In our country, the month of January has long been linked to the question of the right to life of those not yet born. On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States removed the protections for the life of the unborn, effectively legalizing abortion in this country.

 

Then, on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court issued the decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which, in reversing its long-standing precedent, held the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion and returned to states individually the authority to make decisions on abortion.

 

The Dobbs decision two summers ago achieved the right and necessary goal of repealing the unjust and poorly reasoned decision in Roe v. Wade that cost the lives of more than 60 million infants in the womb. 

 

In numerous states since the Dobbs decision, including Illinois, we see a strong movement to increase the availability of abortion services. Social and political narratives have tried to make the question of abortion a matter that involves only one life, that of the mother. The reality of the right to life and respect for two lives, the mother and the unborn child, has often been ignored and not reported. As a result, the impression has been given, often in the press, in the media and in the political arena, that in the United States there is unquestioned and widespread support and desire for abortion, even up to the moment of birth.

 

For that reason, each year at this time, the Knights of Columbus commission an annual survey on abortion, done by Marist Poll. The results of the 2024 survey have seen summarized by Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll, who said “most Americans are steadfast in their belief that abortion should be significantly limited yet laws should include exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.”

 

For us as Catholics, that summary should stand as a challenge and as a motivation. First, the desire for exceptions to the right to life is a current reality among many Americans. That challenges us to articulate more clearly and convincingly the truth that all human life is sacred. Rape and incest are crimes that degrade women and bring untold suffering. But the answer is not to add the destruction of another life, thus making the child pay for the sins of others. It is love that will foster healing. That includes love for the unborn baby —a human life.

 

At the same time, the poll encourages and motivates us not to give up but to continue to spread the truth about life. For example, nearly two-thirds of Americans support restrictions on abortion. Nearly 60% support limiting abortions to the first three months of pregnancy. And an overwhelming 83% support pregnancy resource centers and the vital assistance they provide to parents. In fact, the poll reveals widespread unease about the reality of abortion that is not reflected in the social narrative constantly imposed upon us.

 

This month we should embrace once more what the Bishops of the United States have called the “preeminent priority,” respect for life in the womb and the end of abortion. The attack on the sanctity of life should call us, as well, to be ready for the coming threat of assisted suicide which is likely to be introduced into Illinois politics in the near future.

 

In the cold of January, many march to oppose abortion. Even more people pray. We pray for a change of heart for all who work to take human life. We pray also for the healing of mothers, especially single mothers, and for fathers whose children have been aborted; the path toward healing is facilitated through Project Rachel (http://www.rockforddiocese.org/life/hope-after-abortion) and other healing ministries. Most of all, we pray to thank God for the gift of human life, asking His help that in our country abortion will one day not merely be illegal, it will be unthinkable.