MADISON — Overturning Roe v. Wade was a major milestone for the pro-life movement and a monumental step toward a society that recognizes the inherent value of human life at all stages.
The SCOTUS decision in the Dobbs case was a crucial victory for the pro-life cause, but it was a victory for just a single battle within the greater war for life.
The pro-life movement is far from over, and now, more than ever, pro-life organizations seek to keep the momentum alive and continue providing support, resources, and care for mothers and children.
Reactions in the Madison area
The question as to the future of the pro-life movement in the Diocese of Madison area revolves around how pro-life organizations and leaders in the Madison area will adapt to the new playing field.
On July 11, Care Net, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower men and women to choose life, hosted an ecumenical gathering for information and action at High Point Church in Madison.
More than 200 people attended.
The theme was “Equipped for Love in a Post-Roe World”.
The first speaker, Matt Sande, director of legislation at Pro-Life Wisconsin spoke on the legal standing of abortion in Wisconsin.
Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, an 1849 state statute that bans abortion except for when the life of the mother is in danger could be reinstated.
It could take a while, however, for this legislation to play out and it also depends on the state supreme court.
Sande also discussed the importance of how pro-life groups need to “walk the walk,” not just talk the talk, which means passing legislation to support parenting, such as paid family leave.
Next, Dr. William Heifner, MD, a family medicine specialist in Oregon, clarified medical facts versus fiction in regards to the pro-life cause.
There are many misconceptions surrounding abortion that are used to promote fear in the vulnerable.
He said that the bottom line is that women will not be denied the appropriate medical care in life-threatening situations.
He stated that it is important to get the word out that treatments like those for an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage are not abortions and will not be affected by the Dobbs decision.
The CEO of Care Net, Sara Patterson, spoke next about the resources that are available for women now.
Care Net provides educational classes, counseling, a mobile clinic, material resources, and even a maternity home for single mothers.
She emphasized that the pro-life movement’s call to “meet the needs” and take action to fill the gaps. No one should ever be denied life because of a lack of resources or support.
A video message by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison was played to the audience.
Although we “rejoice that this is a step in building a culture of life,” Bishop Hying said, it’s also clear that “changing the law is not enough, that we’re also called to transform hearts, consciences, lives”.
He encouraged Christians to actively build a culture of life for everyone and to provide support for women and families so that abortion is never an option.
He said that although the law is not a perfect reflection of what is moral, it is looked to by many as an indicator of what is right and wrong.
Thus, the recent ruling is a step in the right direction towards building a culture of life.
Pastor Marcio Sierra from Lighthouse Church in Madison discussed a critical question with a panel of local pastors, both Catholic and Protestant: How should churches respond?
Ultimately, the group agreed that the churches should continue doing what they’re doing, but on a greater level.
Not only that but church members and leaders must define what they believe in and live it out.
“Be a saint. Live Jesus Christ every day and watch what happens” said Fr. Andy McAlpin, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison.
During a Q&A session, someone asked what arguments work when discussing the right to life. “Arguments don’t work, love works,” was Sierra’s response.
The gathering demonstrated that pro-life organizations from around the area are expanding their mission to provide what is needed to protect life: Prayer, information, discussion, support, and resources.
They are continuing to promote the same universal pro-life message while focusing on increasing the scope of their operations to reach more pregnant women in need.
The theme that was reiterated throughout the pro-life community is to meet the demand, to not only advocate for life in words but also in actions, to truly “live out the gospel of life,” as Bishop Hying said in his video.
Other organizations
Other area organizations are also making decisions on what they can do next to aid in the pro-life movement.
Babies and Beyond of WI (formerly Pregnancy Helpline of Madison) is an organization that has been serving families from the Madison area for 40 years and operates with a “commitment to provide resources and support, at no cost, to women and families”.
In this way, the center “stands in the gap for families with low income who want to provide for their children” by “helping to remove obstacles and fears for women unsure about how they will manage and care for a baby after birth”.
Babies and Beyond supports women and men not only during pregnancy but for the first four years of the baby’s life, offering stable monthly support for the
family.
They are currently serving more than 500 babies and distributing an average of 30,000 diapers each month.
Director Brenda Collins said that “The court’s decision doesn’t change the need for compassionate care for every pregnancy”.
Post-Roe, they are expecting an increase in the demand for services, which the center will continue to meet.
She emphasized how the center remains in operation only because of the volunteers, sponsors, and donors who make choosing life possible for families in need.
Another organization, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul follows “the principles of Catholic social teaching, explicitly in providing direct care for the poor and vulnerable.”
Although less directly related to pregnancy, the organization is strongly pro-life and will offer support to help an expectant mother meet basic needs.
Likewise, they are prepared to serve any additional needs that may emerge as a result of the Dobbs decision.
The organization provides holistic assistance to those in need. From groceries to pharmaceuticals to housing to financial assistance, “We know the presence of St. Vincent de Paul conferences across the diocese will offer care and support for many women who are pregnant or parenting in difficult circumstances,” said Julie Bennett, associate executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison.
Sylvia Patterson is an intern with the Catholic Herald.