Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade is the Supreme Court ruling that determined the right to privacy includes the right for a woman to terminate her pregnancy. This effectively made abortion legal up to the third trimester (however, third trimester abortions are legal if there are risks to the health and life of the mother). Its companion case, Doe v. Bolton, was decided on the same day. It defined health in such broad terms- to include all factors from physical, to emotional, to economic- that it effectively legalized abortion through all stages of pregnancy (Do You Know Doe, n.d.).
This election has highlighted the importance of voting on the issues. Gallup polls have indicated that 21% of voters will only vote for candidates who share their view on abortion and 46% stated this as a major issue of consideration (Rifkin, 2015).
What are the implications for abortion laws for our new president-elect, Donald Trump? With a Republican majority in the House and Senate, and promises of appointing pro-life justices to the Supreme Court, could we see an overturn of Roe v. Wade? If this were to happen, it would not mean a nationwide ban on abortion. Rather, the jurisdiction of deciding the legality of abortion would be given to the states. This gives the power to the people, and lets them be heard. While there are some states where abortion is likely to remain legal, there are others that may implement the restrictions placed prior to Roe v Wade and others that would enact new restrictions (Henig, 2008).
The next thing to consider is what should we do now? Do we wait to see if it is overturned or do we act proactively?
I would suggest that now is the time to put in the footwork. In the time leading up to this potential overture, we should be gaining support for the pro-life cause With so much access to information and media, our voices for life need to be heard. Education about why we should protect life needs to be widespread. Stay informed and stay involved! It is critical to petition and call our Congressional representatives to let it be known that we stand for life. Consider showing up at Town Hall meetings with a large enough group to avoid being unnoticed.
Above all, remember that all we do, we do in love. All the facts that we have on our side will not change hearts and minds if not done in grace and love.
In the posts to come, some of the reasons why we stand for life will be discussed. Tell us, why are YOU pro-life?
Sources
Do You Know Doe? (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2016, from https://rtl.org/prolife_issues/DoYouKnowDoe.htm
Henig, J. (2008, April 6). Effect of Overturning Roe v. Wade. Retrieved November 16, 2016, from http://www.factcheck.org/2008/04/effect-of-overturning-roe-v-wade/
Riffkin, R. (2015, May 29). Abortion Edges Up as Important Voting Issue for Americans. Retrieved November 16, 2016, from http://www.gallup.com/poll/183449/abortion-edges-important-voting-issue-americans.aspx