This time of year, I reflect on my late friend Norma McCorvey, better known as the Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade. We have just had the anniversary of that tragic decision, and today is the first anniversary of her death. In the years I knew her, I learned a lot from her. But one thing that stands out above the rest was the very trait that was responsible for both making her the poster child of Roe v. Wade and, later, the hero of the pro-life movement: She had a fearless willingness to jump into things headfirst with no plan, not knowing what was on the other side.

This was evident when she once recounted to me how Gloria Allred, well-known pro-abortion activist lawyer, invited Norma to a big event. Norma showed up, clueless, practically tripping over the cameramen and reporters. She looked around and asked one journalist what all the fuss was about. He told Norma that Gloria Allred had put together the biggest news conference of the year. When Norma pressed the reporter for more, he told her that Allred had promised the unveiling of the woman who was Roe. Then he asked her, “Is that what you’re here for?” Norma’s answer? “Um … kinda.”