Fighting for Life and Why It Matters

Today marks the 49th anniversary of the tragic Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Ever since, there have been many marches, mainly the March for Life in Washington DC, rallies, novenas, and other events to help raise awareness of the cruelty and unfairness of this ruling that declared the constitutional right to an abortion nationwide. And this coming summer, it may finally be overturned as the Supreme Court will announce its decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, which came out of Mississippi and questions the constitutionality of a state law banning abortions after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. However, even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, the pro-life movement will still have to fight to make abortion unthinkable in the minds of all. The matter of legalizing it will be turned over to the individual states and they could still choose to allow it if they wish. To truly eradicate abortion, pro-life advocates will have to continue to fight as hard as they have been for the last 49 years.

            Pro-life advocates have organized many fundraisers, marches, and other events over the year to educate others on the development of a baby in the womb and show them the humanity of that baby in an effort to change the minds of those who are leaning toward having an abortion and inspire them to go on educating and encouraging others who may also be thinking about abortion to choose life. On any given day, you can go to a Planned Parenthood and find sidewalk counselors outside the building waiting to talk to expectant mothers who are on their way inside to get them to turn away and choose their child. Clubs and groups in schools can be dedicated to the pro-life cause and you may have been a part of one at your school. There are many different ways you and others can and should get involved in the pro-life movement and continue to fight for the right to life of all people.

            But why should we fight so hard to make sure that abortion is completely outlawed and all get a chance at life? Simply put, what is the use of any other right without the right to life? We can fight for people’s right to healthcare and education and also to basic things like food, water, and shelter, and we should, but in order to have these rights, there needs to be people to make use of them. We have no right to say that certain people have the right to these things but that others do not because they don’t even have the right to live. We are not the authors of life, God is, and if He wills someone into being we have no right to take that away. The right to life is the first basic right afforded to every human being, and a baby in the womb is certainly a human being, just in a different stage of development and in a different location. If the killing of another who is outside of the womb is outlawed, why should abortion be any different? These are questions that the pro-life advocate needs to think about and pose to others to plant a seed and get them thinking about their support of abortion and what is driving that support. We may be surprised by who we can touch and the conversations we start with others. Communication is key to reaching those who think differently than us, and oftentimes they may just need a different way of looking at and thinking about things.

            If you are not already involved in the pro-life movement, there are many ways to get involved. Yesterday, the March for Life in Washington DC was held, and it draws thousands of people from across the country every year. You can sign up to attend it, or other marches that are more local in your area. There are also clubs and groups, as I’ve said before, that may attend these marches or other rallies together, and also hold other events to help spread the word about the gift of life and help others see it as well. There are also organizations who help women that may be in a difficult situation that is making them consider abortion, like financial trouble or little family support. These organizations include Walking With Moms in Need and Pro Love Ministries. Donating to these or any other pro-life organization is a great help in the fight against abortion. You can also write to your senators or congressmen to urge them to support bills that block access to abortion rights and support life. And, if there’s really nothing else you can do, prayer is of course a powerful means to support the pro-life cause. Praying for those who actively do the work can give them the spiritual strength and graces to keep going when things seem futile and to always persevere in the fight for life of all people.

            This year may be the final year we have to fight to take abortion rights away nationwide. And for the pro-life movement, it will be a victory and one step closer to bringing our country back to an understanding and heeding of the respect of all human life. However, it will sadly not be the end and we will still need to fight to end abortion completely. But when it comes to human life, the people who fight are very passionate and persevere in what they do. And it should be that way, because we all have the inherent right to life given to us by God. If you are not already praying for or working in the pro-life movement, please consider doing so and together we can fight to end the atrocity of abortion.