BALTIMORE, Md. – After a busy summer for many of our Diocesan seminarians – in which several attended World Youth Day in Portugal and two visited the Diocese of Sunyani in Ghana – a new semester of classes has just gotten underway.

Five seminarians are attending classes this fall at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. Three are attending Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, one will be studying at Saint Andrew’s College Seminary in S. Orange, N.J., and the final seminarian is serving his pastoral year at Saint Boniface and Saint Lawrence Parishes in Lycoming County.

For more than 200 years, Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore has been supporting the formation of Holy men.

At Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Harrison Rapp of Dunmore has just entered his second year studying theology.

Since its founding in 1791, Saint Mary’s Seminary has been supporting the formation of Holy men, including many from the Diocese of Scranton.

“It is really an intentional time to be with God and to just open your heart to the ways in which God wants to lead us,” Rapp said.

At Saint Mary’s Seminary, men begin their day with Morning Prayer as a community. There is also Adoration, Mass during the day and Evening Prayer in addition to academic classes.

Saint Mary’s currently serves 13 dioceses in the United States and Canada but also welcomes men from Africa, China and Vietnam.

“It’s good because you do get to see a lot of different perspectives in the way the church operates in their own respective locations in the United States and abroad,” Rapp added.

Harrison Rapp, a seminarian for the Diocese of Scranton, prays in the chapel of Saint Mary’s Seminary. (Photos/Eric Deabill)

Seminarian Jeremy Barket of Dupont studied theology at Saint Mary’s during the last academic year.

“The whole environment, inside and outside, is very conducive to having a very spiritual and prayerful atmosphere. There are so many times where I’ll just walk around the whole seminary and just pray a rosary,” he said.

Barket describes seminary as a community of men who want to grow closer to Christ.

“We’re normal guys. We just happen to pray a lot,” he said with a smile.

Before being ordained a priest in June, Father Michael Boris spent four years at Saint Mary’s Seminary.

“It was just a wonderful place of prayer and discernment,” Father Boris said.

Father Boris benefited from many mentors and spiritual directors as well as the classes he took.

He knows it is only because of the generous financial support from parishioners that his seminary experience was possible.

“To give somebody an education, to feed somebody, to house somebody, requires money,” Father Boris noted.

Your gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal go directly to supporting our future priests who will faithfully lead our parishes in the decades ahead.

The Diocese of Scranton currently has ten highly talented men in priestly formation.

You help pay for their education, helping to form each man intellectually, pastorally and spiritually – so in return – they can share the love of the Gospel with all people.

“You’re investing in us, but you’re also investing in your own diocese and the future of the diocese as well,” Barket said.

“You can really recognize and be grateful for the importance of the gifts that have been given to us, from our housing to our food to our classes. All of that means a great deal,” Rapp added. “I’ve really benefited from my experience here so far. It has been blessed. I love the community life and I do look forward to continuing the journey!”

“Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you: be courageous and act!”

Whether you’re talking about our individual lives or the global and national situation, the world can seem like a confusing place. It is undoubtedly so for young people attempting to find their path in life, trying to figure out where God is leading them, especially if they feel called to the priesthood or religious life.

That’s why the theme for the Diocesan Vocation Office this year comes from the 10th chapter of the Book of Ezra. The Book of Ezra tells the story of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after almost a century of exile. After being away from their homeland and Temple for so long, they were confused, frightened, and unsure where to go next. At that moment, God called upon a priest, Ezra, to guide them on their path. It was his responsibility to lead, but God provided him with other people to assist him along the way.

At every moment in the life of the Church, we need Catholics to arise and live out their vocation. No one can tell someone else where God is calling them, but all of us are responsible for assisting one another in listening to the call.

There are many ways in which the Vocation Office, along with our parishes, can offer this help. From high school groups, to retreats for men and women, to the Project Andrew Dinner and Leave a Mark Mass, the Vocations Office offers something for everyone.

The rectory of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg now serves as a Regional Vocation Center for the Diocese of Scranton. It has several rooms where men considering the priesthood can stay and participate in weekend retreats or other spiritual opportunities.

One of the most exciting new initiatives is the formation of Regional Vocation Centers. Four have been set up so far, with more to come. Annunciation Parish in Hazleton, Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, Christ the King Parish in Archbald, and Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin offer a variety of resources for young men considering priesthood – regular discernment dinners where men join with others considering the same call, opportunities to shadow a priest for a day, spiritual direction, Eucharistic Adoration, and private weekend retreats are just some of the possibilities.

In addition to our Vocation Centers, the Diocese has invited Rhonda Gruenewald of Vocation Ministry to offer workshops for priests and parishioners here in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. Vocation Ministry focuses on building up vocations right in our parishes. You, the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, can help our young men and women courageously listen to God’s voice and arise to follow him.

Thank you for listening to God’s voice in your own lives and for all the work you do in helping others discern their vocation. It is time for us in the Diocese to arise, be courageous, and act – the Holy Spirit is calling.

SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton proudly welcomed two new seminarians over the summer months. The addition of the two men means the Diocese now has ten men actively discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, and members of the Seminary Admissions Committee accepted Esteban Marengo and Daniel O’Brien as seminarians.

Marengo, of Scranton, is a parishioner of Saint Paul of the Cross Parish in South Scranton. He is currently attending classes at Saint Andrew’s College Seminary in S. Orange, N.J.

Esteban Marengo

When asked what metaphor for Christ speaks to him most powerfully, Marengo responded “Christ the Good Shepherd.”

“Despite the many troubles of life, Jesus continues to love, protect and guide us, as a shepherd would his own sheep,” he said.

As he begins his seminarian experience, the Scranton native said he often reflects on the crucifix and its importance to our salvation.

“In it, we see the immense love that God has for all of us,” Marengo noted.

O’Brien, who just began his Pre-Theology I semester at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, actually credits Marengo for part of the reason why he decided to become a seminarian candidate.

Daniel O’Brien

“Seeing him (Marengo) in his cassock a week before (the) Chrism Mass pushed my calling to the forefront of my mind,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien is a parishioner of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston. He is also a licensed commercial pilot for single-engine aircraft.

He says the Book of Psalms is the Book of the Bible that has had the greatest impact on his spiritual life and often reflects on the image of The Holy Mother Theotokos.

Even though he is just beginning the seminarian discernment process, when asked if he had any advice to give someone else at this point, O’Brien quoted Father Clarence Cerwonka, Pastor Emeritus at Most Holy Rosary Church in Maine, N.Y., who told him, “Strive for what the Holy Spirit wants you to do.”

Please keep Esteban Marengo, Daniel O’Brien, as well as their families, all our seminarians, and all those discerning diocesan priesthood in your prayers!

If you have thought about the possibility of the priesthood, you are encouraged to talk to your parish priest or Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Director of Vocations & Seminarians, to help you further discern your vocation.

SCRANTON – With the cost of groceries, fuel and other household expenses continuing to rise, Christine Ward has often found herself in need of a helping hand.

She is very thankful for the dedicated volunteers of Saint Paul Parish in Scranton’s Green Ridge section, who operate a parish food pantry every Friday from the basement of Saint Clare Church.

“It is very important. We come twice a month and there is a lot of stuff that you can choose. They have a lot of choices,” Ward said.

Christine Ward of Scranton expresses her gratitude to the volunteers who operate the Saint Paul Parish food pantry on a weekly basis. The parish received a $5,000 Social Justice Grant this year from the Diocesan Annual Appeal to serve its community. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

The pantry has seen its numbers skyrocket in recent years.

“People fall through the cracks every day that never thought they would fall between the cracks and sometimes we don’t recognize, just in the general public around us, who those people are,” food pantry volunteer Noreen Rowland said.

Ward says the volunteers are courteous and respectful and really want to help their community.

“It’s actually good to come here because you get there and they ask you what you want. You can choose what you want – like Corn Flakes or any kind of cereal – and then you can choose your coffee, hot chocolate, tea, fruits and all different things,” Ward added.

In just the last year, Saint Paul Parish food pantry volunteers distributed more than 22,500 pounds of food.

Barbara Burkhouse, who has helped coordinate distribution efforts for the last 16 years, says the food pantry might have helped only five families a week in the past.

Now, the number of families helped each week is usually upwards of 25 families.

“They have increased significantly this year. We could see that as some of the benefits that were being given to people were cut back,” Burkhouse explained.

While supported by parishioner donations and area businesses, gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal also play a critical role in helping the Saint Paul Parish food pantry fulfill its mission.

The parish is one of 24 parishes that has received a Social Justice Grant from the Diocesan Annual Appeal this year. The parish also received a grant for its food pantry in 2022.

The $5,000 grant that the parish requested directly helps people in their local community.

“It is amazing. We use every penny we get our hands on. With the grant, we do a lot of meat and seafood coupons. We actually give people a $20 meat/seafood coupon once a month so they can go to Gerrity’s and pick out their own choice. That is really appreciated,” Jody Maloney, co-coordinator of the Saint Paul Parish food pantry, said.

“The Diocesan grant, the $5,000, is extremely important to us and we’re delighted to receive it,” Burkhouse added.

As you consider how you are called to serve others, think about your brothers and sisters who receive a helping hand from the dedicated volunteers at the Saint Paul Parish food pantry.

“There are many clients that really rely on this and we see so many people that are raising grandchildren,” food pantry volunteer Kathleen Manley said. “Some of them are very outspoken as to just how grateful they are!”

MOUNTAIN TOP – A new academic year is underway for thousands of Catholic school students across the Diocese of Scranton.

As children and young adults return to their studies, they are returning to 19 schools that prioritize strong academic programs, a commitment to faith and a family-centered community where love and respect abound.

Students from Saint Jude School in Mountain Top walk through the halls of their school.

At Saint Jude School in Mountain Top, students, faculty and families work together to create a special environment.

“The kids that are in my class, that have been here since kindergarten, are all very close,” seventh grader Hannah Fauerbach said.

Dedicated teachers play an important role in the success of each school.

They plan interactive STREAM activities, connecting science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math, in lessons for all grade levels.

“We have a lot of activities in social studies, literature, English and science,” seventh grader Leah Smith said.

“I feel like they know each kid individually and they get to know their kids and they care about their children and my kids see that and they connect with the teachers and they have a special bond,” parent Rebecca Cabrera explained.

It is clear Christ is the reason for Saint Jude School.

Through artwork on display in the hallways, He is the unseen – but ever present – teacher in each classroom. Students are invited to become His disciples by praying daily and celebrating Mass weekly in neighboring Saint Jude Church.

“In the morning and in the afternoons we have prayers and then after lunch we have prayers,” seventh grader Elizabeth Bilbow said. “They really emphasize just how much religion means to us.”

“During Lent, every Friday, we do the Stations of the Cross and not many schools do that kind of stuff anymore so that just sets us apart,” fifth grader Robert Marcalus added.

Parents are also actively involved in the school.

Take for instance Saint Jude’s Field Day at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

More than 70 parents volunteered to participate. There is never a project too big or too small that parents will not tackle.

“Things get done. Things come together. People want to make things happen and make a great place for our kids,” parent Jill Carone said.

The Diocesan Annual Appeal directly benefits all 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton, including Saint Jude School.

Your gifts help each student learn that God is present and active in their lives.

With enrollment growing at Saint Jude School, Sister Ellen Fischer, school principal, says so do requests for tuition assistance.

“The (Diocesan Annual) Appeal is so important because the reality is, there are other families who want a Catholic education for their children, and the reality is sometimes they can’t quite afford it,” Sister Ellen said. “Donations to the school in various ways assists with making that a reality. We have to serve all God’s people.”

By your financial support of the Diocesan Annual Appeal, Saint Jude School can continue to be that warm, welcoming environment where even more students can come together to learn about and glorify God.

“We’ve got Saint Jude Spirit and we’re not afraid to show it and no one else can copy it!” sixth grader Rachel Atwal said.

HARVEYS LAKE – Exactly 100 years to the day of the first Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church on Sept. 3, 1923, parishioners filled the pews for a special centennial celebration.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the church’s 100th anniversary Mass on Sept. 3, 2023.

“There is a lot to give thanks for this day, most especially thanks and gratitude to God for the blessing of faith and for the gift of one another in and through whom the Lord is present and all of whom are truly the Church of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Bambera said in welcoming the faithful to the liturgy.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrates Mass for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Victory Church in Harveys Lake on Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

Dorothy Lutinski, 97, is the oldest living parishioner of the Harveys Lake parish. She was thrilled to attend the special Mass.

“I can’t believe it that I’m here to celebrate this special occasion. Everything turned out so beautiful,” Lutinski said. “I was a member of the choir for 35 years.”

Many of those in attendance for the anniversary Mass have deep connections to the church building itself – including the descendants of those who helped to dig the foundation of the building who presented Bishop Bambera a special basket as the Mass began.

“Every gathering of God’s people has special meaning,” Bishop Bambera noted in his homily. “We give thanks today for the living presence of God here in our midst on this altar as countless other individuals have done in this church for 100 years.”

Bishop Bambera thanked all of the people in attendance for helping to build up the Luzerne County church in his/her own way.

“It was just a beautiful celebration. Bishop Bambera said this is just a real treasure here and we are just blessed to be a part of this faith and this community,” parishioner Sara McGrath said.

“What is overwhelming to me is the vitality of the parish. There are a lot of young people here, there is life here, they’re willing to be active in the ways of the faith,” Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, pastor, Our Lady of Victory Parish, said.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera also gave parishioners a little history lesson. He asked if they were aware of the reason by the Most Rev. Michael Hoban, Second Bishop of Scranton, named the church Our Lady of Victory. He answered his own question – saying it was to honor soldiers from Harveys Lake (and the Diocese of Scranton) who served during World War I.

“What a wonderful way to commemorate the lives of those veterans who served and most of the recruits from this area, interestingly enough, served in Spain during the War. Hence, the reason for the architecture of your church which has a little bit of Spanish flavor to it,” Bishop Bambera noted.

While parishioners know the church is truly the People of God, many say the building itself is a critical piece of infrastructure for the lakeside community.

“One of the reasons that my husband and I bought the house that we did, is that when we sit on our porch we can see this beautiful church and everything that means to us. Our faith is here,” parishioner Merry Ann Edwards said. “Everybody here is just so loving and giving. We all enjoy working together to do what we can for the church and our community. I’m honored and blessed to be part of this parish.”

“I think everyone in the community carries on the work of Christ as we see them around the lake and on the lake and in church,” McGrath added. “Every one just has such a loving and welcoming spirit here.”

ROCK LAKE – With a celebration as big as a 185th anniversary – the joy simply could not be contained to just one weekend!

Parishioners of Saint Juliana Church came together on two consecutive weekends in August to mark the dedication of their beloved house of worship in northern Wayne County.

The first – and largest celebration – was held on Saturday, Aug. 19 as part of the church’s annual “Rock Lake Picnic.” The church picnic, originating as early as 1838, has been held annually to financially support the church’s construction and upkeep.

Festivities included a traditional turkey and ham dinner, along with other food, children’s games and art, live music throughout the day, a huge finder’s market, homemade bake sale and raffles.

Participating in the Aug. 19, 2023 anniversary Mass at Saint Juliana Church are, Rev. Joseph Mosley, Deacon Carl Albright, Rev. Arun Lakra, pastor, Rev. Patrick Albert and Rev. Seth Wasnock.

Reverend Arun Lakra, pastor of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, celebrated Mass at 5:30 p.m. in the church.

Concelebrating the liturgy were Rev. Patrick Albert, pastor of the parish from 2005-2015, as well as Rev. Seth Wasnock and Rev. Joseph Mosley, pastor and senior priest from Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Carbondale.

In his homily, Father Arun quoted Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Father spoke of rejoicing with gladness for the beautiful day that was provided along with the blessing of past priests, friends, relatives and neighbors. He stressed that as individuals, families, a parish and community, “we are one.”

Reminding those in attendance of the unconditional love that God has for each of us, Father Arun said we are called to share the joy and blessings we receive.

His final question to parishioners – “Do I recognize the blessings of God in my life and am I grateful to Him?” – challenged those in the crowd to reflect on the many gifts they are given.

Parishioner Jim Biondo expressed gratitude for the presence of the priests and Deacon Carl Albright and provided a warm welcome to all attending the picnic Mass.

Biondo let those present know of how the picnic team and parishioners are mindful of, grateful for, and in awe of the sacrifices of those who came before them. He honored the pride and dedication of all the picnic volunteers and thanked the parishioners and friends of Saint Juliana Church who helped to make her “shine again.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was present at Saint Juliana Church on Sunday, Aug. 27, to celebrate the church’s 185th anniversary.

He recalled visiting Saint Juliana’s for the Sacrament of Confirmation and commented that his father hunted in nearby Rileyville and had probably attended Mass at Saint Juliana’s as a young boy.

The bishop’s homily reflected on 185 years of faith being proclaimed and professed in this little corner of God’s kingdom, which was established 30 years before the Diocese of Scranton itself. He urged people to reflect less upon the building and more upon the celebration of the very presence of Jesus.

Bishop Bambera commented upon the fact that the Sacrament of the Eucharist has been celebrated in this area for nearly 200 years and asked parishioners to recall the people who once journeyed with them in faith and those who continue to walk the same journey.

The bishop invited parishioners to give thanks for the opportunity to share in Christ’s work by building up the Body of Christ, in living and proclaiming the Gospel message, reminding those in attendance, that as people of faith, they have cared for, consoled and celebrated with each other and have reason to be thankful.

“If we look carefully, we will see the result of Jesus in our hearts when we see people serving others by becoming the hands, hearts and voice of Christ,” Bishop Bambera said. “This church is a blessed opportunity for mercy and forgiveness. The power of Christ is in the church. This celebration reminds us that we gather for a mission. We gather to be fortified and to go forth to proclaim the Gospel and live in peace. The light of Christ has shown brightly in this community for 185 years. The power and presence of God is at the heart of who we are as Christians. We must have gratitude and hope for all that has been and all that will continue to be, in the grace of God present in our midst.”

After Mass, Bishop Bambera was warmly received by parishioners at a reception within the walls of the original horse and buggy barn, build in 1855. He graciously visited with all present and in departing, left them with smiles and fond memories.

(OSV News) – Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. Catholic Church’s international relief and development agency, is assisting recovery efforts following a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 2,900 people in Morocco and injured thousands, the group said.

Caroline Brennan, CRS’ emergency communications director, told OSV News Sept. 12 that CRS would support the relief work of Caritas Morocco and Caritas Rabat, the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Rabat, as both Moroccan Catholic aid agencies respond to the earthquake that struck in the High Atlas Mountains the night of Sept. 8.

A woman walks next to her donkey in the rubble of her destroyed home in Tinmel, Morocco, Sept. 11, 2023, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake Sept. 8, which has claimed the lives of thousands and left thousands of others homeless. Catholic Relief Services, the overseas relief and development arm of the U.S. Catholic Church, is working with Caritas Rabat to provide assistance to people in Morocco. (OSV News photo/Hannah McKay, Reuters)

“CRS, among many Caritas global members, is supporting the efforts of Caritas Rabat and Caritas Morocco as they map out these very early stages of emergency relief that provide support for people just to get by through each day, you know, things that you and I might need each day to get through, from blankets to food,” Brennan said.

Brennan also said that telecommunications aid is a key effort in order to make sure survivors can communicate with loved ones.

“One of the greatest challenges in emergencies like this, one of the greatest needs that you hear from families, is just wanting to contact their loved ones to find out if they’re safe and to communicate where they are, communicate how they can meet, helping you find each other to find out if each other is OK,” she said. “And so that need for connection is really significant in a time like this.”

In assisting disaster relief around the world, Brennan said, CRS provides for immediate physical needs but also is mindful of unique or culture-specific needs that may arise. In Muslim-majority Morocco, for instance, female survivors without shelter may have additional privacy needs beyond those of other cultures and female-headed households may be reluctant to travel due to safety risks.

Other concerns include giving survivors space and resources to grieve the loss of loved ones.

“It’s really beyond just the physical needs of course, food and clean water and safe shelter are fundamental, paramount to being able to cope at a time like this, but also is really being mindful of those emotional needs,” she said.

Brennan said she feels “so privileged and fortunate to have seen the impact of donations from the U.S. in emergency contexts around the world.”

“However people are able to engage, if it’s their time, their talent, or treasure, it certainly makes an enormous difference,” she said.

(OSV News) – A decrease in religious belief remains a “significant challenge” in cultivating vocations to the priesthood, said a vocations expert at a recent conference.

Diocesan vocations directors continue “to work against a culture of secularism in which the purpose and meaning of one’s life for so many of our young people … is defined by themselves,” Father Chuck Dornquast, director of vocations for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, told OSV News.

Aidan Hauersper, a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, prays Morning Prayer May 4, 2023, in the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind. (OSV News photo/courtesy St. Meinrad Archabbey)

Father Dornquast shared his thoughts during the Aug. 28-Sept. 1 convention of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, or NVDVD, of which the priest is vice president.

Founded in 1962, the nonprofit works closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to promote and support priestly vocations. Membership is open to all Catholic dioceses and eparchies in the U.S., with associate memberships available to Catholic dioceses outside of the U.S.

The convention, now in its 60th year, drew more than 218 priests, some 20 men and women religious, and lay men and women from six countries to the Immaculate Conception Retreat Center in Huntington, New York, NCDVD executive director Rose Sullivan told OSV News.

“Prayer, fraternity and conversations about the sacred ministry of vocations” were at the heart of the gathering, said Sullivan.

The solidarity experienced at the convention bolstered participants for the work of inviting young adults to consider vocations — their living out the particular call to discipleship that Jesus Christ calls them to — that are diametrically at odds with the prevailing culture, said Father Dornquast.

Youth and young adults have “become the determiner of the meaning of their lives,” he said. “Seeking their own happiness is their primary goal, and (it’s) what they’re formed to seek after.”

Vocations directors are “working against that culture of secularism,” he said.

At the same time, those labors are not in vain, he added.

“Thankfully, we’re also witnessing great fruit,” said Father Dornquast. “There is a spirit of holiness which is coming about in many young people across our country, and (we’re) finding the ways to work with them.”

With the Catholic Church in the U.S. celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival, nurturing devotion to the Eucharist is one of the ways in which vocation directors can encourage young men to discern whether Jesus has called them to the priesthood.

According to the 2023 “Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood” by Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, regular Eucharistic adoration figured heavily in the pre-seminary prayer practices of the class of 2023, cited by 73% of the survey participants.

Following adoration was the rosary (66%), prayer group or Bible study (45%), high school retreats (37%) and “lectio divina” (35%).

Parish youth groups, as well as participating in liturgical ministries such as altar server and lector, were also significant factors in vocational development.

A majority of the survey respondents (63%) cited parish priests as those who most encouraged their priestly vocations.

(OSV News) – Legal abortions most likely increased in the United States in the first six months of 2023 compared with 2020, according to a New York Times analysis of data from the Guttmacher Institute, which opposes abortion restrictions.

The data from Guttmacher, based on what it calls a representative sample of legal abortion providers, is from the first half of 2023; it follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned prior rulings by the high court making abortion access a constitutional right. Following the Dobbs ruling, 22 states have moved to ban or restrict abortion, although not all of those efforts are currently in effect amid court challenges.

The analysis found that about 511,000 abortions were estimated to have occurred in states or territories where the procedure was legal within the first six months of 2023, an increase from about 465,000 abortions nationwide in a six-month period of 2020.

An examining room at the Planned Parenthood South Austin Health Center in Texas is shown in a file photo. The Guttmacher Institute, a research arm for the abortion industry, finds that abortion rates have risen in most states in 2023, following the end of the Roe v. Wade era. (OSV News photo/Ilana Panich-Linsman, Reuters)

Most states where abortion remains legal saw increases, the analysis found, particularly in states like Illinois that border states greatly restricting the procedure.

The data does not account for what may be illegal procedures, such as abortion pills ordered from overseas; however, the increased number of abortions may also reflect other efforts to broaden access to abortion by the Biden administration, including through telemedicine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug mifepristone, the first of two drugs used in a medication or chemical abortion, is currently facing a legal challenge but remains on the market.

Patrick Brown, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, told OSV News that Guttmacher’s numbers show a steady decline in abortion from 1980 until 2017, “when they started to rise again.”

“We don’t have reliable data beyond 2020 yet,” Brown said, noting the Guttmacher data surveying clinics is essentially “a best guess, but imperfect approach.”

“They are essentially trying to extrapolate what the change has been since 2020,” he said.

Since the abortion rate had already been increasing, Brown said, an estimated increase since 2020 may not necessarily be attributed to an increase in women seeking out-of-state procedures.

“It’s too soon to tell with any certainty what the national trend is right now,” he said.

Although it “is still a big question as to why abortion rates started rising again in 2017, after decades of decreasing,” Brown said, “One real possibility is that the FDA’s changes to regulations around chemical abortions (mifepristone) may have made a difference, and they expanded access again during COVID.”