by Diane Albers, President of National Lutherans For Life
I never thought that Roe and Casey would be overturned. Yes, I prayed for that result through most of my life but, considering the political climate of our country last spring, I just did not see it happening. However, if I ever needed a reminder that God still answers (many) prayers with miracles, then June 24, 2022, was that reminder!
“We therefore hold that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
Justice Samuel Alito in his writing of the majority opinion in Dobbs
Have you been celebrating? No, everything is not perfect now, but we can celebrate this victory! However, that decision brought out a lot of lies and misinformation—and worse. For example, Dobbs did not outlaw surgery for an ectopic pregnancy or prevent all abortions in all 50 states. (Each state has the authority to regulate abortions through its legislature.) Aside from refuting the lies, life-affirming people, churches, and pregnancy resource centers have had to contend with vandalism and the fear of what might happen.
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord … Behold, I have put my words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:8-9).
Things continue to shift as abortion providers push hard to expand their business in the states that have few or no restrictions on abortion. There are “abortion vans” that travel across state borders and more abortion facilities being built on those borders near train and bus stations. Women of all ages are more often going online to order abortion pills that will be mailed to their home. And now Walgreens and CVS are planning to sell these lethal pills with a prescription.
So, what can we do? We must keep doing what we have always done. We must continue to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. We must be sure our own church members, families, friends, and co-workers understand the value that God places on all human life.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30: 19).
Encourage your church to form a Life Team or combine your Life Team with others to form a Life Chapter so that together you can do even bigger things. Be that someone who organizes (or helps organize) that Baby Bottle Boomerang, diaper shower, and lap quilt making session for nursing home residents. Invite speakers to explain Lutherans For Life or Word of Hope or Y4Life—or to inform you on life issues like human trafficking. Organize a funeral planning session or present a life-affirming children’s message or a chapel in your school or preschool/daycare. Be the one who goes in to rescue the defenseless and the discarded—and take your church with you! Choose Life!