The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly voted to draft a “teaching document” that will chastise American Catholics, particularly politicians, who support a woman’s right to choose their reproductive health decisions, specifically abortion.

According to the Associated Press, the bishops voted 168 in favor of and 55 against writing the letter that would stress the Church’s anti-abortion stance and the sanctity of life.  The proposal was opposed by Pope Francis and his American supporters who sought to stay out of the political issue of abortion.

More than half of American Catholics support legalized abortion of some degree, according to a poll taken last year by Pew Research.  Lapsed Catholics–those who no longer regularly attend Mass–are far more likely to support pro-choice legislations and politicians, and they cite the Church’s position on reproductive rights as a reason for them leaving the Church.

The move by the bishops falls short of what ultra-conservative and militant priests wanted:  a complete denial of the sacrament of Communion for Catholic politicians who support pro-choice legislation.

A practicing Catholic, President Joe Biden has vocally supported a woman’s Constitutional right to choose while saying he personally opposes abortion and would no counsel women in his family to seek one if they asked his advice.  The balance of the two–supporting a Constitutional right for others versus one’s personal practice–has put many Catholic pro-choice politicians and advocates at odds with Church doctrine.