Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown Support Governor DeWine’s Opposition to the Death Penalty CANFIELD – The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown support Governor Mike DeWine’s call to end the death penalty in Ohio. Governor DeWine, who was among the legislators who helped write Ohio’s current death penalty statute, has publicly expressed a change in perspective over the years. During a June 16 press conference, he stated that the death penalty does not deter violent crime. The Ursuline Sisters have long advocated for the abolition of capital punishment. In the late 1980s, the Sisters adopted a corporate stance opposing the death penalty. In 2010, the Ursuline Sisters and the Sisters of the Humility of Mary jointly advocated for the abolition of the death penalty in Ohio. This position is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, which upholds the dignity of every human life from its beginning to its natural end. The Sisters also oppose capital punishment for several practical reasons, including: The death penalty is more likely to be applied to individuals who lack the resources to hire specially trained and experienced legal counsel. The cost of prosecuting and appealing death penalty cases far exceeds the cost of incarcerating individuals convicted of violent crimes for life without the possibility of parole. States have faced increasing difficulties obtaining the drugs used in executions. The execution of a convicted offender often does not bring closure to the families of victims. Prison employees involved in carrying out executions may experience significant emotional and psychological impacts. At the same time, the Ursuline Sisters grieve with families whose loved ones have been victims of gun violence or other capital offenses. No words and no punishment can restore a life lost to violence. The Ursuline Sisters encourage Ohio lawmakers to work alongside law enforcement officials and community leaders to develop more effective strategies for preventing gun violence and reducing violent crime.