I grew up Catholic. Here’s why I’m fighting against Florida’s six-week abortion ban | Opinion
As a Catholic Cuban-American mother, I may not be the most obvious supporter of Amendment 4, but shouldn’t I be? My Catholic faith teaches we are empowered to choose to do good every day — not have those choices restricted for us.
It’s not uncommon for a group text to light up with supportive messages when our children’s Catholic school hosts a “pro-life” event. But I suspect I am not the only one who has a different opinion about abortion and what it means to be for life.
I grew up in Miami, where my church and community were central to our lives. I was active in youth groups, studied religion in college, and ensured my children were raised Catholic. I was involved in anti-death penalty work, which I considered central to being “pro-life.” I didn’t think much about the complexity of abortion; it seemed a straightforward issue to me.
Over time, I encountered people in my community who were pregnant. These were situations that required conscience-informed decisions: abortion, adoption, keeping the baby, and even risking a mother’s life to carry a pregnancy. Each new story revealed additional complexities.
In a frustrating moment on this journey, I encouraged a young loved one to visit a diocesan “respect life” office, but she faced a group of women who condemned her for considering abortion and attempted to dissuade her through threats of eternal damnation. I had imagined the church would provide the loving support Jesus modeled for us, not the verbal stoning she received.
She ultimately had an abortion. Another woman in my life, already a mother, became pregnant with a baby that medical professionals knew would not survive. She chose to pray for a miracle rather than terminate because of her devout Catholic faith. It very nearly cost her life — which would have left two young children without a mother.
It forced me to consider: Would I give my life in this situation? Does my faith call me to make such a sacrifice if it can be prevented?
My belief that abortion should be legal gradually shifted. With each new pregnant person in my life, I saw my responsibility as a Christian to love and support them, even if I didn’t always comprehend their choice. It became clear that no decision is thoughtless or selfish. Each situation required a lot of soul-searching — and medical advice.
Unfortunately, Florida’s six-week abortion ban barely gives a woman time to learn she is pregnant, much less consult a doctor, loved ones, or spiritual advisors. It places the decision-making power in the hands of politicians.
Every pregnancy is different and has unique factors to consider. But Florida’s abortion ban paints each identically. It is a narrow-minded policy that fails to leave room for the full spectrum of pregnancies.
Speaking up has been challenging as a Catholic, but it shouldn’t be. Most of us support legal abortion. Only 1 in 10 Catholics agree with the position that abortion should be outright illegal. And we disagree with the church hierarchy on other issues, including birth control, IVF and divorce.
Recently, at Mass, the priest started talking about abortion. I worried if I walked out, everyone would simply think I had one rather than understand I support legal abortion because I support my community. Odds are, there were women there who had abortions since 1 in 4 abortion patients identifies as Catholic. I realized if I believe in something, I need to be able to stand up for it.
This fall, Floridians can vote “yes” on Amendment 4, which will ensure we can decide for ourselves what is best for our reproductive healthcare. I pray the next time one of my loved ones finds themselves in a situation in which she is forced to consider an abortion, she will have the freedom to choose what is right for her.
Olga Granda is a mother and business owner in Coral Gables. She is an advocate with Catholics for Choice.
