Reprinted from the Center for Christian Thought and Action at Regent Univ.
Abortion was on the ballot in 7 states in last week’s election. Even with the presidential choice and those of numerous federal and state representative positions, the life issue dominated much of the American political conversation.
That media colloquy was effective. Enshrining the abortion right into their state’s constitution became a reality in most states that considered the option. Arizona, Nevada, Montana, and New York now have enshrined a state constitutional right to abortion. Nebraska has protected the right to abortion in the first trimester, and Colorado and Maryland have enshrined the right to abortion throughout pregnancy, with Colorado adding the use of tax dollars to pay for that termination of life.
Florida and South Dakota were among the few states to say NO
on a constitutional right to abortion. While Nebraska’s
amendment “cement[ed] the state’s current 12-week abortion ban in the state
constitution, a competing amendment to codify the right failed.”
The ballot in Missouri enshrined a new right to abortion. This flipped that state from a completely
pro-life state to now make abortion legal throughout pregnancy. This means that
“citizens
effectively voted to overturn their state’s abortion bans.”
Although the language of these amendments could have been
intentionally vague, the lack of clarity does not change the fact that these
outcomes have added a right to abortion to those state constitutions. Comparing
the numbers is enlightening:
AZ Trump 52.3% Abortion 61.6%
MO Trump 58.5% Abortion 51.6%
MT Trump 58.5% Abortion 57.6%
NV Trump 50.6% Abortion 64.2% (a second
vote is still required to pass the measure)
NB Trump 55.9% (1), 76.3% (3), Abortion 55.1% for 1st Trimester, 51.2% against
How did so many voters voice their conservative views on the
presidential election but were not
conservative on abortion?
One explanation may be that pro-lifers are not as predominant
as one may think. According
to a 2023 Statista survey, only 44% of Americans identify as
pro-life, meaning they oppose abortion, while 52% of Americans identify as pro-choice,
meaning they would accept abortion as a valid decision in pregnancy.
Another explanation may be that voters were responding to the
Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, putting voice
to a sort of backlash against what might have appeared to be judicial removal
of a federally enshrined right.
Yet another, and dare I say more likely, explanation may be that
in 2024 pro-life voters voted for abortion rights. This may come as a shock for
some. Being pro-life generally carries with it a level of integrity. The reality may be, however, that many who
claim to be pro-life may not be so much at all. Sentiments may appear something
more like, “I’m pro-life, but I believe in the exceptions – rape, incest, life
of the mother, and my situation.” It is quite clear from the statistics that
many who claim to be pro-life voted for abortion.
What does this mean for the pro-life movement going forward
and how should Christians respond?
While we know the critical role that governing bodies play in
our lives and how important it is for citizens to vote, these results provide some
insight into a possible lack of veracity or authenticity in many who may give
homage to a pro-life position. That can only change by a clear understanding
that abortion is life-ending, killing a child. And it leaves a woman scarred
forever by that decision to willfully take the life of her own child. The
pro-life movement must give an empathetic voice to that understanding.
There are also some key indicators of the path that lies ahead
for the pro-life movement politically speaking. This was the first time
that any state blocked abortion rights. Thankfully, three states (Florida,
Nebraska and South Dakota) blocked the bad initiatives from passing, actually
winning on abortion at the ballot box.
There is hope for voters to uphold life.
The losses in Arizona and Missouri are a bit more devastating
because of the protections for the unborn that were already in state law.
With the passage of the amendments, Arizona went from restricting abortion
after 15 weeks to restricting any state interference with abortion up through
fetal viability (about 24 weeks). Missouri went from protecting all
unborn children to establishing a “right to make decisions about reproductive
health care, including abortion and contraceptives, without any governmental
interference.” Both states eliminated the protections that existed in law
for women and children.
And yet, according
to Human Life Action, this is not a time to be discouraged. “Progress
in the post-Roe world created by Dobbs will take determination,
perseverance, and hard work. Facing the challenges before us, we must create
plans to educate people on the deadly proposals that abortion proponents are
pushing and, above all, on the possibilities before us to nourish and protect
the lives of the most vulnerable among us. A majority of citizens are not
looking for abortion on demand or abortion without restrictions. In the
same way, people also understand the need to protect young girls from abusers
and predators through parental and informed consent.”
Citizens who wish to protect life at all stages, for both
mother and child, must be ready to take opportunities that may arise to defend
life and the vulnerable among us. The
success of the three states that fended off abortion amendments can serve as a
guide. 1) Have a head of the State (a Governor) who wholeheartedly backs the
pro-life position. 2) Work a grass roots effort that is effective, and 3) Labor
to make a future that respects life at all stages of development.
The bottom line is this: the life issue will continue to
dominate much of the American political conversation. Your next chance to vote
to protect human life can make a big difference to the future of a child –
whether that child has a future at all - or not. And whether that mom can be
encouraged to protect the life of her child, rather than end it.
“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). Choosing life genuinely and faithfully in our personal lives and decisions, and in the ballot box, will make all the difference for family restoration.
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