ABSTRACT
The author of the consistent ethic of life and an acknowledged leader of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Bernardin has a well-established reputation as an activist in life issues. Without discounting his influence, however, one must recognize that there has been a steady increase in the numbers subscribing to a pro-choice position in Illinois since the 1989 Webster decision. Preambles are frequently the place for rhetorical flourishes. Yet Illinois pro-life legislators were able to act upon the sentiment of this introduction, which was entitled "Legislative intention," and place increasingly strict regulations on abortion procedures. The Conference's independent approach to pro-life issues has drawn criticism from those on both sides of the abortion debate. Some observers, while recognizing that the Conference agenda is consistent with the seamless garment argument, conclude that Bernardin is deliberately stepping away from abortion battles.
