The “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA)

Written by Parishioner Shirley Moore, M.E.V.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has unanimously decided to conduct a postcard campaign in opposition to FOCA, legislation which nullifies legal protections for the exercise of conscience regarding abortion.

In 1970, Senator Robert Packwood introduced the National Abortion Act, forerunner of FOCA, in an attempt to legalize abortion. It failed but Roe v. Wade
did the job in 1973, leaving limited room for states to regulate the procedure. Abortion proponents have consistently opposed regulation by advocating FOCA in various forms through the years. In reaction to the court ruling to uphold the ban on partial-birth abortion (Gonzales v. Carhart), it was introduced again in 2007 and is likely to be re-introduced in the new Congress.

It is a very broad piece of legislation that will apply “to every Federal, State, and local statute, ordinance, regulation, administrative order, decision, policy, practice, or other action enacted, adopted, or implemented before, on, or after the date of enactment.” FOCA will elevate abortion to a “fundamental right” with the ensuing obligation to promote and fund it with taxpayers’ money. Many abortionists are graying and retiring, (57% are over 50 years old); so it is no surprise that FOCA will nullify the conscience clauses that have protected medical students from participating in actual abortion procedures.

FOCA nullifies the requirement that only licensed physicians perform abortions yet, in effect, makes a physician’s licensure contingent on abortion participation.

FOCA will nullify 550 existing federal and state laws, among them: limits on public funding for abortion, parental notification, conscience protections for Catholic and other religiously affiliated hospitals. Whether this act arrives as a whole package or piecemeal within health care legislation, it provides neither “freedom” nor “choice” for those who acknowledge the rights of conscience. See the USCCB website or http://www.fightfoca.com/faq/ for more info.

Spring 2009

Welcome back to campus all who have been on the road for Christmas Break. We had wonderful Christmas and New Year’s celebrations here. Our children’s pageant at the Christmas Eve Mass was wonderful. There is always something magical in seeing a host of angels and shepherds all lined up in the lobby ready for their moment. Your memorial donations for the flowers and the beautiful music from our music groups also helped make the season so magnificent.

I was heartened and surprised by the increased attendance at all our Christmas Season Masses, even New Year’s Eve. As I had noted that evening, growing up we always used to fight with my Mom who insisted we go to Mass on New Year’s. While she couldn’t tell us why the feast was important, she won the battle, of course. Having grown older I can say I am glad she did. Perhaps this New Year, with all the challenge and change ahead of us, we felt the need more than ever to pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother for our country and our community of faith!

As we begin the Spring term, here are some things to keep in mind. Friday, Feb. 20th we will have the annual Mardi Gras Party with silent auction. Wednesday, Feb. 25 is Ash Wednesday. UT’s Spring Break is March 16-20. Easter is April 12th. At the moment, we are planning additional Faculty Luncheons, a student weekend retreat in late February, and RENEW: Why Catholic for the Lenten Season.

By the end of the Semester, we hope to launch an updated parish website that will offer more interactive features. You will be able to comment on my columns and donate over the web, all in one visit. Also, by April, we hope to have all our new library books available for loan. We have purchased a bunch of new books that are excellent and timely!

May the Spring Semester be filled with the Holy Spirit!