The abortion discussion has become even more divisive than in previous years. President Trump’s election ushered in the fear that this legally protected “right” would be attacked in the courts. These fears were heightened by the nominations and confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
While nothing has happened at the Supreme Court level that would reduce abortion access, state legislatures across the country have worked to strengthen their existing laws in anticipation of future difficulties. In January, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., signed a bill that allows for late-term abortion, up to the moment of viability, for most any reason whatsoever. Assembly members actually broke out in celebration once the Reproductive Health Act was made law. In Virginia, state Del. Kathy Tran, a Democrat, proposed a bill to lessen the restrictions on late-term abortions. Gov. Ralph Northam defended her on a radio show, essentially supporting infanticide.
It’s apparent that Democrats feel their precious Roe v. Wade is under attack.
This week, Brian Sims of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives posted videos of himself harassing and calling for doxxing of pro-life women peacefully demonstrating and praying outside of an abortion clinic. In his follow-up video featuring a nonapology, he explained that he just cares too much about women’s rights and thus aggressively confronted law-abiding citizens. Sims’ hysterical behavior would be bad for any abortion activist, but he’s also a state representative. At the very least, he deserves full censure.
Pro-life individuals have every right to be upset at both the display from Sims and the support he has received from thousands. The abortion industry has always been hostile to those who unquestioningly support life. If the recent legislative gains, op-eds, and confrontations serve as any indication, it’s to remind us that things will get much worse.
In response to Sims, a pro-life rally occurred Friday morning. This show of support is a good thing. But it is also a time to be cautious.
Unlike other subjects, the abortion discussion brings out passions that are easily inflamed. For those who call themselves pro-choice, it is a matter of personal freedom. For those of us on the other side, it is about the most basic of human rights: the right to life.
I understand the intensity surrounding the desire to defend the most helpless among us. Each week, thousands of unique, unborn individuals are put to death simply because they exist at an inopportune time. The greatest country on the planet has some of the most permissive abortion laws. This is a massive, moral failure. Pro-lifers are correct in their goal to never rest from defending the helpless.
While we do so, we must remember that hostility should never be met with its match. The palpable anger rising up in legislatures and on city sidewalks should not be countered with even more personal aggression. A movement that is based on loving everyone, man, woman, and child, should exhibit that commitment at every turn. It is impossible to turn confused, frightened women away from the doors of abortion clinics by embroiling ourselves in constant controversy outside of it. The Brian Simses of the world should see only peaceful, prayerful, loving behavior, even while they are intent on provoking us to do more.
Thankfully, most pro-life activists are engaged in a pro-life/pro-love approach. We don’t gain converts and save the lives of women and their babies by matching unbridled anger with our own. Women are never harassed toward choosing life.
At the very least, the tension between pro-abortion and pro-life groups is sure to maintain its strength in the coming years. No matter what politicians and courts do, individuals who support life should stay the course and lovingly be an example to all as they lead with truth and peace.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
