A Post-Roe America

I will be 43 this year and this is the first full day of my life in which Roe v Wade is not the law of the land. I have friends who are overwhelmed with joy, others who are sad, and others still who are enraged. Those who are celebrating do so because they have prayed for and with young pregnant women; counseled young mothers-to-be who are scared; given or donated to countless entities who come alongside and provide care and assistance; adopted, fostered, or supported those who have; given respite care to young mothers who just needed a break; and have seen the joy that a newborn brings. The ones celebrating, at least the ones I know personally, understand love, grace, and mercy. They understand that while mistakes happen, babies are not mistakes. Children bring hope and promise of new life and joy. They are indeed a gift from God. (Psalm 127:3)

From those who are sad and/or angry, I have observed various justifications. “The doctor’s office is too small for a woman, a doctor, and the government.” “I’m not pro-baby killing. I am pro-(insert mother’s name here.)” With these arguments and those similar, I would simply argue, there is at least one more person to consider. And this is where I think the real argument lies. My understanding is life begins at conception and that life is therefore entitled to all the liberties actually provided in the Constitution. Again, when it comes to this argument, I frame it very similarly to the argument against slavery. That slave is a human, not property of its “owner” and deserves every right and protection. I believe everyone, every race, every age, every ability, every human is created by God and in the image of God.

Oftentimes, another argument follows: “If a ‘group of cells’ in the womb is protected then let’s begin child support payments during pregnancy” (or something similar) Simply put…I don’t have a problem with that. In some cases, perhaps a paternity test would need to be established so the right guy is paying, but so what? This would actually be more inline with traditional Christian orthodoxy. The man, the father, cares for his child and the mother of his child. The Bible has a word about this also. (1 Timothy 5:8)

I try to not be lead by my emotions. Rather, I wish to be lead by rational thought. My emotions can cloud my thinking. However, if my emotions accompany, well that just makes life all the more interesting. So yes, today, I am celebrating. I am not happy that “women have had rights taken away.” Rather, I am happy that children will have a chance. I also know that the church, and Christians I know, will continue to support families and champion life. It may take some time, but I pray those who are outraged today will one day see this as a great time in our history.