Respect Life Ministry

Respect Life Ministry proclaims the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, giving particular focus to the threat of abortion, which is considered the “pre-eminent priority” by the U.S. Catholic bishops. 

Through evangelization and catechesis, our ministry proposes a fully Catholic and holistic vision of the human person and sexuality. We support the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and beyond with prayer, resources and support so that every life is protected and cherished. 

Your life matters not because of what you have or haven’t done, based on what you feel or what people think about you. You matter because you are made in the image of God, destined for union with Jesus Christ, who took on flesh, suffered and died for you (see Gal 2:20). You were created from love, by love, for love. 

Join our monthly newsletter to learn more about our ministry and advocacy efforts. Support our work by making a donation. 

Joey Martineck, M.T.S.
Director of Respect Life Ministry
404-920-7362
jmartineck@archatl.com  

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer, fasting, community outreach and peaceful vigils in front of abortion centers.  

Learn More Online

Note: Please do not bring posters with graphic images and abide by the directives of 40 Days for Life. For information on Sidewalk Counseling, please check out Sidewalk Advocates for Life.   

Adoption

  • SEEN is a program from Abiding Love Charities that offers support groups for birth mothers of adoptive children. 
  • Promise686 works to support foster/adoptive families within the parish community. 
  • Additional adoption agencies that may be helpful are Abiding Love and Covenant Care. 

Catholic Medical Association

Catholic physicians within the Archdiocese of Atlanta are invited to join the Atlanta Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. To join, please email Fr. Neil Dhabliwala at ndhabliwala@archatl.com. Each Fall, there is a White Mass for Catholic health care workers with the bishop. 

Additionally, FACTS about Fertility educates medical professionals on Restorative Reproductive Medicine. 

Healing After Abortion

If you have been negatively impacted by abortion, PATH offers confidential consultation, Bible studies and retreats to assist you in your healing journey. They can also recommend a priest who will receive you with the merciful heart of Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation. 

Learn More About PATH

Infertility & Miscarriage Support

Respect Life Ministry offers a variety of resources to support couples who experience infertility and/or miscarriages. 

Pregnancy Support

There are various programs and centers within the Archdiocese of Atlanta that support mothers in challenging situations. 

Pregnancy Aid Clinic provides free medical and supportive services to women facing unexpected pregnancies. Families can call a 24/7 hotline number or make appointments online. 

Walking with Moms in Need

Walking with Moms in Need is an initiative to accompany local pregnant and parenting women in difficult circumstances. It works to ensure that mothers and families can turn to their local Catholic Church to find the resources they need. 

This campaign is promoted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). 

Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer announces initiative for the Archdiocese of Atlanta

Visit Website

Be Not Afraid

Be Not Afraid is a national, private, non-profit organization that provides comprehensive case management and peer support to parents carrying to term following a prenatal diagnosis. The organization follows the ethical teachings of the Catholic Church and serves parents of all denominations.  

Emergency Housing for Pregnant Women

Emergency Housing for pregnant women can be sought from St. Clare’s Maternity Home, Mary’s Shelter and Marillac Moms. 

For more information on natural family planning, visit the Marriage and Family webpage.  

Students for Life

Are you a student at a middle school, high school or college looking to take a stand against the injustice of abortion? If your school doesn’t already have a Students for Life group, prayerfully consider starting one at your parish. Contact the Respect Life Ministry or Students for Life of America for guidance and support. 

Theology of the Body

Theology of the Body refers to a series of lectures given by St. Pope John Paul II which addresses such questions as: What does it mean to be human? Why did God create us male and female? How can I truly find happiness? 

These teachings offer hope and healing for everyone, enabling us to see the spiritual and divine mysteries revealed in and through our bodies. 

Dive deeper into the Theology of the Body (TOB) with the following resources: 

Additional resources to address some common pastoral concerns related to these teachings include: 

End of Life Issues

At the end of life, questions about medical care, suffering and human dignity often arise. Some of these include artificial nutrition and hydration, euthanasia/assisted suicide, organ donation, palliative care and the completion of an advance directive.  

The Catholic Church offers moral guidance and pastoral care to help individuals and families face these moments with clarity, hope and peace. 

Deep dive into Catholic teaching on end of life issues with the following resources: 

*Note: In the past, the archdiocese provided a Catholic version of the Georgia Advance Directive. We no longer provide this Catholic version. Instead, we provide instructions on how to complete the state document itself in a fully Catholic manner. 

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