My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On June 24, 2022 the prayers of those who support the dignity and worth of all human life were answered when the United States Supreme Court struck down the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973. That decision had asserted that the right to an abortion was guaranteed by the U.S. constitution and thus was guaranteed in all 50 states. The recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reversed this.

Many of us in the pro-life movement celebrated this development and perhaps are inclined to rest on this monumental accomplishment. But we should be clear that the Dobbs decision does not outlaw abortion, but rather sends the matter back to each of the 50 states for state legislatures to resolve.

The pro-life cause is not complete – even in Kentucky. On election day, November 8, 2022, we have an opportunity to vote on an amendment to our state constitution clearly stating that the Kentucky constitution does NOT guarantee a right to abortion in the Commonwealth. This can preclude any judge now or in the future from asserting that this right may be interpreted in our present constitution or requiring public funding for abortion.

To be clear: this amendment does not in itself outlaw abortion, but rather leaves that question to the state legislature.

The question on the ballot regarding Amendment #2 will ask: Are you in favor of amending the constitution of Kentucky by creating a new Section of the constitution to be numbered Section 26A to state as follows: “To protect human life, nothing in this constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.”

A ‘’Yes” vote supports amending the Kentucky Constitution to state that nothing in the state constitution creates a right to abortion or requires government funding for abortion.

Even many pro-life supporters have been uneasy about some state laws across the country that do not permit any exceptions even when the mother’s life is endangered. Still others may wish an amendment could be even more restrictive. This amendment does not require any particular restrictions or prohibit any exceptions. The state legislature would have the ability to determine abortion policy and law.

In the political climate we find ourselves in today I believe that this is a good amendment and I urge you to prayerfully consider this matter and vote “Yes” for Amendment #2 on November 8, 2022.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend William F. Medley
Diocese of Owensboro

Learn more about Yes for Life at https://www.yesforlifeky.com/. 

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Originally printed in the October 2022 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.