MARCH 24, 2023
mississippicatholic.com
'New pro-life agenda' sees wins in state battles to expand Medicaid coverage for new moms By Kimberley Heatherington
Both Bishop Kopacz and Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III of Biloxi, Mississippi, issued a (OSV News) – The pro-life movement in Feb. 24 letter urging lawmakers "to protect post-Dobbs America requires robust support the life and health of mothers in this state." for health care and social service programs Mississippi is one of the poorest states in to accompany parents who choose life, some the nation. The Centers for Disease Control clergy, legislators and advocates told OSV and Prevention (CDC), indicates Mississippi News – including efforts to expand Medicaid has the country's highest infant mortality coverage for postpartum mothers. rate, and its population includes a sizable The most recent front in the struggle to number of women with chronic medical deliver such assistance is Mississippi, home conditions. to the city of Jackson referenced in Dobbs v. While federal law requires all states to Jackson Women's Health Organization, the provide Medicaid coverage without cost U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that oversharing for pregnancy-related services to turned Roe v. Wade. After a two-year clash of pregnant women with incomes up to 138% political wills, Mississippi's House March 7 of the federal poverty level, individuals with finally passed 88-29 a Medicaid postpartum pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage typicoverage extension already approved by the cally lose benefits two months after the end state Senate, after the governor said this legof pregnancy. islation was part of the "new pro-life agenda." The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act alMedicaid is a joint federal and state prolowed states to extend Medicaid pregnancy gram that gives health coverage to some inJACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and other faith leaders gathered coverage from 60 days to one year postpardividuals, families and children with limited at a press conference offering their support of the extention of posttum – however, the law's provision expires in income and resources. It's also the largest partum coverage for Mississippi mothers on Monday, Feb. 27 at the May. single payer of pregnancy-related services, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Tereza Ma) Not all states have taken legislative acfunding 42% of all U.S. births in 2019. Accordtion – some have done so in varying degrees ing to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation study, "Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is very – owing to political disagreement about the role of govthe average U.S. birth costs $18,865; for those insured, important that we provide support to moms and parernment when it comes to assisting mothers in need. the average out-of-pocket expense is $2,655. ents who are keeping their babies rather than aborting Some advocate the government should provide a widIn Mississippi, low-income mothers will now be el- them," Debbie Tubertini, coordinator in the Diocese of er and stronger social safety net, while others oppose igible for a full year of postpartum coverage instead Jackson's Office of Family Ministry, told OSV News. efforts to enlarge government programs and spending. of just 60 days. With the signature of Republican Gov. Jennifer Williams, diocesan director of Catholic "It's a philosophical difference about the role of govTate Reeves, who as lieutenant governor helped craft Charities of South Mississippi, also shared with OSV ernment. I understand that," said former Congressman the Dobbs brief, the bill becomes law. News that "expanded Medicaid for postpartum benefits "I am grateful for the prayer, hard work and collab- will allow our clients and others across the state the Dan Lipinski, a Catholic pro-life Democrat who repreoration that brought this bill to the finish line," Bishop opportunity to receive much-needed medical care and sented his Illinois district in the U.S. House 2005-2021. Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson told OSV News. "One big mental health care." – Continued on page 6 – step forward for the common good."
Missionaries bring ‘joy of God’ to Natchez By Stacy Graning/The Natchez Democrat
NATCHEZ – Nearly 30 young men and women brought the joy and love of God to the Natchez community as part of a mission of the Institute of the Incarnate Word. The mission, coordinated through St. Mary Basilica and St. Joseph Monastery in Adams County, began on March 1 and continued through March 12. The young men and women are seminarians and postulants preparing to join orders within the Institute of the Incarnate Word and the Servants of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matara, communities that are in relationship with the monks at St. Joseph Monastery at Edgewood. “They are so full of joy; it is extremely contagious,” said Heddy Boelte, who helped coordinate the mission with the Father Aaron Williams of St. Mary Basilica and the monks at the monastery, which is housed at Edgewood under the generosity of the Boelte family. “St. Mary’s ... host[ed] the novice classes of the communities, meaning the younger men and women who are preparing to make their profession as brothers and sisters,” Boelte said. “During their stay, the missionar-
ies ... engaged in evangelical efforts in our area, including visiting homes and preaching.” Describing the mission as a providential opportunity to share their faith and the love of God, Boelte said the missionaries actively engaged throughout the community during their visit. The program, open to Catho-
lics and people of all faiths, included daily Mass, adorations, home visits with small groups, evening mission talks, visits to Cathedral School, and visits to nursing homes, hospitals and other areas. (Reprinted with permission of The Natchez Democrat.)
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