Surgical, chemical or other interventions that aim “to exchange” a person’s “sex characteristics” for those of the opposite sex “are not morally justified,” said the U.S. bishops’ doctrine committee in a statement released March 20.
National News
Mercy Nun Serving Disabled Children Wins American Catholic Honor
Sister Rosemary Connelly, a lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive the 2023 Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame, one of the oldest and most prestigious honors given to American Catholics.
Wyoming Becomes First State To Ban Abortion Pills
Wyoming became the first state in the nation to specifically ban the use or prescription of abortion pills on March 17.
Biden Issues Executive Order On Guns, Calls On Congress To Reduce Gun Violence
President Joe Biden announced March 14 he would sign an executive order aiming to increase the number of background checks on prospective gun buyers, as well as measures to promote red flag laws and the secure storage of firearms.
Sister Jean’s New Memoir Shoots Straight About Faith, Basketball
On March 13, the day before the 2023 NCAA men’s Division I basketball tournament officially tipped off, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt still had homework to do.
Federal Judge Hears Arguments Challenging FDA’s Approval of Abortion Pill
A federal judge in Texas was hearing arguments on March 15 challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in chemical abortions.
Twin Bank Failures Underscore ‘Solemn Obligation’ of Banking Prudence For Common Good of Society
After the failures of two banks in March, the U.S. government has taken steps to prevent similar failures and the risks such failures would present to the economy.
Wyoming Governor Weighs ‘Unforeseen Consequences’ of Abortion Bills Still on His Desk
Wyoming’s legislature passed two pieces of legislation in March that would restrict abortion in the state,but the governor has yet to sign them into law, saying he is evaluating whether they may pose “unforeseen consequences.”
Vatican Accepts ‘Positio’ in Mother Lange’s Cause; Dicastery to Review Documents on Her Life
The canonization cause of Mother Mary Lange, founder of the world’s first sustained women’s religious community for Black women, has taken a step forward.
California Pulls $54M Contract from Walgreens Over Abortion Pill Ban
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on March 8 that the state will revoke its $54 million contract with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant stated it would not sell an abortion pill by mail in states that have outlawed its use.