Our world seems inundated with distressing news: Russia waging war against neighboring Ukraine. Escalating gas prices. Mounting inflation. Murders in our streets. Drug overdose deaths. Political battles. Secularism.
One piece of good news could be coming soon, and that is the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court at long last overturning the tragic 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that has led to more than 60 million unborn lives lost in the country during the past 49 years.
On May 2, a leaked draft was published of a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which addresses the state of Mississippi’s abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. According to the draft, the high court would return decisions on abortions to the states, and the national right to abortion would end.
So many people have prayed in their homes and churches and chapels and outside abortion centers for so long that Roe would be struck down. It seemed like that day would never arrive. If it does, it’s truly a miracle.
At the same time, celebrating should be muted because abortion is not going away. As it stands, more than 20 states have laws in place that would ban abortion once Roe falls, but more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation that would continue to make abortions legal.
Some governors have brazenly touted their states as havens for abortion and invited women to take advantage of their liberal policies on killing the unborn even up until birth. Many major corporations have announced that they would assist their employees in procuring an abortion in another state if it’s not possible where they live.
Sadly, and predictably, the reaction to the news of an impending decision has drawn a firestorm of protests throughout the country.
Protesters have demonstrated in front of the homes of justices whom they believe to have concurred with the draft majority decision in the Dobbs case. Alito and his family were moved to a safe location for their protection.
The news has exacerbated the great divide between politicians on both sides. What’s really hard to watch are the so-called Catholic politicians who want to do everything in their power to enshrine abortion as the law of the land.
You know their names. They should be ashamed.
All Catholics who support abortion need to examine their consciences. It’s time to understand that the lack of respect for life at its most vulnerable point leads to an acceptance of killing and abuse at every stage, whether it’s through war, murder or euthanasia.
The “choice” side has successfully implemented one of the most effective marketing campaigns in history. They have masterfully spun the debate as a “women’s right to choose,” discounting the fact that the baby has no right to decide his or her fate, and the secular media eagerly promotes that argument.
In the weeks and months to come, the mainstream media will continue to be a willing partner in shaping favorable coverage of abortion backers. If you are pro-life, you will be cast by the media as a villain and a person on the fringe of society who is out of touch with reality.
You will see tremendous pressure on the Catholic Church to downplay its support for the unborn. The Church has already experienced virulent, vile and vindictive reactions with the desecration of churches, stolen tabernacles and more.
Church leaders have spoken out this month with hopeful words regarding the potential end of Roe. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a strong statement. The bishops of New York published a long letter defending life and calling out politicians in a state that permits unlimited access to abortion.
A local priest in a recent Sunday homily spoke more demonstrably than we’re accustomed to hearing from the pulpit about the evils of abortion. He said it’s time for the Church to hold public officeholders accountable.
He’s absolutely right. After all, what does it say about the Church’s credibility that two of the country’s most prominent and powerful politicians proudly and repeatedly flout one of its basic teachings?
Now is the time to redouble our efforts in the Church to defend all human life. Fortunately, Ohioans live in a state that already has put abortion restrictions in place, but faithful witness, in addition to providing support for mothers and their babies, remains crucial.