Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates October as “Respect Life Month,” when we place special emphasis on the dignity of human life in all its stages, from conception to natural death.  

Catholics are called to cherish and protect those who are most vulnerable – including the preborn and the elderly. As children of God, we must respect the dignity and rights of every person, formed in the image and likeness of the Creator. The depth of our teaching gives us a profound understanding of life issues – from abortion to doctor assisted suicide and the death penalty. It is incumbent upon us to procure safety, love and protection for all people.  

St. John Paul II once stated, “To be actively pro-life is to contribute to the renewal of society through the promotion of the common good. It’s impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop.” 

When lives, including those of the preborn, are subjected to the personal choices of others, no other value or right will be guaranteed. 

Life is worth protecting. May we never grow silent or complacent when it’s at risk and allow each person to enjoy God’s first gift to all humanity. 

The South Carolina Catholic Conference prioritizes all respect-life issues in our state, advocating for legislation that protects and defends the preborn, immigrants and inmates on death row.  

Visit bornforthis.life to learn how you can encourage life and support new and expecting mothers in South Carolina.