Looking at the facts (Part 2)
Back in May, Cody and I wrote a blog about the potential decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. The goal of the blog wasn't to share our opinion on the matter. Instead, we wanted to focus on the facts behind the decision and what it would mean for the country. I encourage you to take a look at the article:
On Friday, June 24th, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with a 5-4 vote. This decision was made after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case was decided with a 6-3 vote to uphold a Mississippi abortion ban – restricting abortion after 15 weeks. Just like in the May blog, the focus of this article is going to be on facts behind this decision as well as sharing some things we can be doing to help.
What does this decision actually mean?
With the ruling of the Dobbs case, it was ruled that there is no constitutional right to abortion – this is what led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This decision does NOT automatically ban abortions. It simply leaves the decision of whether to set abortion bans, and at what stage of pregnancy, up to individual states.
We want to encourage our audience to take the time to do your own research. That means turning away from media propaganda saying what this decision means.
Justice Clarence Thomas stated his opinion after the decision that the SCOTUS “should reconsider” past rulings on issues such as gay marriage and birth control; however, the ruling of Roe v. Wade does NOT do away with anything else besides abortion being a constitutional right.
Many people are saying that women in states that ban abortion will not be able to get treatment for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. Where does it say that? Check the actual laws for those states that state women won't be helped in emergency situations. Here are some laws that specify what abortions are and what things are still allowed:
Arizona
Arkansas
Texas
Utah
Even Planned Parenthood states that the procedures for an ectopic pregnancy are not considered an abortion! Again, take some time to do your own research on the actual laws – NOT people's stories or thoughts on the matter that aren't fact checked.
What should Christians be doing?
Even before this decision was made, we are told to LOVE others. It doesn't matter what their opinion is, we're told to be loving. We shouldn't be spreading hate, especially when so many people are hurting and scared. So many women feel scared right now and don't know all of their options. Different media outlets are spreading incorrect information about this SCOTUS decision impacting women’s ability to receive life-saving care for ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage; this simply is not true. Just as Christians are called to love, we are also called to TRUTH.
Outside of loving those around you, here are some ACTIONS you can take to help women who might be scared and not know what options they have:
- Call a local pregnancy center and ask what they need (donations, volunteers, etc.)
- Shop yard sales, thrift stores, or marketplace for cheap baby items and donate them to pregnancy centers
- Offer to do the "heavy lifting" by collecting donations from friends and taking them to a pregnancy center
- Take handwritten notes of love and encouragement to a pregnancy center to be distributed to moms considering their options
- Share on Facebook the posts and pages of couples who are looking to adopt
- Follow pages like @letthemliveorg and @betheirvillage and order from their baby registries for moms who choose life
- Spread the word about your local pregnancy centers, most of which give free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, diapers, clothes, etc.
There is a lot of negativity from the pro-choice side about pregnancy centers; however, they do a lot of good for women in tough decisions giving them options outside of abortion. With so much anger out there, much of it directed at Christians, it is important to not respond in anger, but instead with LOVE.