NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The NYPD is planning to increase patrols at Catholic churches this weekend after a leaked Supreme Court draft ruling revealed the court is preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that enshrined the right to abortion.
The Catholic Church has long organized and lobbied against abortion rights in the United States through groups like the National Right to Life Committee, which was started by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1967, or by providing an advocacy blueprint, like in the case of the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities.
The NYPD instructed officers to drive by Catholic churches at least twice per tour between midnight on Friday and midnight on Sunday.
“Due to recent events surrounding the US Supreme Court document leak pertaining to Roe v. Wade, cops must have a heightened awareness while on patrol,” said an NYPD memo sent Thursday that was obtained by the New York Post.
The memo told officers to be extra vigilant during Sunday morning mass.
The Archdiocese of New York is also planning to increase private security.
NYC for Abortion Rights is planning a protest at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral on Saturday morning.
Pro-choice advocates have long criticized the church for hosting Witness for Life, a group that pickets abortion clinics and harasses patients.
A draft ruling indicating the Supreme Court’s intent to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked to Politico on Monday.
Activists have organized multiple protests against the imminent ruling since then.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story stated that the Catholic Church finances anti-abortion politicians. This is not true. Though individual parishes do invite politicians to events that result in donations, it is illegal in the U.S. for religious organizations and charities with tax-exempt status to donate to campaigns.
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