Dobbs and Its Three Lessons: One Year Later

Hard to believe that the Dobbs v Jackson case was decided one year ago today. It has reversed the half-a-century unconstitutionality of the diabolical Roe v Wade. When Roe was decided in 1973, it was an all-male court. The Dobbs case saw that the Catholic judges would right the wrong of the high court.

Alito wrote that "the 1973 ruling ended a political process in which states had for years crafted their own stances on abortion.” Indeed, with the Dobbs decision ruled in favor of the conservative judges, at least thirteen states have outlawed abortion."

Evidently, his opinion was leaked six weeks earlier causing aggressive protests and even disruptions of Catholic Masses as the decision was about the be handed down prior to the summer recess.

Looking back at the decision one year later, there is so much we can learn from it. Three lessons come to mind as we look back at the landmark decision.

It’s Far from Over

Some thought that the Dobbs decision ended abortion. It didn’t. Rather, it sent the abortion debate back to the states. Many battleground states have much work to do. At the same time, states that passed abortion bans still must hold the line against abortion advocates in their states.

Pro-lifers are now tasked with building a culture of life in a post-Roe society by showing the nation and world that women and children must always be protected.

This is something that will not happen overnight, but it will be a long and daunting task that will take the faithful soldiers of God to rise to the occasion.

Thomas Kempis reminds us to, “Fight like a good soldier and if you sometimes fall through weakness, rise again with greater strength than before, trusting in My most abundant grace.” His quote is so poignant as we endure the long struggle to win the culture war.

Double Down

In the events leading up to Dobbs, we have seen more than 100 pregnancy centers and churches burned down or even had Mass or services disrupted by pro-aborts.

On college campuses, pro-life students have targets on their backs. Violence towards pro-lifers has surged in the wake of the Dobbs decision.

Even pro-abortion supporters are looking for every possible avenue to disrupt pro-life vigils and discourage praying and sidewalk counseling.

In Philadelphia, some pro-life volunteers have seen a group of about ten aggressive pro-abortions attempting to disrupt sidewalk counselors from offering help to women entering the facility that murders 6500 babies (90% of them are African American). It has been open since 1972.

According to one vigil participant, he saw a group during a recent outreach dressed like members of ANTIFA.

There were even pro-lifers attacked outside of abortion facilities like the ones in Baltimore that took place recently. Video surveillance outside of the Planned Parenthood city in the city showed a violent man attacking pro-lifers while abortion escorts stood there and watch. One of those victims was nearly beaten to death.

Bear the Cross

The persistent attack from pro-aborts may intimidate us, yet we must bring about victory. Psalm 60 reminds us that God will, “Help us against the enemy; human help is worthless. With God on our side, we will win; He will defeat our enemies.” (Psalm 60:11-12).

Sometimes we forget to fixate our focus in the pro-life movement. I have been guilty of this many times. We must look to the crucified Christ who died for us to conquer the sins of the whole world. Before he hung on there, he carried the heavy wood to Mt. Calvary. He overcame every buffet, battery, jeer, and mockery from those who claimed to have taken heed of his teachings.

For us, we must accept it as we continue to defend life at its most vulnerable stage. Mark Houck did that when he was brought up on bogus charges by the corrupted justice department. Thankfully, he was exonerated of the FACE Act. He wasn’t afraid to take on Biden’s corrupt regime which was set to make him a poster child of Biden’s radical agenda to silence pro-lifers.  

St Paul reminds us to “Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (Timothy 2:3). Since we received confirmation, we have become soldiers for Christ. We are called to fight for our faith. The final sacrament of initiation for those who are in the Roman Rite is so profound that we must be willing to accept the call.

As we reflect on the past year, we must step up and rise up to the occasion to build a culture of life. It begins at home when we teach our children in the school of love. It continues at work, in our community, and in the public square when we encounter those wounded or enslaved by our culture.

As Dobbs turns one, we must ensure that the United States is a Pro-Life nation. It begins when we change the hearts and minds of the ignorant mind, one person at a time. It starts when we encounter people where they are. It starts when we give our “yes” to the call to build a culture of life.

Happy Birthday, Dobbs!

Pro-lifers, there is work to do. Let’s get it done.