Enact legislation providing financial assistance to programs that provide alternatives to abortion. Consider legislation to remove a father s rights to prevent adoption if the father does not provide assistance to the mother during the period of pregnancy. Research whether adoption laws need reform. Support legislation making adoption less costly and less difficult. The Church is uniquely situated to address some of the educational, pastoral, and charitable services responses to unplanned pregnancies.
Parishes can serve as the most accessible point for pastoral care, education, and community support.
The diocesan offices serve as initiators of educational projects, project coordinators, and providers of resources. Catholic Family Services and Catholic hospitals provide direct care to women and families in need. Presently, Catholic services providing alternatives to abortion are sporadic and not coordinated. Some parishes and priests support pregnancy counseling centers, but most parishioners are not actively involved in supporting such centers. Catholic Church Initiatives Update the Catholic Directory of Services for Pregnant Women and provide it to every parish and Catholic entity in the state.