Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child lept in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said "Of all you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled." Cf. (NJB Lk. 1:39-45)
Pregnancy should be a time of great joy. How many expectant mothers greet their friends with the news of their pregnancies, just like Mary and Elizabeth. They also are full of joy in the knowledge that they are with child?
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace,
peace for his people. Ps. 8:4
Let us pray for all pregnant girls and women who may not find joy in being pregnant.
May God's great love caress them and lift their troubled minds and hearts.
May they look to Him for guidance and find their answers and decisions only in him.
Please also remember in your prayers all political leaders who make choices on the people's behalf.
May they be guided by God's Holy Spirit in all their decisions.
Those who exercise authority should do so as a service. The exercise of authority is measured morally in terms of its divine origin, its reasonable nature and its specific object. No one can command or establish what is contrary to the dignity of persons and the natural law. Cf. (CCC 2232)
Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person. Cf. CCC 2237)