Office for Respect Life
1626 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
Phone: 302-573-3130
Email: [email protected]
On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court legalized abortion throughout the United States in its companion decisions Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Since that time, millions of children have lost their lives, and millions of women and families have been wounded by abortion.
On June 24, 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, and we praise God for the great opportunity state and federal legislators now have to protect preborn children. While God, in His mercy, ended the nearly fifty-year nationwide regime of abortion on demand, right now state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to preborn children.
So, great prayer and advocacy is needed. See how you can participate.
Living out Christmas in the New Year
How do we live out the message of Christmas in the New Year, rather than pack it away with the ornaments?
Each year, the Octave Day of Christmas falls on the first day of the New Year, on which we also celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
Her open heart and courageous “yes” to God show us how to live year-round—with hearts open to the Lord, following where He leads. We are called to place our trust in Him, to enter compassionately into the suffering of others, and to love one another as Christ loves us. Like Our Blessed Mother welcomed Jesus, we are called to cherish and protect the gift of human life, at every stage and in every circumstance.
A Rachel’s Vineyard Catholic Retreat will be held the weekend of April 21-23, 2023. This retreat offers emotional and spiritual healing for anyone who has struggled with the pain of abortion. Whether you are post-abortive or know someone who is, freedom awaits. Contact Nan Freeman at 302-463-7711 (call or text) or [email protected] by April 7.
Helping Hope Bloom, an initiative of the Maryland Catholic Conference. It is about lifting up women who are pregnant and parenting with practical resources, prayer, and support.
We have compiled ideas for parishes and individuals who want to do something – or do more – to help women in need. You also can find resources available for pregnant and parenting women across Maryland, including a number provided through our Catholic ministries. Click here.
Catholic Advance Health Care Directive for Delaware:
Every person has the right to make his or her own medical decisions. But what happens if you become so seriously ill or injured that you can no longer make your own medical decisions or communicate them to those around you? That is when an advance heath care directive can be of great help. An advance health care directive, sometimes called a living will, is a legal document that allows you to give directions about your future medical care in the event you become unable to make your wishes known. An advance directive lets others know how you wish to be treated if you become seriously ill or injured and are unable to make decisions for yourself. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the Catholic Advanced Health Care Directive. Click here to download the document and instructions.
Catholic Advance Health Care Directive for Maryland:
A copy of the Maryland Bishops’ Pastoral Letter, Comfort and Consolation Pastoral Letter, and Advanced Directive are available here.
If you are experiencing a crisis pregnancy or are grieving after an abortion and need to talk to someone about it,
call our toll-free, 24-hour confidential pregnancy/post-abortion counseling hotline at 1-877-225-7870.
Click here for information about Birthright of Delaware.
Click here to fine a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil near you.
Click here for information about Rachel’s Vineyard.