.S. have died, comfort to those who mourn their loss, and strength to all those affected by history that leveled the city of 10,000 in western Kentucky overnight Dec. 10. The Bluegrass State was the worst hit as numerous devastating tornadoes traveled this immense tragedy," it said. "With gratitude for the tireless efforts of the rescue workers and all engaged in across it and its neighboring states of Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri, levelcaring for the injured, the grieving families and those left homeless, Pope Francis ining entire communities. As of early Dec. 13, at least 34 people were confirmed – Continued on page 6 – dead, but rescue efforts were still underway in Mayfield INSIDE THIS WEEK and elsewhere. Twenty of those who perished were in Kentucky, and six died when a roof collapsed at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois. As members of two of Mayfield's faith congregations came together to pray Dec. 12 amid rubble – piles of brick, metal and glass – prayers for their city and all of those affected by the ferocious mid-December twisters came from far and wide, including from Pope Francis and the U.S. Catholic bishops, and from close to home – Mississippi Católico 9 From the archives 10 Vatican stamp 8 Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro, whose diocese Hispanic news in the DioOur link to the ArchdioHomeless man's art is Vaticovers western Kentucky. A papal telegram conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, cese of Jackson cese of Mobile can Christmas stamp