This could now change “pro-choice” campaigners are actively plotting where to focus their attention next. The vast majority of the 48 abortion ballot initiatives since 1970 have been put forward by the “pro-life” side. States-or citizens-wishing instead to protect access may feel emboldened by Michigan’s outcome. “But today the circumstances where abortions are allowed are likely stricter than what the typical Kentuckian would like.” “The old Roe-world was likely more permissive than what the typical Kentuckian would like,” says Stephen Voss of the University of Kentucky. Kentucky, where due to a “trigger law” abortion became illegal overnight in almost all cases, including rape and incest, is a case in point. But the votes suggested that, for many, the outright bans that in some states followed the overturning of Roe were a bridge too far. Four in ten Americans believe abortion is morally wrong, according to Gallup, a pollster. This is not to say America has suddenly become pro-choice. The sharpest drop came just after Roe was overturned. Over the past two years, the share of Republicans who believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances has fallen by more than half, from 23% in 2020 to just 11% in 2022. Six in ten believe abortion should be legal in most cases only 8% believe it should always be illegal, according to PRRI’s American Values Survey. Most Americans favour some access to abortion and few want absolute bans. And third, that in the post- Roe world, ballot initiatives may well be a tool that primarily benefits those pushing for abortion rights. Second, that this support is not enough to drive them away from their party. First, Republican voters are more likely than their representatives to support some access to abortion. The outcomes of the latest votes point to three bigger trends. Six weeks after that ruling voters in Kansas rejected a similar clause, in what now no longer looks like a fluke. The main difference seems to be that Roe was overturned in the meantime. Only two years ago such an amendment was passed in Louisiana, where views on abortion are similar. Remarkably, in a state with some of the most conservative views on abortion, 52% rejected this. Kentuckians were asked whether to amend their constitution by adding a clause that explicitly said abortion was not protected. That, all by itself, gives each person infinite worth and dignity.Montanans rejected the most confusing bill of all, a “born-alive infant” law which would have required medics to try to save the life of any baby born alive, regardless of viability. It means recognizing that the suffering, the imprisoned, the old, and the dying are still valued - not based on their usefulness or quality of life, but simply because they ARE - because they’re images of God and they are loved by him. It means pausing to notice the face of Jesus in everyone we encounter, and treating that person accordingly. And as the caretaker of a temple, it means not polluting our bodies with that which is unhealthy, including hormonal contraceptives which damage a woman’s body, damage marriages, damage the environment in ways we’re only beginning to understand, and which cause early abortions.īeing pro-life means looking out for others - offering a hand-up to whatever degree we are able. It means being a good steward of all the other resources at our disposal, as well, and making sure we aren’t reckless in unnecessarily polluting the Earth.īeing pro-life means realizing our bodies are temples. It means being a good steward of all the other life forms on Earth that have been provided to us for companionship, assistance and food. It means we aspire to see the dignity in everyone and honor that dignity from conception through natural death. Over the course of this past year I’ve heard more wildly misguided opinions and assumptions than ever that many in our society have about the meaning of “pro-life.” While I can’t speak for everyone, I’m sure I speak for many, and this is what being “pro-life” means to me:īeing pro-life means having a profound reverence for all human life – that we’re each made in God’s image and likeness. My three oldest daughters and I are joining about 500,000 people from across the country today as we attend the March for Life in Washington D.C.
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