Remembering Roe: 38 years later, Catholics keep working to promote a culture of life

Submitted on January 19, 2011

Jennifer Brinker | jbrinker@stlouisreview.com

Beth Lauver, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate, received a rose from James Heddell, 1, and his grandmother, Maria Altrudo, during Mass Jan. 15 at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis to remember the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Roses were presented during the annual Mass as a symbol of each year that has passed since Roe vs. Wade.

Jerry Naunheim Jr.

Those involved in promoting a culture of life will be pleased to hear that in Missouri, the abortion rate is on the decline. But what remains a concern is the alarming increase in the ways in which women are able to access abortion. Therefore, those involved in the respect life movement must keep expanding their minds in finding new ways to help encourage abortion-minded women to choose life for their children. That includes continuing alternatives to abortion in many facets.