Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Roe vs. Wade case, which removed restrictions on abortions imposed by state laws and for all intents and purposes opened the door to "abortion on demand." In 1992, another decision removed the restriction of limiting the timeline of the abortion thus extending it even to the third trimester.  These decisions have been opposed by advocates for Life, who honor and revere the dignity of all life from conception to natural death.  It has been a testy issue, but over these 46 years progress has been made and despite the clamor of the Pro-choice proponents, there is, especially among the young, a strong defense of the rights of the unborn.  The Church has set aside this day as a day of prayer for laws that will protect these innocent victims, and of late, to pray for the distressed mothers who, due to various pressures, chose the path of abortion, and then in deep sorrow and pain have come to regret their decision.  And so we pray:
God, our Creator, we give thanks to you, who alone have the power to impart the breath of life as you form each of us in our mother's womb, grant, we pray that we, whom you have made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life. Grant peace and forgiveness as well, to those mothers who have broken this trust and seek your mercy.  This we pray through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.