"Morally Compromised": New Orleans Archdiocese Tells Catholics Not to Accept J&J Vaccine

The Archdiocese of New Orleans claims the vaccine is "morally compromised"

The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a statement today urging Catholics to avoid getting the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine on the grounds that it was “morally compromised.”

According to a press release, The Archdiocese issued the statement after receiving guidance from the Vatican, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The National Catholic Bioethics Center affirmed that while the vaccines currently available from Pfizer and Moderna do not rely on cell lines from abortions, the same cannot be said of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

“We maintain that the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine remains one of individual conscience in consultation with one’s healthcare provider. We also maintain that in no way does the Church’s position diminish the wrongdoing of those who decided to use cell lines from abortions to make vaccines. In doing so, we advise that if the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine is available, Catholics should choose to receive either of those vaccines rather than to receive the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine because of its abortion-derived cell lines.”

Meanwhile, state health officials are urging Louisianans to take whatever vaccine they are offered. “Don’t pass up the opportunity” to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine said Dr. Joseph Kanter, Louisiana Department of Health Interim Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health. Louisiana is scheduled to receive up to 38,000 doses of the single-shot vaccine this week.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 9,628 Louisianans have died from the coronavirus. There were 408 new cases reported today, with 20 new deaths. Currently, there are 629 patients hospitalized across the state, with 91 on ventilators. Although those numbers are an improvement over the last few months, health experts urge caution. Louisianans should continue to mask up, social distance whenever possible, and receive their vaccine as soon as they are able.

On social media, several people pointed out the irony of the Catholic Church calling the vaccine “morally compromised,” even as they face continued allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members. According to WWL-TV, 50 new claimants filed proof of claim forms with a New York-based firm processing compensation demands saying they were preyed upon by clergy members associated with the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last May, at least in part to avoid paying millions of dollars in settlement money owed to sex abuse victims.