We know you share in our tremendous joy that Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States just weeks ago. While we are filled with gratitude that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to abortion and abortion facilities in Texas have closed or relocated, the work before Council for Life and all pro-life advocates is tremendous.
THE POST-ROE PUSH BACK FROM THE PRO-ABORTION SIDE
We all have experienced the palpable reaction from the pro-abortion side. The misinformation being circulated is creating confusion and chaos. Federal, state and even local governments and voters are taking measures to protect abortion rights. We are barraged daily with discouraging headlines. This reaction was expected, but is disheartening nonetheless. Last week alone:
- Kansas voters resoundingly rejected 59% to 41% a ballot measure entitled “Value Them Both” that would have removed the state constitutional right to abortion from the Kansas State Constitution. The proposal would have allowed the Kansas legislature to strengthen abortion restrictions or ban the procedure altogether. Voter turnout was high. The number of votes against the abortion amendment was more than 543,000, and 89,000 of those were Republicans. The outcome has prompted vigorous response and speculation about why this happened. (Read theological scholar and Council for Life 2022 Troutt Lecture speaker Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Briefing HERE and journalist and Council for Life 2013 Luncheon speaker Peggy Noonan, The Wall Street Journal DECLARATIONS HERE)
- The U.S. Department of Justice sued the State of Idaho over their abortion restrictions to “protect reproductive rights.” The suit challenges Idaho Code 18-622 to go into effect on August 25 and impose a near total ban on abortion. The law in question is Idaho’s version of the pro-life Trigger Law we have in Texas outlawing abortion entitled the Human Life Protection Act (HB 1280) which will also go into effect on August 25. (Read the DOJ Office of Public Affairs News HERE and Council for Life News about the Texas Trigger Law HERE)
- President Biden signed a second Executive Order to make it easier for women to travel between states to get an abortion, stating: “As it remains the policy of my Administration to support women’s access to reproductive healthcare services, including their ability to travel to seek abortion care in States where it is legal, I am directing my Administration to take further action to protect access to reproductive healthcare services and to address the crisis facing women’s health and public health more broadly.” (Read President Biden’s Executive Order HERE)
- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a state constitutional right to abortion into law to further protect access to “reproductive healthcare services.” (Read the Press Release from the Massachusetts Governor’s Office HERE)
THE POST-ROE PUSH BACK IN OUR OWN CITY OF DALLAS
Among the most unsettling incidents last week as reported by Council for Life Advisory Board member Dr. Jim Denison in the Denison Forum is what transpired right here in our own City of Dallas. (Read Dr. Denison’s article HERE)
Dallas joined Austin and other cities in the U.S. in putting forth legislation to protect abortion rights. A Dallas City Council Committee approved moving forward with a proposed resolution stating “access to safe and legal abortion is a major factor in the long-term health, safety, and quality of life of pregnant people” and limiting the resources being used in investigations of abortions. The resolution will advance to the full Dallas City Council for a vote tomorrow, Wednesday, August 10. (See the “Reproductive Rights Resolution” HERE and the authorization from the City of Dallas placing the Resolution on the August 10 Agenda HERE)
SOME ENCOURAGING NEWS— INDIANA PASSES A BROAD SWEEPING BAN ON ABORTION
In contrast, late last Friday we received some extremely positive, encouraging news. The Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support approved a nearly total ban on abortion with limited exceptions that will become effective September 15. This gives Indiana the noble distinction of being the first state in the nation to pass sweeping abortion restrictions since the Dobbs decision. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced he had signed the measure known as Senate Bill 1 Friday night immediately following a long day of hearings and passage by both legislative chambers. Governor Holcomb stated: “Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life.” (Read Governor Holcomb’s Statement HERE)
In response, the White House released a statement on President Biden’s behalf calling the pro-life law “another radical step by Republican legislators to take away women’s reproductive rights and freedom.” (See the White House Briefing Statement HERE)
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which is headquartered in Indianapolis and one of the state’s largest employers, had an ominous warning about reassessing its presence in Indiana. The company condemned the abortion ban, asserting that expansion of its employee health plan coverage to include travel for abortion unavailable locally might be insufficient for current and prospective employees. “Given this new law, we will be forced to plan for more employment growth outside our home state.” (Read PBS News Hour article HERE)
MUCH PRAYER NEEDED
The battle has truly just begun, and much prayer is needed. We must make our voices heard.
Thank you for sharing in our mission to honor the worth, dignity and irrefutable humanity of every unborn baby.