# The Cry of the Unborn and Mothers on Their Deathbed
*2019-09-15*

> Bill Young reflects on the moral urgency of protecting unborn life, the need for repentance, and proposes practical steps for the Church to bring sacramental healing to women who have had abortions, especially those nearing death.

## A Call for Moral Repentance

I began by noting how the political debate over slavery and reparations reminded me of the need for true penance.  Just as we might imagine a 15 % “volunteer tax” to fund inner‑city teachers, we also need a societal repentance for the grave sin of abortion.  The Church teaches that abortion is murder, a grave evil condemned by the bishops.  Even politicians who claim a Catholic identity, such as Joe Biden, are urged by their bishops to renounce the practice and receive communion only after doing so.

## The Reality of Abortion’s Consequences

I shared personal stories of friends who had abortions and now suffer deep remorse, some even believing their illness is divine punishment.  The Church’s mercy is always available through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and no one is beyond God’s forgiveness.  The unborn are innocent souls; when they are killed, we lose not only a life but potentially a future contributor to society.

## A Practical Proposal for the Church

I propose that bishops, priests, and religious orders make it possible for women—Catholic or not—who are on their deathbed to receive baptism, confession, and the Anointing of the Sick without bureaucratic delay.  A quick baptism with holy water (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) could be offered, followed immediately by confession and absolution, allowing the soul to be at peace before death.  I appeal to Archbishop Thomas Winski, the U.S. bishops, and Pope Francis to consider this pastoral solution.

## Prayerful Reflection: The Joyful Mysteries

We then prayed the Rosary, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries—Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, and Finding the Child in the Temple—asking for humility, love, hope, peace, and joy.  Each mystery was accompanied by the Our Father, Hail Mary, and a petition for the unborn, for women who have had abortions, and for all who suffer.

## A Final Supplication

I concluded with a heartfelt plea to the Holy Mother and to all the bishops: may the Church extend its sacramental mercy to those who have committed the gravest sin of aborting an innocent life, especially those whose time is short.  May they find forgiveness, peace, and the hope of reunion with the child they once carried.

*God’s mercy is limitless; the Church must act swiftly to bring that mercy to every soul in need, especially the unborn and those who mourn their loss.*