Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!

Happy Easter! The 1973 Supreme Court decision known as “Roe vs. Wade,” is on the brink of being overturned. That was the decision that legalized abortion in the United States. The draft of a forthcoming decision has been verified, but is not final.

While anti-abortion advocates, the Catholic Church included, can begin to celebrate an apparent accomplishment, there is much about which to be concerned in order to “respect all life.” As readers of my articles know, I never saw legislation or court decisions as the best way to demonstrate our love for the life which God has given us. A true and enduring way of honoring life is a matter of the heart which does not let even the law to dictate what is moral, just, and good.

We realize that the law of the land is often insufficient. History has proven it. Slavery was legal for many years. Finally, declaring slavery unconstitutional led to it abolishment. No longer could one human being legally “own” another human being. However, the mistreatment of former slaves and their descendants, even to our current time, is a profound problem. Today’s racism has persisted despite the changes of law.

So, what are we as a country going to do knowing that even conservative poll numbers show that around 60% of adults think there should be some access to abortion? Among those who think that way, there are over 50% of Catholics who think similarly. How many years will pass before people to accept new laws on abortion?

Because the United States has been imperfect in recognizing and legally codifying women’s rights and women’s equality (see history of wages, voting rights, legal standing for women, etc.), I think the struggle for recognizing the rights of women AND the unborn will continue. Because some men, historically, have been unjust to women, there will continue to be a distrust between the sexes. Additionally, the mistreatment of women by men, especially in sexual relations, has left women feeling powerless in many instances. A woman who is mistreated, belittled, and given commands by men before, during or after the conception of a child, takes a great toll on her self-esteem. Logically, women will look for ways to regain a sense of control.

The Catholic community within the larger society, must live up to its word and its creed. We must find every way possible to show love and respect for ALL life. Catholics should be prepared to double our efforts to protect and care for the recently born. Resources used to fight the law of the land must be repurposed to support the new law of the land. There is no other option that is moral and just.

Jesus is Risen, Alleluia!

Peace, Fr. Andy