Proposed textbook’s treatment of Roe v. Wade changed after Catholic opposition

Charlotte, N.C., Feb 23, 2010 / 04:18 am

A proposed North Carolina school textbook that described Roe v. Wade as a ruling against government oppression of rights has been altered following opposition from Catholics and other pro-life advocates.

More than 1,800 participants in the Catholic Voice campaign e-mailed the state’s Department of Public Construction with their concerns. The material was removed on Feb. 18.

Bishop of Raleigh Michael F. Burbidge and Bishop of Charlotte Peter J. Jugis wrote a letter of thanks to those who e-mailed their protest.

The bishops reported that any reference to Roe v. Wade has been removed from the essential standards and prototype assessments from the draft versions of the curriculum.

“We are grateful to all who notified the Department of Public Instruction of your opposition to the way Roe v. Wade was being used in the proposed text. We believe your voices helped to make this change possible,” the bishops added.

“May the Lord bless you for your efforts to defend the unborn and ensure that our children are being properly educated.”

The proposed text had asserted that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that mandated permissive abortion laws nationwide, was an example of the Supreme Court upholding rights “against oppressive government.”

If the text were approved, the bishops had warned, children would be taught the textbook’s interpretation was the correct one. They had argued the proposed text implied that opposition to Roe v. Wade was wrong.