Some Catholics are pro-choice: Second Look

Letter to the editor:

In Father Frank Pavone’s column in Paste BN, “Democrats exalt their woman, Pope Francis exalts his,” he reduces the rich history and nuance of Catholic teaching to a single issue to make a political point. As a Latina and a Catholic, I’m continually frustrated by these kinds of oversimplifications. Latinas, including Catholic Latinas, need access to the full range of reproductive health services, including abortion. We’re no longer content to let the same extreme voices speak for us or our faith.

While the Hyde Amendment turns 40 years old this year, to say it’s supported by the public is dubious at best. A poll from Hart Research Associates shows 86% of voters agree that “however we feel about abortion, politicians should not be allowed to deny a woman’s health coverage because she is poor.” A PerryUndem poll shows that 82% of Latino voters agree with that statement as well.

When it comes to bans on abortion coverage, the devastating impact on families calls us to moral action to end this policy. Indeed, studies show that a woman who seeks an abortion but is denied is more likely to fall into poverty. Certainly, Christian teachings cannot justify pushing families to the brink by denying a woman her autonomy.

Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Latina Institute for Reproductive Health; New York