A Call for Different Priorities
During Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic visit to a Minnesota abortion clinic, the first ever by a U.S. vice president, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington expressed his concerns. He suggested that the Vice President might have engaged more constructively by visiting organizations dedicated to supporting life. Burbidge, who chairs the U.S. Bishops’ Conference Committee on Pro-Life Activities, emphasized the potential for learning from agencies that support families and children, especially those in need.
Advocacy and Response Amidst Policy Shifts
Vice President Harris’s tour of the Planned Parenthood facility in Minneapolis-St. Paul was part of her broader initiative to affirm the Biden administration’s stance on reproductive rights, following significant changes in federal abortion laws by the Supreme Court. During her visit, Harris highlighted the health crisis precipitated by these legal shifts and praised the leadership shown in Minnesota. This visit coincided with Governor Tim Walz’s endorsement of progressive abortion laws in the state, which have established Minnesota as a refuge for abortion services with minimal restrictions.
Community and Church Leaders Voice Concerns
The legislative changes in Minnesota have sparked significant dialogue, with the state’s Catholic bishops calling for moderation, particularly concerning late-term abortions and issues of taxpayer funding for abortions. These leaders advocate for the protection of all lives and the pursuit of policies that support women and families, like the enhanced child tax credit approved in 2023. Local advocates like Maggee Hangge of the Minnesota Catholic Conference worry that the state’s permissive stance on abortion might not truly reflect the sentiments of its populace and could potentially hinder efforts towards a more inclusive society.