Following Sharp Rise in Oregon Abortion Rates, Archdiocese of Portland Calls for Compassionate, Faith-filled Response

, /PRNewswire/ -- In response to Oregon Health Authority's finalized 2023 abortion records which show dramatically increased abortion rates in several categories, the Archdiocese of Portland encourages Oregonians to respond not with despair, but with renewed commitment to prayer, hope and advocacy.

The 2023 records show:
     •     The highest total number of abortions in Oregon in over a decade
     •     A 165% increase in late-term abortions
     •     60% increase in women who traveled to Oregon for an abortion from out of state

Partnering with the Sisters of Life, a religious community whose mission includes serving women who are vulnerable to abortion, the Archdiocese released a video today that offers hope and encouragement for those troubled by Oregon's permissive abortion environment.

"Where it is darkest, where it is most difficult, it is a sign of God's invitation and pursuit of your heart," said Sr. Ann Immaculee, SV of the Sisters of Life. "This culture of death is a spiritual battle and there's really only a spiritual response that will defeat this. The invitation and encouragement is that God is actually inviting us into a more intimate relationship with him than ever before."

The Sisters remind viewers that lasting cultural change begins in the human heart – with each person understanding that their life is sacred, irreplaceable and good.

"The best way to spread this message especially as our culture gets darker, is to allow our own hearts to be more deeply converted," said Sr. Catherine Joy Marie, SV.  "Allowing the Lord to convict our hearts first that 'I am good, I am irreplaceable, I am sacred.' That allows me to say, 'Your life is good, your life is sacred, your life is irreplaceable.' And I know it's true because I've been convicted of it first."

The initiative builds on Archbishop of Portland Alexander Sample's teaching on the Sanctity of Life which was published in response to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's proclamation of "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" in March.

View the video here.
View more resources here.

CONTACT: 
Vanessa Gallant, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Portland
503-233-8373
[email protected]

SOURCE Archdiocese of Portland In Oregon