June 21st, 2022 – Another decision day for the United States Supreme Court has passed and there was not a judgement on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Since the far reaching decision made back in 1973 ruling abortion as a legal practice and thus the tragic termination of almost 63 million babies this is the first time the Court will rule on the constitutionality of a pre-viability abortion ban since Roe. It is that significant.
What does it mean to overturn Roe? Does it mean any and all abortions are now illegal? No, sadly that is not what it means. It does however mean that the decision to accept abortion as a legal act or not will reside with the leadership of each state and no longer be under Federal domain. This is a good thing. A wonderful thing. This will, no doubt about it, save countless lives. Both the babies who will live and the women who will not have to endure the ramifications of such a destructive decision. Of the 50 states in the U.S there are 26 that either already have laws in place that protect the unborn or they have a “trigger-ban” which is a “law designed to be “triggered” and take effect automatically or by quick state action if Roe no longer applies” (www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-updated04/19/2022). And still there are others that have historically demonstrated their desire to rethink the Roe decision and create greater protections for the unborn. And to date, there are at least 16 states that will fight tooth and nail to keep abortion legal and unrestricted.
That’s 42 states. What about the other 8? As of now 5 of those will most likely continue restrictions on abortion, possibly even a ban, and the last 3 could go either way. There is no clear majority for or against the protections of the unborn.
So where does that leave us? Well here in WA where Next Step Pregnancy Services is located abortion will continue to be a legal option for all who seek it. WA has historically been a pro-abortion state and it does not appear to change any time soon. To that end WA will become a “safety-net state” for abortion seekers. That’s where Next Step (and you!) are essential. There will be women here in WA or traveling to WA from other states who may not be 100% certain of what is best for them. They may be feeling pressured by their partner, family, or friends. They may feel even more anxiety over the significance of the changing laws. A staggering 64% of women feel pressured or coerced into aborting and 79% were not told about the available resources.
We need to be ready to help. With compassion, non-judgement, accurate information about ALL of their options, tangible resources and contacts, and above they need to know and feel confident in our support of them, whatever their decision. As has been seen, not everyone wants an abortion. But sadly that does not always mean it won’t still happen. They still need us. 65% of women suffered trauma symptoms after abortion. We do not know His plans or His reasons. Or what work He will do or is doing in someone’s life. All we can do is meet every woman where they are with sincerity, integrity, and grace. Please help Next Step be that place.
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