Editorial

The work to end abortion—and to help mothers in need—is far from over

Pray for an end to abortion.

Reza por el fin del aborto.

Whether in English, Spanish or any other language, the heartfelt message above should strike a chord with every generation.

It should speak to cultures across the globe as well.

And Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, our Jewish brothers and sisters and people of every faith tradition should be haunted by the statistics—64 million children lost to abortion and counting in the U.S. alone. They should do all they can to make sure unborn children are protected in their mother’s womb, until they are delivered to live the life our Creator has planned for them.

While some in society sadly still view unborn children as a burden, our faith instructs us nothing could be further from the truth. We are taught to value and protect all human life, from conception to natural death. And as disciples of Jesus, we will continue to engage in this battle, which, despite some who believe differently, is far from over.

The 2023 March for Life in Washington on Jan. 20 may have been viewed as a celebration of sorts. It marked the first time since the initial march in 1974 that Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion on demand, was no longer the law of the land.

Last June, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which centered on a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks, overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, stating that the rulings in these earlier cases erroneously recognized a right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs, the matter of regulating or restricting abortion was returned to state legislatures.

Some states have already begun taking drastic actions. California has become a sanctuary state and allows abortion through birth. Proposition 1, a ballot measure passed by its residents last November, amended the state constitution to make abortion and contraceptive access a fundamental right for Californians.

Other states, like Indiana, are working to strengthen its pro-life witness. As reported on page 2 of this week’s issue of The Criterion, the Indiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Jan. 19 on a case regarding Senate Bill 1, legislation enacted last August that provides extensive protections for the unborn from abortion except in cases of rape, incest and in particular medical circumstances where the mother’s life is at risk.

The arguments addressed both a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers against the state’s Medical Licensing Board regarding the constitutionality of SB 1, and a preliminary injunction on the law as a result of the suit.

The arguments involved the question of whether the Indiana constitution protects the right to abortion.

Although it is not known when a court decision will be announced, we pray Indiana justices uphold the legislation and assist Hoosiers’ efforts in building a culture of life.

Jeanne Mancini, March for Life president, told attendees at a rally prior to the national march on Jan. 20 that “the country and world changed” when Roe was reversed last summer. But she said the annual March for Life would continue in Washington until abortion is “unthinkable.”

“While the March began as a response to Roe, we don’t end as a response to Roe being overturned,” Mancini said. “Why? Because we are not yet done.”

We must continue to do all we can to change minds and convert hearts. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling and pro-life legislation introduced in various states, there are many who still believe abortion is a fundamental right.

Our outreach assisting mothers and their unborn children will be paramount as we continue our mission to transform society. “Walking with Moms in Need” is an important ministry to assists our efforts, and resources can be found at www.walkingwithmomsindy.org.

Pregnant and parenting moms in need “really need to be accompanied to the point they know they’re loved and supported,” said Brie Anne Varick, coordinator of the archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity, after last June’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe. “Then they can choose life because they know they are loved by God, supported by the community and can give their child a good life or have the courage to give their child to a family who can give them a good life.

“This is where our pro-life efforts need to go. Walk with moms in need, love them into life and help them choose life.”

—Mike Krokos