VA Bishop Apologizes Over Girl's Abortion

[MountainLaurel]

Leaders of a Richmond-based Catholic charity under federal investigation are scrambling to explain the organization's involvement in helping a 16-year-old illegal immigrant in its care get an abortion in January.

Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo apologized this week for the "monumental tragedy" and the embarrassment the incident has caused the diocese and Catholics across the country.

"The guilt and depression that many of us experience as a result of the behavior of a few is something that we will bear for a long time to come," he wrote in a statement to the Catholic Virginian, a biweekly newspaper that serves the Richmond diocese.

DiLorenzo's comments followed reports that four staff members of Commonwealth Catholic Charities were fired after it was revealed that they provided the girl with transportation and signed a consent form needed for the abortion.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070303439.html

[bliss_eternal]

1. wtf...?

So they set-aside their stance on abortion as a "mortal sin" in the case of this woman, and are now apologizing for doing so? How very interesting (and hypocritical). What are they really sorry for?

Could it be the fact that they are making the church's inherent hypocrisy clear for the world to see? Or the fact that that they are now in a position to be called on it? It's ok for a women of color, without permission to be in this country to abort, heck, they'll even help--but not anyone else.

[ismnotwasm]

2. Oh for god's sakes

They quite possibly saved her life. If she goes back to her impoverished country, could she raise a child? If she was pregnant here could she finish school, plan a future? This girl knew she needed birth control, obviously DID NOT want a child. The actions of the workers were humane and appropriate.

Nothing like vomiting ones own "Guilt and depression" all over a young girl requesting a basic human right.

[bliss_eternal]

3. Good one.

Quote:
Nothing like vomiting ones own "Guilt and depression" all over a young girl requesting a basic human right.

I don't get the big "apology" after the fact, either. :shrug: Especially when there are progressive catholic sects, as well as a catholic organization that supports choice (I linked here previously, but will again for anyone that missed it). You're right in that it was life-saving, so what gives with all the "please forgive us for daring to treat a woman like a human being with rights" jazz?

http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/