Two very different rulings on April 7 by federal judges on the abortion drug mifepristone highlight the country’s disparate views on the subject and signal that the Supreme Court will likely have to weigh in on the drugs’ future availability.
National News
Walter Reed Medical Center Terminates Contract with Catholic Ministry; Hires Secular Firm
The Archdiocese for the Military Services has accused Walter Reed National Medical Center of committing a “glaring violation” of hospitalized Catholics’ rights after the medical center terminated its contract with a community of Franciscan priests, and ordered them to stop their hospital ministry ahead of Holy Week.
Catholic Leaders Affirm Request to Overturn Death Row Inmate’s Sentence
Immediately after the Oklahoma attorney general asked a state appeals court to vacate the sentence of Richard Glossip, a prisoner who had been on death row for nearly 25 years, Sister Helen Prejean tweeted the news.
Passover, Easter Offer ‘Shared Message Of Hope’: Bishops Send Holiday Greetings To Jewish Community
Several U.S. bishops are extending greetings to the Jewish community as its members celebrate Passover (Pesach), which commemorates the divine liberation of the ancient Israelites from enslavement in Egypt as recounted in the book of Exodus.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Allow West Virginia Transgender Athlete Ban
The Supreme Court on April 6 declined to take up a request by West Virginia to allow it to enforce its 2021 law banning transgender girls from playing on girls’ sport teams in public high schools and colleges while a challenge to that law remains in the lower courts.
Wisconsin Elects Justice Likely to Vote Against State’s Abortion Restrictions
In a high stakes Wisconsin election April 4, voters chose a state Supreme Court justice likely to tip the court’s balance and vote in favor of dismantling the state’s abortion restrictions.
Not Even MLB Home Openers Can Take Precedence Over Good Friday, Says Bishop
“Nothing should take precedence” over Good Friday — and that includes the baseball team’s home opener, said Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh in an April 5 statement shared after the diocese had received inquiries about a possible dispensation from the fasting and abstinence that is integral to the solemn day.
Annual Good Friday Nationwide Prayer Vigil For Victims Of Abortion Continues Post-Roe, Organizers Say
An annual Good Friday pro-life prayer vigil that takes place in locations across the country will continue post-Roe, organizers said.
As They Recover From Tornado Devastation In Arkansas, Catholic Women See Joy, Hope In Easter
When Susej Thompson, 46, arrived at her Walnut Valley neighborhood in Little Rock, police barricades had already been set up following a devastating EF-3 tornado Friday afternoon, March 31.
Oldest Hebrew Bible Expected to be Big Ticket Item at Auction
Famed New York City auction house Sotheby’s — known for selling pricey art, jewelry, furniture, and wine — is about to delve into the spiritual world when it auctions the oldest, most-complete Hebrew Bible in May.