During Respect Life Month, Catholics urged to pray, take action to stop use of abortion pill

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, is calling on Catholics to use Respect Life Month this October to pray and take action against the use of abortion pills. As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Thomas released a statement on Sept. 29 identifying Mary, Mother of Life, as this year's theme.

Thomas stated that easier access to abortion pills has contributed to rising abortion rates and increased health risks. He noted that the Food and Drug Administration has allowed the drug to be prescribed through telehealth, sold in pharmacies, and shipped by mail, which he said bypasses state laws intended to protect unborn life.

The bishop's comments come as the Trump administration seeks to pause several state lawsuits aimed at reversing Biden administration-era restrictions on mifepristone. While the administration has kept current regulations in place while seeking to block these legal challenges pending an FDA safety review, Thomas noted that this delay has caused frustration among pro-life advocates.