U.S. Catholics invited to pray for unborn life on Jan. 22

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has invited Catholics to participate in a nationwide day of prayer and penance for the protection of unborn life on Jan. 22.

The Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children was instituted by the USCCB to coincide with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Although the decision was overturned by the court in 2022, the conference explains that “state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to pre-born children.”

On Jan. 23, the 2026 national March for Life will be held in Washington, D.C. According to OSV News, the pro-life movement faces numerous challenges that include recent attempts to overturn the Hyde Amendment, a legislative provision that blocks federal funds for abortion except in rare cases. In September, the Food and Drug Administration also approved a new generic version of the drug mifepristone, which can be used to induce early abortions. Finally, since the overturning of Roe, and despite abortion bans in many states, the number of abortions nationwide has increased.

In a letter, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, asked Catholics to “support pregnant and parenting mothers in need and offer spiritual and emotional help to all who have participated in abortion.”

“Our united prayers, sacrifices, and efforts to protect human life and heal the wounds inflicted by abortion remain as important as ever,” the bishop said.

The USCCB has also offered suggestions for participating in the day of prayer and penance, including attending Mass, abstaining from meat or fasting, giving up TV or internet browsing for the day, or sacrificing one’s free time to perform a small act of service for someone in need.

To learn more, visit the USCCB website.

Featured image: A woman holds her daughter during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 19, 2023, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Thousands of Catholics across the country will pray for the protection of human life starting on Jan. 16, 2026. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)