While right now pro-life people across the country are tremendously hopeful that the Supreme Court will rule favorably for life in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, it is easy to become discouraged when laws and judicial decisions fail our expectations and hopes. But this is exactly why I want to encourage you to set your sights higher. When we adopt a pro ABUNDANT life perspective, we change our focus to overturning Roe v. Wade. . . in our hearts.
One of my favorite sayings is, “Let me write the songs of a culture, and I care not who makes its laws.” This profound statement points to the enormous impact that cultural norms and attitudes have on our behavior, regardless of what the laws of the land say.
You see, even if we succeed legislatively and in the courts, there would still be unplanned pregnancies. If we woke up tomorrow and Roe v. Wade was miraculously overturned, there would, sadly, still be unwanted babies and a demand for abortion.
We must focus on changing not just laws, but hearts and minds, too. And that means being willing to walk alongside parents facing unexpected””or unexpectedly complicated””pregnancies and offering them material, financial, emotional, and spiritual support. It means opening our hearts, lives, and homes (through options like adoption and foster care) to the babies and children that need us. Remember, life decisions need life support.
Finally, we must continue to compassionately (but ever truthfully) educate and inspire the public about the sanctity of human life and the importance of helping people build strong, God-honoring families.
This approach will set us apart as not just pro-life people, but PRO ABUNDANT LIFE people. That is why we take the following pledge:
As pro abundant life people, we will minister to women and men facing pregnancy decisions, open our hearts to all of God’s children, and dedicate ourselves to eliminating the desire for abortion, regardless of what the law says.
Part 2 of a 4-Part Series on Being Pro Abundant Life.
Originally published in 2014, this article has been edited and updated.