In 2013 the movie, Lincoln, was released. I saw it twice in the theater. I learned about President Lincoln’s perseverance in getting the thirteenth amendment to the constitution passed–the amendment that abolished slavery. It was a tough fight because slavery had become woven into the fabric of our nation. The economy of the South depended on slavery. How would the North respond to freed slaves? What about jobs? The right to vote?
Even people that believed slavery was wrong were worried about changing the status of slaves all at once. Our nation persevered, sometimes stumbling in the effort to make things right. Change has taken place gradually and persistently.
I can’t help thinking about the issue of our time, abortion. The killing of unborn babies has become woven into the fabric of our culture. Abortion has a part in our economy. Tax dollars are contributed to abortion. Planned Parenthood is big business. Sex trafficking depends on the availability of abortion.
Janet Yellen, secretary of the treasury, expressed the opinion that without abortion available for women, our economy would suffer. Women have more value in the work place.
Can we turn the tide? Roe v. Wade has been overturned, but there are forces pushing to expand abortion at the state level. Roe v. Wade simply took away the federal law mandating the availability of abortion in every state. If abortion is less available, will it impact the sex trade?
Now is the time to increase services to young women who are pregnant and scared. It is time for families (and churches) to support the unmarried daughter with an unexpected pregnancy. It is a good thing for families to attend pro-life meetings and marches. Children need to learn about the sanctity of human life.
I am surprised that our President and political candidates are prioritizing the right to abortion—the ability to abort a viable baby right up until the moment of birth. The plan is to codify and expand abortion in every state.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade did not outlaw abortion. It gave states the ability to place limits on abortion. The fertility rate in the United States (1.78) is below replacement. We are moving toward the results of the one child policy that China had for many years.
Our population will shrink. As the proportion of older people continues to grow, we have to ask how they will be cared for. With less young people entering the work force the revenue from taxes will be decreasing. We will be spiraling downward in strength.
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30: 19-20a
