Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco has called upon Catholics to vote against Proposition O, which is set for a decision in the upcoming November ballot. The Archbishop and various Catholic leaders believe the measure specifically targets pro-life clinics operating within the city.

Details of Proposition O

Also known as the San Francisco Reproductive Freedom Act, Proposition O aims to enshrine comprehensive reproductive freedom as an official policy of San Francisco. The measure only requires a simple majority of votes to pass.

One of its most contentious elements is the mandate for signage that identifies pro-life clinics as lacking in providing full reproductive rights since they do not perform abortions or facilitate referrals for them, as noted by Archbishop Cordileone in a video message dated October 3.

Concerns Raised by the Archbishop

In his video, Cordileone highlighted that the two San Francisco clinics being affected are licensed medical facilities that assist women and families without regard to their financial situations. He questioned why there is no requirement for signage outside abortion clinics to disclose their limited services, which focus solely on abortions and contraception.

“Why doesn’t Proposition O require the city to install signage outside facilities that do abortions to direct women to places where they will be supported in giving birth?” Archbishop Cordileone asked.

Political Backdrop

The proposition was introduced by Mayor London Breed in June, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, which returned the authority over abortion laws to the states. Mayor Breed has expressed that the measure sends a powerful message of support for reproductive rights nationwide.

“It is unthinkable that forces are at work to prevent a woman from being able to make decisions about her own body,” said Mayor Breed.

Opposition and Support

Supporters of Proposition O include figures like Nicole Barnett, CEO of Planned Parenthood Northern California, and members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. On the other hand, the opposition comprises not only the San Francisco Archdiocese but also various pro-life advocates who argue that the measure constitutes “abortion extremism,” as stated by Melanie Salazar, executive director of Pro-Life San Francisco.

Potential Implications

Archbishop Cordileone cautioned that if Proposition O is approved, it could jeopardize the safety of employees, clients, and volunteers at life-affirming clinics by singling them out for potential hostility. He likened this to a contradiction against the proposition’s stated goals of ensuring safety for all reproductive health care services.

“If we want to create a civil society, we must affirm across the board support for human life,” concluded Archbishop Cordileone.