October 4, 2019

Indiana bishops offer Church’s support after discovery of aborted babies

(Editor’s note: In response to the recent news of fetal remains found in the home of an Illinois doctor, the bishops of Indiana have issued the following statement.)

The horrific discovery last month of more than 2,200 fetal remains of unborn children in the Illinois home of the late abortionist Dr. Ulrich “George” Klopfer, who performed abortions in northern Indiana since the 1970s, is appalling. We mourn the innocent lives lost and pray for all who are involved in the tragedy of abortion on demand.

Direct abortion is not health care. It is the intentional killing of innocent and defenseless human beings and is never acceptable.

Innocent children are not the only victims. Women and men are victims, too. The wounds of abortion are deep, often resulting in emotional, psychological and spiritual suffering.

The Catholic Church offers hope and healing to all who suffer from the pain of abortion and its aftermath through our post-abortion ministry, Project Rachel. In addition to post-abortion ministry, the Church supports pregnancy centers, such as the Women’s Care Center, to provide support and help for mothers-to-be and new mothers needing help in caring for their newborn child.

All human life has dignity and deserves to be treated with respect from the moment of conception until natural death, including reverential handling of the dead. We trust Indiana authorities to properly and respectfully bury the unborn children following the state’s investigation. Furthermore, we pledge our support and assistance to ensure that dignity and proper disposal is accorded them.

Recognizing the dignity of all human life, the Church, in both prayer and action, seeks to end the scourge of direct abortion.

—Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L., Archdiocese of Indianapolis
—Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, D.D., Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
—Most Reverend Timothy L Doherty, S.T.L., Ph.D., Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
—Most Reverend Joseph M Siegel, D.D., S.T.L., Diocese of Evansville
—Reverend Michael J. Yadron, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Gary

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