In his article, “Holding ‘Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good’ Morally Accountable,” Michael New mischaracterizes Catholics in Alliance entirely. The Alliance promotes a consistent ethic of life and challenges both political parties to help end the tragedy of abortion. Our primary interest in commissioning the study, Reducing Abortion in America: The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors, was to explore ways to reduce abortions and find common-ground policies that support families, not to “provide cover” for any political party or ideology. In addition, as explicitly stated in the report, the Alliance endorses a comprehensive approach to reach this goal, including informed and parental consent laws.

We encourage Professor New and others across the political spectrum to work with us in good faith. At a time of economic crisis, efforts to prevent abortion must include solutions to complex socioeconomic realities. Pro-life and pro-choice members of Congress are working together to find common ground and promote initiatives that offer women and families a helping hand. The Pregnant Women Support Act, a bill in Congress supported by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is an example of effective legislation focused on preventing abortion through a comprehensive approach. After the recent March for Life in Washington, which Catholics in Alliance attended, we hosted a Capitol Hill briefing on the Pregnant Women Support Act and were pleased that Professor New attended this gathering. The Alliance will continue to support research and public policies that promote a consistent ethic of life.

Click here for Researcher Joseph Wright's response to Professor New’s specific critiques of the study.

NEW! 2/18/09 Click here for Researcher Joseph Wright's Response II to Professor New.