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Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco has called on Catholics to oppose Proposition O, a ballot measure that he argues unfairly targets pro-life clinics in the city. The proposition, known as the San Francisco Reproductive Freedom Act, seeks to establish comprehensive reproductive freedom as official policy and requires signage highlighting that certain clinics do not provide abortion services.
In an October 3 video message, Archbishop Cordileone expressed concerns about the implications of the measure for two pro-life clinics in San Francisco. He stated these centers are licensed medical facilities that offer support to women and families regardless of their financial situation. The archbishop questioned why similar signage is not required at facilities providing abortions to inform women about life-affirming alternatives.
Proposition O was introduced by Mayor London Breed following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion legislation to state control. Supporters of the measure include Planned Parenthood Northern California CEO Nicole Barnett and members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Mayor Breed emphasized that the act reaffirms San Francisco's commitment to reproductive rights and opposes any efforts to restrict women's autonomy over their bodies. She stated, "The SF Reproductive Freedom Act sends a clear message across the nation that San Francisco continues to be a leader in supporting reproductive rights."
Opponents like Melanie Salazar from Pro-Life San Francisco have labeled Proposition O as "abortion extremism." Archbishop Cordileone warned that if passed, it could endanger those working at or visiting pro-life clinics by exposing them to potential harassment.
Archbishop Cordileone concluded his remarks by advocating for broad support for human life across various issues beyond abortion, including opposition to euthanasia and racial discrimination.
