The End of Abortion as We Know It?

Depending on how closely you follow the news or how tight you are to my text and Facebook blasts, you may have heard that Justice Anthony Kennedy of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is retiring. Kennedy who has been described as a bi-partisan pivot, is vacating a spot that will likely give the right a majority. This is a BIG deal. So big, in fact that, that many liberals are FREAKING OUT.

Exhibit A- The Executive Director of Entertainment Weekly:

Don’t we all deserve friends like her? <brb vomiting>

Exhibit B- Salon writer MaryElizabeth Williams:

Let’s all go take a sec to thank our moms…then take another to thank God that this woman is not your mom!

Need I go on?

Anyway, this is clearly very great news for the Pro-Life Movement! On Monday, July 9, President Trump will be announcing his pick to replace Justice Kennedy. According to the Chicago Tribune, he has it narrowed down to three finalists; federal judges Brett Kavanaugh, Raymond Kethledge and Amy Coney Barrett. Once the President announces his nominee, the judiciary committee of the U. S. Senate will hear the nominee testify and answer questions from the American Bar Association and a unanimous decision will push the candidate on to a vote from the full Senate.

Various left-leaning civil rights groups are pushing Senate Democrats to hold off the vote until after November elections as all three branches of the United States government are currently in the red. These groups are undoubtedly hoping that Democrats will take over a majority in the Senate after the 2018 elections, a feat that could lead to a long, drawn out process for replacing Justice Kennedy.

This is why it is SO important for all pro-life members of the Senate to vote for Trump’s nominee early on. WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO STRIKE DOWN ROE v WADE ONCE AND FOR ALL. This is, perhaps, the closest we’ve come to revoking this faulty law since it’s creation in 1973. 45 years of killing babies could come to an end now. Let’s put this disgusting era of American history behind us and move forward with the memory of and compassion for the horrible effects this mistake has left on the men, women, and children of our generations. It is with this memory and compassion that we will not allow such a mistake to re-occur in our great nation.

While all of this commotion and partisan rallying certainly has me excited to live in an America without legal abortion, it is worth noting that Justice Kennedy’s retirement does in fact mark the end of an era on the SCOTUS. The past few decades, and particularly the past few years, have shown our nation developing more and more bi-partisan hate. This is the very reason that I am registered as an independent voter.

Our Founding Fathers did not create America as the land of the Democrats and Republicans, or Liberals and Conservatives. It was to be America the land of the free and home of the brave. We are supposed to be free thinkers who are brave in the face of controversy and not afraid to stand up for what we believe in. Somehow, we’ve let this great nation slip toward more of an “us versus them” mindset in which we constantly tear each other down and threaten those who cross partisan lines.

In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against political parties stating that, “And sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.” What a wise man we had looking forward and predicting the path of his peer’s actions for over 200 years!

I’m not saying that it’s wrong to align with one “side” on most or all issues. I’m saying it’s wrong to have “sides” at all! Is it true that many times people believe mostly conservative or mostly liberal ideas? Yes, that makes complete sense. BUT it’s also true that there are many people, such as Justice Kennedy, who fall somewhere in the middle. That’s a HUGE part of what makes America so great…ya know, the whole freedom thing!

Friends, it has never been more important to think for yourself and form your own opinions! I urge you not to pick a party and blindly go along with everything they say. Take in every matter on an issue by issue basis and form your own opinion on each topic. It’s okay if you align mostly with Republicans, or mostly with Democrats, but make sure that you aren’t a puppet that is being controlled by that alignment. Think for yourself and vote based off of the issues that you deem most important. (I don’t necessarily recommend single issue voting, unless it has to do with the modern day genocide of the most vulnerable among us being watered down into a debate over “women’s choice.” I’ll single-issue vote the hell out of that one, and it’s my right as an American to do so!) So basically, I only recommend single issue voting when a major right is being infringed upon…like LIFE. #nbd #jk #itsaverybigdeal

It is going to take a serious culture change to end the level of partisanship that we have come to accept in America. Therefore, there is a lot riding on who takes Justice Kennedy’s place. My top pick, Amy Coney Barrett, has been quoted saying, “If you’re asking whether I take my faith seriously and I’m a faithful Catholic, I am, although I would stress that my personal church affiliation or my religious belief would not bear on the discharge of my duties as a judge.” BECAUSE THAT’S HOW AMERICA IS SUPPOSED TO BE! Judges are supposed to interpret the Constitution and not let factors from their personal lives influence those decisions, and that is what Amy Coney Barret says she’s going to do.

We all have the right to believe whatever we want to and worship in whatever ways we want to, but that shouldn’t compromise our ability to participate in government. But it would be very badass to have a pro-life female on the SCOTUS. #amiright?

I hope that what I’m saying isn’t getting drown out by my default sarcasm and natural tendency toward common sense. This is the main point: Don’t let politicians, family members, media sources, random pro-life girls on the internet, or ANYONE else tell you what to think. God gave you a brain and a conscience for a reason and you should use it to form your opinions on what is the correct way to handle our government. That’s the great thing about America, you get a voice (in the form of a vote) to help determine how our country runs and is governed. So please use it!

Before this turns into a rant about our abysmal voter turn out, I am going to conclude with a few thoughts:

• Abortion is the unrighteous killing of a human being in the fetal stage of development and labeling it “women’s choice” is a cop out intended to take consequences away from a serious situation.
• Abortion hurts not only the child, but also the mother and father in the situation. Research proves that the effects of an abortion are long lasting and negative. Suicide rates of post abortive women are higher than all women or women who have previously given birth or had miscarriages.
• If your conscience is telling you that abortion is okay, I urge you to dig deeper and analyze the sources that are making you feel that way.
• Read, watch, listen to, and decipher as many opinions and media pieces as you can and form your own opinions on issues. Just don’t infringe on the unalienable rights of other human beings, ahem: LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• You have a voice and right to use it. Not doing so is a disservice to your country and voids the weight of your complaints about how things are getting done.
• Amy Coney Barrett, a pro-life mother of seven, would make an excellent addition to the SCOTUS. [personal opinion]
• Be nice. I don’t care what “side” you’re on for any issue, don’t be mean. Just don’t.

 

 

-Lindsay

Many Good Reasons for the Fetal Heartbeat Law

Some of you may have seen a recent post in the MSU Exponent titled “No Good Reason for the Fetal Heartbeat Law” by staff opinion writer, Tahnie Johnson. It was published in the November 9th (2017) issue of the Exponent and those who missed it can read it here.

Our president, Lindsay Langhals, wrote a response in the form of a letter to the editor and although we are unsure of whether or not this letter will be published, we wanted to post it here. Lindsay’s letter is as follows:

“When Johnson mentions the term “a woman’s right to abortion,” I am forced to ask myself about this woman’s child and his/her right to life. Johnson and other abortion advocates would likely argue that an unborn child is not a human, as a quote in her article refers to a fetus as a “yolk sac.” What those that make this point are failing to consider, however, is that at the moment of conception a human sperm cell joins a human egg cell to form an individual human being with a completely unique DNA. This is a human that only needs proper nutrition and the right environment to grow and thrive, just like the rest of us. Fetus is simply a stage of development, such as infant or toddler.

Johnson also mentions rape in her article and while it brings up quite the predicament, killing an innocent child in no way erases the actions of the offender. Abortion has actually been linked as the cause of many negative effects on women, such as decreased fertility and an increased risk of suicide. So a woman who seeks an abortion to end a pregnancy that was the result of rape likely does more harm to an already bad situation. It is also important to consider that rape is the reason for less than one percent of all abortions and as such should not be the primary basis for a law.

Johnson then goes on to discuss how abortions are most often performed on college-aged women and that being a student and a parent is daunting and difficult. While this is undoubtedly true, is terminating a pregnancy really the best alternative? Adoption is a viable option and various organizations are also actively working to make college campuses more accommodating to pregnant and parenting students nationwide. [Ahem, us with our endowment goal] Perhaps instead of creating an environment in which those that face unplanned pregnancy feel that abortion is in their best interest, we should work together to empower these students.

A final point about Johnson’s article is that when she mentions that the Fetal Heartbeat Law would take away a woman’s right to choose what happens to her body and life, she’s failing to consider the children that are not getting that right because of abortion. She concludes by claiming that a ban on abortions would cause more unsafe procedures to take place, however, the number of abortions that occurred in the United States skyrocketed after abortion was legalized in 1970, according to the CDC, suggesting that the law would help to deter women from this procedure. Rather than worrying about making abortion illegal, though, I suggest that we all work together to make this objectionable procedure unthinkable. Let us stand together to support pregnant and parenting students, and men and women, to promote and protect the value of human rights.

What do you pro-lifers at MSU even do?

So you’ve finally caught onto the buzz about Students for Life at MSU….FANTASTIC! You probably know that we are a pro-life, student organization at Montana State University, but what exactly is it that we do? Have I got a list for you!

Currently, our biggest project is the endowment goal we are working toward. What is this, you may ask. Well, here is a blog post that explains it in pretty good detail… and a video, but essentially, it is an ambitious fundraising goal that will result in an endowed scholarship for pregnant and parenting students at MSU. The purpose for initiating an endowment is that it creates a fund that gets invested and earns interest. This interest gives the scholarship the ability to replenish and never dwindle away…soooo…

Why a scholarship? Well, our research shows that the top three factors that impact a parenting student’s ability to finish school are

1. Affordable, quality childcare

2. Money (for tuition, books, fees, etc.)

3. Emotional support

While all three of these factors are very important, we have decided to focus on money for a few reasons. One is that there is quality childcare and emotional support already pretty available for parenting students on our campus. You can read about these resources such as our campus daycare and the services offered by Zoe Care and St. Catherine’s on our page of the Pregnant On Campus website, hosted by Students for Life of America.

Another reason we have decided to focus on money is that providing a scholarship to be applied toward tuition and fees frees up some of these student’s personal money to be put toward funding childcare and emotional support. While our club members are ALWAYS open and ready to be there for pregnant and parenting students to lean on, we recognize that sometimes professional counseling is much more appropriate for the struggling student and we hope that by eliminating some of the financial pressure of college, the student will have more resources to put toward their mental and emotional health.

Here is a look into the lives of those we are trying to help. And you can donate to this endowment fund here by entering “Parenting Student Endowment” or “93313” into the “Other” box.

The other large project we have undertaken is to host the Bozeman March for Life every year. This is about a two-hour event held in front of the courthouse in downtown Bozeman every January. It is always either the Saturday before or the Saturday after the National March for Life in Washington D.C., which is held on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade every January 22nd.

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The Bozeman March for Life is a great opportunity for Montanans that cannot make it to D.C. or the Walk for Life (also held in January) in San Francisco to stand up for the rights of the unborn and voice their dismay at the injustice that is legalized abortion. The event typically starts with a welcome from our club president and a prayer from the Bozeman Knights of Columbus. Then, we have a few key speakers lined up to take the mic. After hearing from local pro-life activists, as well as some brave souls willing to share their abortion or adoption stories, we begin a peaceful procession down Main Street and end back at the courthouse with a group photo like the one below.

Bozeman March for Life 2016

What else does Students for Life at MSU do? That depends mostly on what each year’s members hope to accomplish. One popular event is what we call The Clothesline Project for Babies. It involves stringing a clothesline between trees on campus and hanging up baby onesies with stats about adoption, parenting students, and abortion.

Another fun and effective event we enjoy is pro-life chalking. This involves getting a group to meet up (usually after dark) and using side walk chalk to write pro-life messages all over campus. This is one of my favorites because you often hear people talking about it the next day and see many people looking down reading your messages as they walk. It’s usually a great conversation starter or at the very least, it seems to get people thinking!

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Beyond these common events, we also host tables, where we make ourselves available to talk to students as they pass by. We usually have a specific purpose for our tabling events such as promoting a pregnancy center, informing people about our club, or having a display such as Cemetery of the Innocents. We’ve also attended trainings to improve our leadership and apologetics skills, helped judge the Gallatin Valley Right to Life’s essay and oratory contests, supported local organizations like Zoe Care, St. Catherine’s, and Love Inc., made and sold MANY pancakes for fundraisers, and so much more!

Cemetery of the Innocents 2016

Here is Jacob at our Catapalooza table before the 2016-17 school year.

Jonathan, Jacob, and I attended a training hosted by SFLA at Seattle University in April of 2016.

From left is Shai, Jonathan, Jenny, & Rosana judging the GVRTL Oratory Contest

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All the pancake breakfasts!

So hopefully now you have a better idea of what we do and how you could be of assistance to our club. We are always looking for new members at MSU and also have a great appreciation for any community members that offer up their help and talents! Visit our contact page to let us know how you’re interested in helping out!

The More You Know: What are a father’s rights when it comes to abortion?

 

One of the biggest criticisms of the Pro-Life Movement in America today is that we are pro-birth and not actually pro-life. Like most ideas that involve #LiberalLogic, this doesn’t make much sense to me. I am the president of a club that’s working ridiculously hard to raise the money for a scholarship that will make a lasting impact on young parents and their ability to get a degree while parenting their children. WE ARE HELPING PEOPLE TO DO BOTH, HAVE BOTH, AND BE BOTH. No “choices” necessary. This project is going to help students stay in school, be incredible parents, and avoid the stress and heartache of feeling like they have to make one of the hardest decisions of their lives. Bonus points for no post-abortive depression!

That’s not all, I know of multiple other groups doing similar projects and working tirelessly to make sure that moms and dads experiencing unexpected pregnancies not only know their rights, but also have all the resources they need to take on life’s greatest adventure: parenthood. They’re encouraging people to do this while still excelling in other aspects of their lives (careers, education, hobbies, etc.). Tell me again how that’s only being pro-birth? I’d actually call it pro-not-having-to-make-a-hard-sucky-life-altering-decision. Which, ya know, is pretty neat. And stuff.

Wanting to do anything other than empower these men and women (cough cough promoting abortion as the only option) is SO not pro-choice. Well, it is, but only by our society’s ridiculous standards. Why wouldn’t you want to empower your peers to have it all? Why shoot them down and tell them they can’t handle something instead of showing them all of the reasons that they can? Wasn’t the “Women’s March on Washington” <insert eye roll here> all about empowering women? And instead you people are trying to convince them that they can’t be a student and a mother? Be a successful career woman and mother? Puhh-lease.

So, long story short, activists on both sides of the issue should be supporting these women. However, this post isn’t really about women. It’s about men.

Though often overlooked in these situations, men play a pretty big role in the whole unexpected pregnancy thing. So big of a role, in fact, that pregnancy can’t exactly happen without them…but that’s all I have to say about that.

What I do want to talk about is the rights that men have when these circumstances arise. Did you know that men don’t really have any say at all when it comes to the life of their unborn children? Most people don’t, but in 1976 the Supreme Court ruled that because “a husband’s refusal to consent would in effect veto a woman’s choice to terminate a pregnancy,” the woman’s opinion prevails. Case closed. (Source)

I can understand the logic that if two people disagree on a matter, the opinion of the person more closely affected by issue should carry a little more weight. HOWEVER, that’s not even close to all that there is to consider here. Whether or not to have an abortion is not just a matter of two people disagreeing about what to do. There’s a third person involved; a third person that deserves the chance to live.

If you’ve read much from this blog, you know how I feel about a baby’s right to life, and again, this post is about the men involved so let’s circle around to reason number two that these laws are senseless and unjustifiable: the damage this woman’s decision can have on the man. It’s undoubtedly a stereotype in our culture that the man is typically the one that wants the woman to “take care of it,” and there are plenty of dads out there that don’t really want to be dads, but I personally know plenty of stand-up guys that would GLADLY keep and parent their children, whether or not the mother wanted to be in the picture. They are respectable, responsible, hard working men that recognize the value of their unborn child’s life and would do anything in their power to provide for said child. So why aren’t we letting them do that? WHY, WHY, WHY are we standing in the way of men that are trying to do the right thing?!?!?!?!

Proponents for these laws are surely screaming at me that I must not care about the woman’s part in all of this but I assure you that I most certainly do. I am a 21-year-old woman that desperately wants to be a mom to a whole handful of kids SOMEDAY. However, I am in no way, shape, or form ready for children of my own any time soon and I honestly don’t ever see myself wanting to be pregnant or give birth (I wanna adopt ALL the babies). I know a lot of girls around my age that look forward to it, and yes, I know I am quite often the exception to the rule. Having biological children does not look like any fun to me whatsoever. So, yes, I get not wanting to go through with it.

Trust me when I tell ya: I get that the woman’s body undergoes drastic changes, I get that nine months of not feeling great and getting bigger by the day isn’t much fun, and I totally get that the postpartum effects when you get to keep your child are difficult (much less when you never get to see your child again). I can’t imagine having to give up a baby that I carried to term and gave birth to. But I also can’t imagine making a decision that would end a human life, no matter how vulnerable or small that human happens to be. Is that what we should do every time someone is weak or defenseless? Kill them? Hard nope. And ESPECIALLY when there is a good man ready to take on the responsibility of raising that human life!

The laws that take any and all say away from fathers don’t even make any sense. The rationale is that it’s better for the mother but do we really believe that? What about the negative effects abortion has on women? There are plenty of physical AND emotional impacts left on post-abortive women. See here, here, and here. Just to name a few…

So let’s get this straight, we need to take away a father’s right to parent his child because the mother does not want said child. Even if the father agrees to take full responsibility of the child, we can and should still take away his ability to do so because of the effects it will have on the mother. In allowing this woman to go through with an abortion, we are subjecting her to a process that not only has comparably bad effects on her physical and emotional health, but also devastates the father, AND KILLS AN INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE. It makes sense if ya don’t think about it. Truly.

Honestly ladies, so many of y’all sit around and complain that men today don’t care enough about their futures and aren’t family-oriented enough, so why are we penalizing the men who are? I will be the first to defend you if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and he’s not on board. I will fight for your right to carry that baby to term and parent, or put it up for adoption. I will do everything in my power to eliminate any pressure he might be placing on you to terminate the pregnancy. So why wouldn’t I do the same for him? Don’t tell me it’s because having a baby is hard on you emotionally or physically, because ABORTION. IS. TOO. It’s not a quick fix. It’s not a good solution, or a safe option. It’s detrimental to the health of every single person involved, especially the baby.

I hate that this is even a conversation that needs to be had. Abortion should not even be an option because, not only is it dangerous, it’s unjustifiable, AND it’s killing, which, according to my understanding, is illegal in the U.S. of A. However, until we can get rid of the ridiculous precedents set forth in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, this is a conversation that we NEED to have because we are ruining the lives of so many men by not having it. The laws that are supposed to be there to protect our citizens are actually damaging to them and I am so not okay with that. Our men deserve the right  and the opportunity to step forward and do the right thing. It’s a crying shame that our government wants to stand in the way of that, and accepting it is only contributing to the problem. If women were forced to have abortions because the man didn’t want the child, both sides would be screaming about it. How’s that for a double standard?

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Here’s my dad, being a dad, because he was allowed to be a dad…

 

XOXOXO Lindsay