FROM THE DIRECTOR
June 24 is the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision that reversed Roe v. Wade. This is a victory day for pro-lifers! The court held: “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
I don’t think I will ever get tired of reading that phrase! It shouldn’t be a surprise that this huge victory did not immediately bring unity across the states. A deep division is evident between states that have secured pro-life political leadership and those that have not.
In this year’s legislative session, Florida and North Carolina, among others, passed laws limiting abortion to early pregnancy. Right now, 22 states have protective laws in place!
But in states like California, Washington and Oregon, leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to legal abortion for any reason at any time during pregnancy, even after a baby can survive an early delivery. Instead of considering any limits on abortions whatsoever, some states have passed laws that shield abortion providers who travel across state lines and approved budgets that allocate even more tax dollars to the abortion industry.
Is there hope for us? I believe there is. Florida and North Carolina are examples of states that did not start out as strong pro-life states. It is imperative that we move forward with resolve.
All around us, in our families and neighborhoods, there are people in need. Mothers and fathers who need support and encouragement to choose life.
When our communities are involved with saving lives instead of taking them, the values of individuals and thus the whole society will be affected. What people value will impact other decisions, like whom to vote for.
And we must continue to support pro-life candidates. Pro-life political leadership has an important role in stopping bad policies, as well as building for the future when we will pass pro-life legislation.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade is arguably the most significant policy victory in a generation. However, it isn’t the end; it is just the beginning. Oregon Right to Life has developed strategic, effective programs to organize your community, inspire and equip pro-life students and support pro-life political leaders. Together we can transform our state!
