The Catholic Bishops of North Dakota, through the North Dakota Catholic Conference, are asking North Dakota legislators to enact a package of proposals to help pregnant women, children, and families.
Christopher Dodson, Executive Director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, says the proposals include sales tax exemptions for diapers and infant car seats, and income tax credits for contributions to organizations that help pregnant women and new mothers.
"Some of these programs we've been proposing for years, but I think after the Dobbs decision there's renewed attention to what we can do. It's a unique opportunity for us to bring people together and say there are proposals that maybe both parties can agree on, and no matter what you position on abortion is, you can agree on them because they help people in need, especially pregnant women and new mothers."
The bishops are also calling for the expansion of the state's Alternatives to Abortion program and for creating stronger work protections for pregnant women.
Dodson says there is significant interest among legislators in the proposals.
"We're excited that there will be new opportunities this legislative session to refocus and take inventory. There are things that people can do in the private sector and there are things that people can do in the public sector. This is addressing the issue from various angles in the public sector, so that women, children, and pregnant mothers know they are loved and cared for in North Dakota."