Call Acts Symptom of Violence Unleashed by Ruling : Bishops Denounce Abortion Clinic Bombings

The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops on Wednesday condemned the recent rash of abortion clinic bombings, calling such acts a symptom of “the violence unleashed into society” by abortion itself.

“These dangerous, ill-considered and deplorable incidents demonstrate once again the fact that violence begets violence,” said Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago.

Catholic church leaders are among the strongest foes of abortion. But Bernardin, in a statement in behalf of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, was emphatic in opposing the bombings.

“Wrong in themselves, they are also symptomatic of the violence unleashed into society by the legalized violence of abortion,” he said.

The statement was issued to mark the 12th anniversary of the Jan. 22, 1973, Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide.

Federal officials have warned operators of abortion clinics to be alert to potential violence tied to the anniversary. Authorities say there have been at least 30 instances of bombings, firebombings and arson at abortion clinics since May, 1982, and an upsurge in the last few months has been widely publicized.

Bernardin’s statement said: “Americans are rightly troubled by incidents of violence against abortion facilities in recent weeks. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops condemns these violent acts. We remain firmly committed to seeking a peaceful, nonviolent solution to the abortion issue.”