Walking With Moms Demonstrates Continued Need for Wraparound Support
NOTE: After meeting this week, the Michigan Legislature adjourned for its spring recess, which is an opportunity for state lawmakers to spend time in their home districts. Lawmakers will return to Lansing for regular session on Tuesday, April 13 and will continue conversations on the 2021-2022 state budget and other relevant legislation.
Last year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a new initiative aimed at wrapping pregnant women and families with young children in support, especially during difficult circumstances. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, the chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has shared the following update on the Walking with Moms in Need effort, encouraging renewed energy and commitment:
"One year ago -in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life)- the U.S. bishops launched an exciting, nationwide initiative to serve pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties, entitled: Walking with Moms in Need. When we launched this ground-breaking pastoral effort, no one could have foreseen the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on our Church and nation. While the pandemic disrupted much of our initial momentum, it has also provided us with opportunities to adapt and expand this important initiative, and it reaffirmed the need for the Church to accompany mothers facing difficulties, especially in these trying times. Tragically, our nation's legislators have exploited this crisis to expand taxpayer funded abortion. In a recent USCCB statement, bishops asked the President and leadership on Capitol Hill 'not to force upon Americans the wrenching moral decision whether to preserve the lives and health of the born or unborn, all of whom are our vulnerable neighbors in need.' The Church will seek to help fill the gaps in services and resources to mothers facing challenging pregnancies and those parenting young children in difficult circumstances. We encourage even more dioceses and parishes to implement Walking with Moms in Need in their local area, as we work towards a society where mothers and children are protected in law and welcomed in love."
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On the ground resources -such as those provided by parishes participating in the Walking with Moms in Need- are critical. In this vein, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) has championed funding initiatives in the state budget to assist women in unexpected and crisis pregnancies, especially with pregnancy counseling, parenting and adoption education, prenatal health information, and material support. While Governor Whitmer vetoed such an appropriation two years ago, MCC remains committed to seeking creative solutions and advocating for women and families.
