MCC Weekly Update 4/28/2023

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Abortion Pill to Stay on Market

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked in full a decision by Texas district Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk that had previously invalidated the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. This decision means women can still obtain mifepristone by mail, take it at home and use it up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, as litigation continues in the lower court. The generic version of the drug, made by GenBioPro, will also continue to be available. The Court’s decision is accompanied by dissenting opinions from Justices Alito and Thomas. 

“At present, the applicants are not entitled to a stay because they have not shown that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm in the interim," Alito wrote. “Contrary to the impression that may be held by many, that disposition would not express any view on the merits of the question whether the FDA acted lawfully in any of its actions regarding mifepristone.” 

The case will now go back to the 5th Circuit for oral arguments before a three-judge panel on May 17. Nothing will change mifepristone’s availability in the interim.

Missouri Schedules Sixth Execution Within a Year 

On April 6, the state of Missouri scheduled the execution of Johnny Johnson, who was convicted for the 2007 murder of seven-year-old Cassandra Williamson. The execution, scheduled to occur on August 1, 2023, will be the state’s sixth scheduled execution within the last 365 days. As is the case with each Missouri death row inmate, the Missouri Catholic Conference intends to submit a clemency letter to the governor on the inmate’s behalf, as well as organize a respectful protest outside the governor’s office on the day of the execution. 

The Catholic Church is strongly opposed to the death penalty because it disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life. If you would like to contact Governor Parson regarding Mr. Johnson’s execution, you can reach his office via phone at (573) 751-3222 or email him here.

Missouri Senate Passes Its Budget Plan

The Missouri Senate this week passed a $50 billion budget plan after an hours-long fight on an amendment that would have limited diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the government. The plan spends over $4 billion more than the version passed by the House last month, including $3 billion more from the state’s general revenue fund. Work on the budget stalled when Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) introduced an amendment to the public schools budget banning diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. When that amendment was ruled out of order, Sen. Hoskins proposed a narrower ban. This led to Democrats holding the floor of the Senate for hours denouncing the effort. Hoskins’ amendment was ultimately defeated on a 14-18 vote, with nine Republicans joining the Democrats. 

The Senate’s proposal includes:

• $461.6 million for raises to those who care for people with developmental disabilities.
• $55.8 million to expand school-based pre-K programs.
• $2.8 billion, with half coming from the state’s general revenue surplus, to widen I-70 at multiple choke points. 

The budget will now go to conference committee where the House and Senate will work out the differences between their proposals. All budget bills must be completed by May 5. 

Pro-lifers Gather at the Capitol for the 2023 Midwest March for Life

This week, hundreds of pro-life supporters gathered in Jefferson City to attend the annual Midwest March for Life. The rally included a march downtown and featured over twenty guest speakers. During the pre-march rally, Bishop Shawn McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City gave remarks in support of the fight for the unborn: “It is never good, never just, never charitable, and never life-giving to treat an innocent human being as something to be discarded and thrown away. … We must support the dignity of all human life and never tire of the demands of what it means to be pro-life.” To read more about the Midwest March for Life, click here.

Ecumenical Leaders Announce Initiative to Address Affordable Housing in St. Louis

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski is joining eight other Christian leaders seeking to address affordable housing in the St. Louis area through the Oikos Group.

On April 19, the nine leaders announced the launch of their Hearts, Hands & Homes initiative, which seeks to raise $3-$6 million by the end of 2023 to be divided evenly among six organizations that provide housing and support services to disenfranchised families in the region. In total, the six organizations have set a goal of serving 834 families, providing 135 affordable homes, and assisting 100 new homeowners in 2023 and 2024. As of last week, $1.7 million has been raised.

“Ever since the Second Vatican Council, we have been ever more aware of the need to reach out to other faiths in building up the Kingdom of God here on earth,” said Archbishop Rozanski. “In our ecumenical relationships, such as the crucial effort by Oikos, we have seen the critical need for families to have stability in their lives by having a home to call their own, to care for and to raise a family.”

Click here to read more from the St. Louis Review.

Catholic Couple Expecting Conjoined Twins Chooses Life

Photo credit: Nicole LeBlanc

Austin and Nicole LeBlanc were thrilled when they learned they were pregnant. But nothing prepared them for being told they are expecting conjoined twin girls who share one heart and other vital organs.

Doctors immediately deemed the pregnancy high-risk and suggested termination.

“They definitely pushed an abortion agenda on us and on our babies,” she said. “That is something that we were not okay with and something we are totally, completely against because even though I couldn’t feel them moving at 10 weeks, I could see them clearly jumping together off the side of my womb, jumping together, so it’s a human life.”

The couple says several saints and biblical figures have inspired the names they chose for their twin girls — Maria Therese and Rachel Claire.

“We definitely want to have our babies be gifts to our Blessed Mother so, Maria, the Latin name for Mary,” Nicole explained. “And I’ve always had a special connection with the Old Testament story of Rachel so, Maria Therese and Rachel Claire.”

To read more and watch an EWTN interview with the LeBlancs, click here.