(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) — As we celebrate the second anniversary of the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, I find myself reflecting on the history of the pro-life movement while also dreaming of the future ahead.
Despite years of hard work and dedication, many people believed that Roe v. Wade would never be overturned. But by remaining focused on our goal to protect life at all stages, the pro-life movement witnessed the end of a precedent that had darkened our nation for 50 years.
As we know, with such a monumental victory comes great change and, of course, new challenges. Fortunately, the pro-life community is equipped with all the necessary resources.
Perhaps the biggest challenge confronting our movement is ensuring that women facing unexpected pregnancies know they are loved, they are strong, and there are resources available to them so that they do not have to walk alone.
Tragically, the vast majority of women who chose abortion say they would have preferred to parent if they had received requisite emotional and financial support. Nearly 70% say their abortions were coerced, unwanted, or inconsistent with their preferences.
They were repeatedly told the lie that they had to choose between their child and their happiness and fulfillment. There is so much more in store for these women.
For decades, the pro-life community has empowered women in these difficult circumstances by serving as a source of refuge, solace, and hope. Since Roe was overturned two years ago, these efforts to encourage women have only grown. A nationwide network of over 3,000 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes exists to provide round-the-clock care and support to pregnant women, no matter their situation, background, or story.
These centers and homes are changing lives. In 2022 alone, they served nearly 975,000 women with approximately $358 million in free services, including ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, as well as physical and emotional resources such as diapers, food, formula, financial aid, counseling, and so much more.
Yet just as important as the physical items provided by these centers are the simple gifts of unconditional love and support they offer. In crisis circumstances, women need to hear that they are strong and capable. They need to hear that they can be great mothers while simultaneously reaching for greatness in all their hopes and dreams. Pregnancy resource center staff assure these women they are not alone in their journeys.
Through the selfless hard work of pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across the country and the devoted support they receive from pro-lifers in their communities, it is clear the pro-life movement stands with every woman and for every child.
Sadly, pro-abortion politicians are on the opposite track with a profoundly anti-woman mission that seeks to slash the direct support offered to mothers by these charitable organizations. Across the country, pregnancy resource centers have faced threats, vandalism, and political persecution simply because of their efforts to defend the lives of both women and unborn children.
Abortion activists are seeking to eliminate these centers, striking at the heart of women’s health and well-being while contributing to pro-abortion legislators’ broader plan of imposing the nation’s most radical abortion agenda upon all people. Both President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have announced intentions to eliminate the filibuster if Biden is reelected in order to enshrine on-demand abortion through all nine months of pregnancy into federal law. Meanwhile, numerous efforts are underway to amend state constitutions so they, too, enshrine access to unrestricted elective abortion while also abolishing state pro-life laws.
How incomprehensible it is that abortion is being sold as the catch-all “solution” to the challenges women face. Today, abortions are tragically occurring throughout all nine months of pregnancy. In fact, more than 55,000 abortions occur annually at or after 15 weeks gestation, past the point at which babies can feel pain. Pro-abortion members of Congress oppose any protections for these children.
It is imperative that we continue to fight against this unprecedented extremism in defense of the most vulnerable among us. In this quest for life, we must remain hopeful for what lies ahead, especially considering that a majority of people oppose abortion extremism and instead believe in offering tangible support and resources to women in need.
It took half a century of dedicated and passionate marching before the victorious overturn of Roe v. Wade. If it takes another 50 years to live in a nation in which innocent life is cherished and protected at all stages, then we will face each day, each battle, and each year with the same love embodied by those who came before us.
Let the Dobbs decision be a reminder of the glorious things we can achieve when the pro-life community is united and determined in the fight for life. The torch has been passed to us, and it is up to us to ensure it continues to burn with more light for the next 50 years and beyond.
