An annual day dedicated in thanksgiving for abortion up to birth has met with severe criticism from an American archbishop.

Following a proclamation from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek that March 10 would henceforth be "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day", Archbishop Alexander Sample of Oregon lamented the move as a moment “when you realise just how far culture can drift from reality”.

“The idea that those who make a living (by) ending innocent, unborn life should be publicly honoured, thanked, applauded - this isn’t just moral confusion, it’s something deeper,” said Archbishop Sample in a March 13 pastoral teaching on the sanctity of life.