Denver Catholic

9 DENVER CATHOLIC | AUGUST 22-SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 Around the Archdiocese Catholic Medical Association on why Coloradans should support Proposition 115 A recent document compiled by the Denver chapter of the Cath- olic Medical Association exam- ines fact-based and empirical evidence for why late term abortion is almost never necessary, and why Coloradans should support a late term abortion ban in the state. On Nov. 3, Colorado residents will have the opportunity to save the lives of thousands of unborn babies by voting "YES" on Proposition 115, previously known as Initiative 120, which would prohibit abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy through birth. Unfortu- nately, Colorado is one of seven states in the country that allows abortion for any reason until birth. Late term abortion is an extreme and inhumane procedure and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to end it. Pro-choice activists often advocate that abortion is a woman's right to freely decide what to do with her own body while denying the personhood of a fetus. They often refer to an abortion as "ending a pregnancy" as if the proce- dure could occur without killing a vital and developing human being. Indeed, the woman does have autonomy over her own body, but she does not have autonomy over that human child inside her womb whose development begins at conception. Abortion advocates justify the termi- nation of a pregnancy by claiming that a fetus is not considered a human being. Studies of human development indicate that a human fetus develops the ability to taste, smell, and detect sounds, espe- cially the voice of the mother, during the second trimester, when some women decide to "end their pregnancy." The heart of an embryo begins to develop by the fi fth week of gestation and begins to pump blood by the sixth. Brain develop- ment occurs in the seventh week. By the tenth week, the fetus has already begun to develop most major organ systems and has human characteristics. At 22 weeks of gestation, fetuses are vitally developed human beings. It is also very likely that at 22 weeks, a human fetus may experience more pain than a born baby or an adult. Under Initiative 120, thousands of unborn babies will have the opportunity to live just like every human being deserves. Many times, women may feel that abortion is their only option due to feel- ing lonely with no support from family or friends. However, in Colorado there are numerous organizations that pro- vide both fi nancial and emotional sup- port for pregnant women and mothers after giving birth. There are alternatives for both mother and baby. If passed in the November elections, Proposition 115 would prohibit abor- tions after 22 weeks of pregnancy in the state of Colorado, with the only excep- tion if the mother's life is at risk. Under Initiative 120, the person performing the abortion could be subject to suspen- sion of his or her medical license and a fi ne but would not face prison time. The woman receiving the abortion would not be penalized. Passing Proposition 115 would not only save the thousands of unborn babies but would help prevent psycho- logical and health problems that many women suff er after going through this painful and terrible procedure. As Cath- olics, we must take action and fi ght for a society that defends life. On Nov. 3, vote "YES" on Proposition 115. BY ROCIO MADERA rocio.madera@archden.org Read more on denvercatholic.org i Please call us at 303-532-5343 CFCS is praying for all of you during these extraordinarily diffi cult mes, and con nues to care for our families. cfcsColorado.org A Ministry of The Archdiocese of Denver "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." -MATTHEW 18:20 After 100 years of service to the Archdiocese of Denver, our Cathedral is in need of some vital repairs. Thank you for your generosity! Visit denvercathedral.org call us at 303-831-7010 or email us at CBIC2016@ denvercathedral.org for more information A RESTORATION FOR THE AGES All donations are tax deductible "Our historic and iconic Cathedral Basilica needs your help." Father Ron Cattany Pastor and Rector Transepts & North Facade $1,200,000 Rectory Leaking Roof Recontruction $750,000 EXTERIOR PRESERVATION NEEDED ,, Roof Recontruction Clean Kimball Organ $100,000 Clean Altars $100,000 Paint Interior $1,240,000 Carpet Replacement $45,000 Security Cameras $150,000 INTERIOR RENOVATION NEEDED ,, TRUST FUND • MILLION Funding Sources: Savings $750,000 Interior Fund $35,000 INTERIOR & GROUND PROJECTS SPENT TO DATE: $785, 000 EXTERIOR PROJECTS SPENT TO DATE: $4,768,000 Funding Sources: Savings $3,300,000 AOD Funded $550,000 Restoration Fund $918,000

• Cover