St. LOUIS (CNS) – A proposed city ordinance seeks to make St. Louis a “sanctuary for abortion,” said Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, who called the measure an attack on the “most deeply held moral and religious convictions of the people of this great city.”

The legislation would amend the city’s anti-discrimination law and add pregnancy and reproductive health decisions as protected classes.

The bill, sponsored by Alderwoman Megan E. Green, has been referred to the city’s Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee. Reproductive health decisions, as defined by the measure, would include any decision related to the use or intended use of any drug, device or medical service, including use of contraception or fertility control, or planned abortion.

The proposal would affect employers, organizations and individuals, prohibiting them from discriminating against people or entities that make decisions related to abortion, birth control or artificial reproduction services.

The bill does not provide an exemption for churches, religious organizations or individuals who have a conscientious objection. That means a Catholic school or Catholic Charities agency could be fined by the city for not employing people who publicly promote practices such as abortion. Catholic institutions also could be fined for not including coverage for abortion in their insurance plans.

If passed, the archdiocese will not comply with the ordinance, which “attempts to force the church and others to become unwilling participants in the abortion business,” Archbishop Carlson said. “There is no room for compromise on such a matter. This is a matter of fundamental religious and moral beliefs.”

“Protection and care for human life at all stages of development from conception until natural death is a fundamental moral value shared by Catholics as well as many other people of faith. City ordinances should respect all people…”