U.S.
Supreme Court leaves in place mail-order distribution of mifepristone during legal challenge
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on May 14 blocked an appeals court ruling that sought to pause a federal policy permitting mifepristone, sometimes called the abortion pill, to be dispensed through the mail. The ruling in effect leaves in place a Food and Drug Administration policy issued by the Biden administration, which permitted mifepristone to be distributed by mail. The Trump administration has thus far left that regulation in place, prompting frustration from pro-life groups, and has sought to block state challenges to mifepristone, such as Louisiana’s. A lower court previously granted the Trump administration’s request to pause Louisiana’s lawsuit challenging the FDA’s approval of mifepristone pending the FDA’s promised safety review of that drug, indicating the state could continue its challenge after that review. However, the status and timeline of the FDA’s review are still unclear. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later granted a request from Louisiana to temporarily pause the policy during its challenge. Justice Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the stay on the 5th Circuit’s ruling. In his dissent, Alito seemed to concur with Louisiana, arguing, “The Court’s unreasoned order granting stays in this case is remarkable.” (OSV News)
Bp. Barron: America 250 occasion to reflect on equality as a God-given right
WASHINGTON — As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it should reflect on how the American understanding of equality is grounded in the belief that all people are equally children of God, Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said May 17 at a prayer rally on the National Mall. “As we reflect on our history, from the founding through the trials of the Civil War to the struggle for civil rights, we can see this consistent thread, the conviction that human dignity, equality, rights, freedom and the rule of law are all grounded in God,” he said. Organizers of the event, “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise &Thanksgiving,” said they aimed to mark the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday “with Scripture, testimony, prayer and rededication of our country as One Nation to God.” It was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership with the White House to mark America 250. The event primarily featured Protestant faith leaders, but in addition to Bishop Barron, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, retired archbishop of New York, spoke by video, and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik spoke in person. Critics of the event argued that the Trump administration’s level of participation improperly blended church and state. (OSV News)
Daily pastoral visits resume at ICE facility near Chicago
CHICAGO — Groups from the Chicago-based Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership started going daily to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in suburban Chicago May 15, following a federal judge’s preliminary injunction in April. The daily visits by clergy and religious to detainees at the Broadview facility resumed — for now — after almost a year of trying to have regular visits. The temporary order prohibited the Department of Homeland Security from imposing a total ban on pastoral visits at the facility 12.5 miles west of downtown Chicago, while CSPL’s lawsuit seeking permanent regular pastoral visits is pending. The order also compelled DHS and ICE to permit the visits and work out with CSPL the terms. Michael Okinczyk-Cruz, CSPL executive director, said that since May 15 at least three and sometimes as many as five ministers have entered the facility. CSPL, a Catholic social justice organization, has welcomed ecumenical and interreligious groups to also minister to those at Broadview. Okinczyk-Cruz described the visits as “very meaningful” for those detained and said the May 17 visit included anointing for several men, one of whom said in Spanish that he felt like he had “come alive again” after receiving the anointing oil. (OSV News)
WORLD
With Jesus’ command ‘Follow me’ as theme, Canada’s National March for Life draws thousands
OTTAWA, Ontario — Thousands of pro-life supporters filled the streets of Ottawa on May 14 for Canada’s annual National March for Life, with crowds taking nearly 25 minutes to move from Parliament Hill into the downtown core. Marchers of all ages and backgrounds — including families, clergy, religious sisters and parish groups — carried signs calling for an end to abortion and euthanasia in Canada. The day opened with liturgies at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, St. Patrick’s Basilica and St. Clement Church. This year’s march coincided with the anniversary of Canada’s 1969 Omnibus Bill, which decriminalized abortion. The event’s theme, “Follow me,” centered on human dignity and solidarity. March for Life organizer Debbie Duval told the crowd, “We march on a Thursday, in Ottawa, because that’s when our legislators are sitting in the House of Commons. We want them to hear us. We want them to know we’re here.” Speaker Aleš Primc urged participants to greet everyone — from unborn children to the elderly — with a simple “hello,” calling it “the start of recognizing our shared humanity.” Primc is co-founder of the Slovenian political party Voice for Children and Families that recently forced a referendum to overturn the country’s assisted suicide law. (OSV News)
Bolivia’s bishops urge ‘humanitarian pauses’ as protests collapse country
LA PAZ, Bolivia — Bolivia’s Catholic bishops are urging dialogue and “humanitarian pauses” as nationwide protests deepen the country’s political and economic crisis. Demonstrations demanding President Rodrigo Paz step down have triggered at least 67 roadblocks across the Andean nation, causing severe shortages of food and fuel and blocking ambulances from reaching vulnerable communities. Three people have died amid the unrest. In statements issued May 14, the Bolivian bishops’ conference called on protesters and political leaders to set aside partisan interests and seek common ground. Bishop Giovani Arana of El Alto warned that no political demand can justify the suffering of ordinary families, especially the poor. The protests stem from rising fuel prices, stagnant wages and anger over proposed land reforms. Former President Evo Morales has also been accused of fueling tensions as Bolivia grapples with a worsening economic crisis. (OSV News)
