Those of us born after the consequential ruling known as Roe v. Wade find it difficult to imagine an America where legalized abortion was not the law of the land.
Since that fateful decision in January 1973, support for the life-ending procedure has moved far from its initial description of “safe, legal, and rare.” It now safely resides within the category of “rights” and is considered by many to be just another form of birth control. Abortion has reached a near-sacramental status in the Left’s political religion. To encroach upon this holy ground is tantamount to war.
[Also read: Imagining how overturning Roe v. Wade would transform US politics]
With the announcement that Justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring, protection of legalized abortion has moved into high gear. The issue tops the list of fears when it comes to a post-Kennedy court.
On “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg raged on about the possibility of future rulings: “As a woman, I think you’re trying to take my rights away. Okay? You don’t care. You don’t want people to take your guns? Get out of my behind! Get out of my vagina! Get out!” Comedian Michael Ian Black welcomed an increase in unprotected sex by encouraging women to “stock up on abortions now.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., cautioned about what is coming: “Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement means that women’s health, equal marriage, and civil rights are all at risk. This is the fight of our lives.”
As conservatives, we eagerly anticipate a time when the highest court in the land may strike down a ruling that precipitated the deaths of nearly 60 million unborn individuals. The human toll is staggering in its enormity. One day, we hope to look back on abortion as we now do slavery and wonder how a nation built on freedom ever permitted and celebrated such a daily horror. While looking toward that goal, it’s necessary to remember that legality does not equal morality. Changing the attitude of the culture will require a trickle-up approach beginning at the grassroots level. The culture of death that has permeated our societal fabric will exist long after a potentially groundbreaking ruling on the abortion issue.
The abortion industry, spearheaded by the largest provider, government-funded Planned Parenthood, has educated multiple generations into believing that ending a life through abortion is not only medically necessary but morally good. Despite the science behind conception and the biological reality apparent in each pregnancy, abortion is seen as routine as a tooth pull. It is difficult to explain that a unique, growing life is destroyed by the act of abortion to a generation stuck in the belief that only places one human (the mother) in that scenario. This truth makes any potential judicial victory only the very first step in the process. Unfortunately, it seems as if conservatives as a whole gloss over this reality. The work to influence modern-day culture for life was never meant to end in a court chamber.
Regardless of what laws are passed that permit or restrict abortion, there will still be women who believe it is their only choice. There will still be females who see nowhere else to turn and conclude ending their pregnancy is best for both them and their baby. These women should always be met with compassion and care, not condemnation.
Of course, this isn’t to say conservatives should not get excited at legislative or judicial victories. Many states and pro-life legislators have worked to introduce abortion restrictions that slowly chip away at permissibility. These include laws that prohibit abortion after 15-20 weeks or ban them when they target a new life for death solely based on gender, race, or disability. These are excellent, worthwhile goals that have seen some measure of success.
In the midst of these emotionally-charged debates, pro-life individuals have an opportunity to spotlight the necessity of protection as handed down by a potential court ruling. While doing so, they also must remember the vulnerable women who are just as much a part of the equation as the unborn child. The abortion community preys on them, too.
It remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will entertain an abortion decision in the near future. While there may be a potential victory on the horizon, pro-lifers should not trick themselves into believing such a thing means our mission is accomplished. The fact that America has been saturated by a sickening abortion mantra for decades means our work to permanently shift the culture of death will have just begun.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
