Catholics expect Church leaders to make statements on issues of importance to the religion, like October being Respect Life Month, and they did.

But this year they can cite support for their cause, as their sentiment was shared publicly by a Michigan sports figure recently.

“I believe in having the courage to let the unborn be born,” University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh said, according to Detroit Catholic. “I love life. I believe in having a loving care and respect for life and death. My faith and my science are what drive these beliefs in me. Quoting from Jeremiah, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’” 

He made those comments at the Plymouth Pro-Life Dinner in July when he shared that his Catholic values have remained with him as a coach and how it is important to speak your beliefs.

In light of October being Respect Life Month, Archbishop William E. Lori, of Baltimore, took the opportunity to outline the Church's stance against abortion. He also said America needs a revival of the culture of life.

“It is the time for a renewal and rededication of our efforts to build a culture of life and civilization of love,” Lori said in a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) release. Lori formerly chaired the USCCB. “Justice requires that the basic protections of the law against violence be extended to the pre-born child... a world in which all are welcome requires not only justice, but compassion, healing, and above all, unconditional love.” 

Lori said Catholics must “shift the paradigm to what St. Pope John Paul II described as ‘radical solidarity,’ making the good of others our own good, including especially mothers, babies (born and unborn), and families throughout the entire human lifespan.”

The Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson can be a starting point for the Church to pray for pro-life legislation in the states, he said.

“Our Church understands that parents, children, and families need help not just during pregnancy, but throughout the whole of life’s journey because millions of Catholics already accompany their neighbors in such circumstances,” he continued.

The Catholic Church has maintained a strong stance against abortion for centuries, regardless of evolving biological theories about when exactly life begins, the USCCB says. That stance is included in the Catechism. It says: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" (No. 2271) https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/respect-for-unborn-human-life

A Gallup Poll that was conducted in May 2022 found that the majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion. Half of the respondents to the survey said they believe abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances, while 13% said abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. One-third (35%) of respondents said they believed abortion should be legal in all cases. 

Lori’s message to kick off the month was shared by other Catholic leaders.

“Our work for the cause of life is more spiritual than it is political,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who also is president of the USCCB, tweeted. “We believe that our God is a God of love. Let us ask him today in our rosary to open our hearts to the love for all life, even those hardest to love.” 

RespectLife.org offers materials to help Catholics better understand the gift of human life. They can use the materials to help rebuild the culture of life within and outside the Church. Its website includes a parish webinar, a Respect Life poster, a prayer for pregnant mothers, an action guide and many other resources.