Today We Remember – Those Lost To and Hurt By Abortion
January 22, 1973. ABORTION LEGAL — the newspaper headlines screamed in bold black letters. It was really big news, and abortion proponents received more than they ever thought possible. Abortion legal. For any or no reason. For the full nine months of pregnancy. The laws of all 50 states protecting unborn life overturned by decree of seven of nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices.
And so was born the horrific American assault on human life. Over 55 million babies — lost — since that tragic day 40 years ago through the violent act of abortion. Over 540,000 in Wisconsin alone. Tiny babies — whose only earthly existence was in their mothers’ wombs.
Today we remember and honor those precious lives. We remember also those scarred by abortion. Too many women wounded emotionally and physically, anguishing over decisions made to kill their children. Women forced to have abortions.
Inconsolable fathers who have no rights to stop the abortions of their children. Stunned grandparents deprived of cherished grandchildren. Children lamenting the loss of siblings who will not grow up with them. Doctors who performed thousands of abortions, and then live with shameful remorse for what they have done.
Countless stories, each with their own painful, heart-wrenching circumstances. We remember them all today in our hearts and prayers.
You know those lost to or hurt by abortion, for every person has likely been touched by abortion. You know in the most personal way that abortion is the anti-legacy which robs God’s unique creations of their future. It deprives you, your family and society of the presence, companionship, enjoyment, skills and talents of those closest to you.
Today we remember and applaud in the most profound way those who have fought the good fight for over 40 years as heroes for life. We especially acknowledge and our colleagues, members and partners who have selflessly worked to defend the vulnerable and provide compassionate care to pregnant women and those hurt by abortion. God knows in His heart that they do His work, and do it very well.
We face a future which provides great hope. Fascinating technology reveals the undeniable – the humanity of the unborn child. Women speak up about how abortion hurts. Young people reject abortion. A majority of Americans self-describe as pro-life. Fewer doctors are willing to perform abortions, and hundreds of abortion clinics are closed.
We experience great joy for the hundreds of thousands of lives spared the abortionist’s sadistic tools through our collective work in defense of life.
Reflection on what Roe has wrought is important, but despair and apathy are not options. With unfailing trust in God, now is the time to commit, or re-commit, to the right-to-life cause. Your help is critically necessary to continue the long and arduous process of ridding our nation of the gravest human rights abuse it has ever experienced.
We move together into that hopeful future with truth, compassion, commitment, prayers and support, and with the clear knowledge that Roe must and will eventually become a sordid past chapter in American history.
We look forward to that magnificent day when abortion clinics close their doors forever — because no one comes. It is then that a true culture of life will be realized.
Barbara Lyons