In Idaho, the state Supreme Court dismissed a series of lawsuits brought by Planned Parenthood in its efforts to block new abortion bans. That same day, however, the South Carolina Supreme Court struck down a ban on abortions after a baby's heartbeat has been detected. Citing those contrasting examples, Carol Tobias of National Right to Life Committee says pro-lifers – no matter where they live – need to stay involved in the battle for the unborn.
"Yes, there are states that have great laws protecting unborn children, but that doesn't mean those laws aren't going to be challenged or changed or attempted to be changed," she argues. "Every election is going to bring new legislators who can change the law – and in many places the judges are also elected."
Based on that, Tobias says pro-lifers are going to have to start looking at which judges are representing them on the courts – and whether those judges' philosophies align with something that results in the protection of unborn children.
"If you live in a state that has anti-life laws and judges giving us anti-life rulings, we're going to have to dig in and work harder to change those laws, change our elected representatives, change our judges," she urges. "The U.S. Supreme Court [in its Dobbs ruling] has given us the opportunity to protect life – but we still have to either fight to keep what we have or change what we want."
And while keeping an eye on judges is critical, LifeNews editor Steven Ertelt reminds pro-lifers they should not forget about supporting and promoting pro-life alternatives.
"Help pregnancy centers to give [pregnant mothers] good, pro-life choices to help them and their babies," he advises. "There's much work to be done … and every single pro-life person needs to get involved."
And on the legislative front, LifeNews optimistically points out that one of the first bills the new Republican-controlled House is expected to promote is a measure permanently banning taxpayer-funded abortions. That legislation, if approved by Congress, would make permanent the Hyde Amendment and other laws against abortion funding; and also would close the abortion-funding loophole created under Obamacare.
