WASHINGTON -- Cardinal Seán O'Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), responded, July 29, to recent videos showing leaders from Planned Parenthood discussing the provision of fetal organs, tissues, and body parts from their abortion clinics.

"Pope Francis has called abortion the product of 'widespread mentality of profit, the throwaway culture, which has today enslaved the hearts and minds of so many,'" Cardinal O'Malley said in his statement.

He said the recent news stories direct public attention to two larger issues in society.

"The first is abortion itself: a direct attack on human life in its most vulnerable condition. The second is the now standard practice of obtaining fetal organs and tissues through abortion. Both actions fail to respect the humanity and dignity of human life. This fact should be the center of attention in the present public controversy."

Cardinal O'Malley also noted that for anyone who experiences trauma as a result of the news coverage or seeing the videos can contact the Archdiocese of Boston's Project Rachel.

"If the Planned Parenthood news coverage has caused anyone to experience revived trauma from their own involvement in abortion, be assured that any and all persons will be welcomed with compassion and assistance through the Church's post-abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel. If you or someone you know would like confidential, nonjudgmental help, please visit www.projectrachel.com," the cardinal said.