Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Monday, June 25, to Thursday, June 28, 2007 Leading Emmaus Convocation of Priests, Latrobe, Penn. Friday, June 29, to Sunday July 1, 2007 Welcoming events of Bishop John C. Nienstedt as Coadjutor Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minn. Bishop William H. Bullock Friday, June 29, 2007 2:00 p.m. -- Concelebrate the Liturgy of Welcome John Nienstedt, Coadjutor Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul, Minn. Saturday, June 30, 2007 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Philomena 50th Anniversary Mass, St. Philomena Parish, Belmont Bishop George O. Wirz Tuesday, July 3, 2007 12:00 noon -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison

Flawed policy:
Oppose expansion of family planning project

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

(en Español)

Dear Friends,

As is ever apparent on the news these days, political candidates have already begun to jockey for position in next year's elections. With another political season comes a new wave of name calling, posturing, and personal attacks. As Catholics, however, we are called to look beyond the simple realm of politicking, in order to seek to know and promote the truth in all issues.

Residing here in Madison, we receive a lot of news about the state budget proposed by Governor Doyle. While much of the attention on the budget has focused on tax increases and spending for traditional government programs, little attention has been given to an issue that threatens the rights of parents and erodes their ability to be the fundamental influence in their child's development.

A few years ago the state legislature established the Family Planning Demonstration Project. This approximately $15 million annual program was designed to prevent unplanned pregnancies by providing tax-payer subsidized birth control to teenage girls aged 15, 16, and 17, especially those of lower income families. A child under this program may receive treatment and medication - including abortifacient contraceptives - without parental knowledge or consent.

Now the governor plans to expand this program to include young men as well.

Unconscionable action

Whereas the instruction of children on matters of sexuality is a fundamental obligation and right of parents, it is unconscionable that the government would develop programs - including outreach programs in our schools - which intentionally undermine parents' rights.

The primary effect of this expansion is increased access to contraceptive services by children. This undermines the parent-child relationship and devalues abstinence until marriage. Raising children and ensuring that they are protected from societal harms is already difficult enough for parents. The government should support parents, not give its implicit endorsement to conduct that has socially undesirable consequences without deference for the parent's right to, at the very least, contribute to matters regarding their child's health and safety.

Take action

I recognize some will argue that contraception serves to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the social ills that may ensue, including abortion. But we must face the hard truth that broader access to contraception has not served to reduce the abortion rate nor the incidence of children being born to unmarried women. Indeed, the opposite has occurred.

And yet, this budget session we once again see our legislators seeking to increase government-funded access to contraceptives even though no proof has been offered of its success as social policy.

If you believe that tax dollars should not be used to promote this flawed public policy , I suggest you contact the Legislative Hotline toll-free at 1-800-362-9472 and urge both your state senator and representative to respect parents' rights and the health of our young people by voting no on the further expansion of the Family Planning Demonstration Project in the state budget.

By following God's plan and encouraging our young people to remain abstinent until they have entered the Sacrament of Marriage, we will create a future generation of strong marriages and families and that can only be a good thing for Wisconsin and our country.

Thank you for reading this, God Bless You, and I wish you and yours a happy summer that offers time to live out and strengthen family bonds.

Praised be Jesus Christ!