Rite for Blessing of Child in Womb / Bilingual: Rito de Bendición de una Criatura en el Vientre Materno

Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb / Rito de Bendición de una Criatura en el Vientre Materno (Bilingual) was crafted to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for -- and recognition of -- the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society.

It is now available for use by dioceses in the United States (May 2012). It may be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.

"We hope the use of this blessing will provide not only support and God's blessing for expectant parents and their child in the womb, but also another effective witness to the sanctity of human life from the first moment of conception," said Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

It was approved by the U.S. bishops in November 2008, and then sent to Rome for editing and final approval.