On Monday, January 22, the 51st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade was observed. In that case, the Supreme Court overrode the laws of all 50 states, thereby legalizing abortion nationwide throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
Nearly half a century later, on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. With Roe no longer in effect, it is important to consider why we still mark the date. There are several important reasons. As we navigate the subsequent stages of the abortion debate in the United States and in Michigan, it is essential to reflect on the past, to recognize the achievements and losses, and to consider the future.
The Dobbs decision was a significant milestone. Supreme Court precedents are rarely overturned. Some of the most contentious decisions in our nation’s history have not been overturned. This remarkable victory was only possible due to the unwavering commitment of pro-life individuals. Despite repeated calls to abandon the cause and accept abortion as a normal practice, we remained undaunted and unwavering in our pursuit of the goal.
Instead, we continued to disseminate a message of hope. We asserted that abortion was not a necessary procedure for women, that it was not a positive experience, and that the country did not have to accept abortion-on-demand as a prerequisite for freedom.
Nevertheless, the price of Roe has been exceedingly high. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 1973, an estimated 63 million unborn children have been lost to abortion. For those who have experienced the loss of a child or know of a child whose life was tragically cut short, the grief is palpable. Yet this most grievous of tragedies is being repeated almost a million times a year.
The financial cost of abortion is not limited to the lives of children who die as a result of the procedure. It also encompasses the lives of women who die as a consequence of legalized abortion. Furthermore, it encompasses the lives of women who suffer as a result of societal pressure to have an abortion, only to discover that it is not a normal or acceptable option for them. Finally, it encompasses the lives of women who never wanted an abortion but were forced into the decision by circumstances beyond their control.
The cost can be measured in many other ways for the men involved, their families, and their friends, as well as the tangible financial impact on our nation’s economy and future.
Nevertheless, between 1973 and 2022, a considerable number of achievements were made. While not as significant as overturning a renowned Supreme Court ruling, these dedicated efforts have prevented a multitude of tragedies. In the state of Michigan alone, the tenacity of pro-life citizens has resulted in the saving of the lives and futures of over 200,000 of their friends and family members. This number continues to grow on an annual basis. The cumulative effect of these smaller victories over decades ultimately culminated in the pivotal decision in Dobbs, which serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who persevere in the face of adversity and continue to hold out hope.
However, the past is now behind us, and the future, which is currently uncertain, is before us. This memorial to Roe v. Wade serves as a reminder that there is still much to be done at the state and national levels to advance the cause of reproductive rights.
In Michigan, following the vote in Proposal 3 in 2022, abortion is practically unlimited and unrestricted. As in 1973, those who advocate for the rights of the unborn are being urged to accept the current situation and move on. Nevertheless, the Dobbs decision should serve as a constant reminder that change will inevitably occur at the appropriate time, provided that we maintain our unwavering commitment to our mission.
The mission of the pro-life movement in the United States remains unchanged since 1973: to save lives and educate and assist women who are targeted by the abortion industry. It is imperative to prioritize the protection of the unborn, as well as the elderly and disabled. It is imperative to extend an invitation to women to make a courageous and hopeful choice in favor of life. It is our duty to educate our nation on the value of a culture that places a high premium on the sanctity of life. It is imperative that those in positions of authority espouse this conviction.
It is evident that other states have utilized the opportunity presented by the Dobbs decision to protect life. As we have previously inspired many of these states, they can now serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the potential future that awaits us. The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs represents a modest but significant advancement in the ongoing efforts of the pro-life movement.
It is imperative that we persevere until we have succeeded in removing abortion from our Michigan Constitution and reinstating our life-affirming laws.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
