The National Catholic Register carries a story “Dobb’s Legal Briefs Challenge the Roe Narrative.” Pro-life advocates have filed more than 75 “friend of the court” briefs. Some of these make a historical case for a fetus to be seen as a person with rights (especially the right to life). Others point out the harmful consequences of abortion, both for the mother and for society.

Among the fascinating legalisms (to some, at least) is the proposition that the 14th amendment should be interpreted as protecting the unborn, who have a right to life.

In previous posts I offered more information on this topic. Interestingly, Ireland had a constitutional amendment passed in 1983 which protected the life of the unborn. However, the amendment was repealed by voters in 2018. The issue is not settled, however, as the pro-life movement in Ireland is very strong and is working to change the opinion of voters on the issue.

In other news, on July 29 the House passed a budget which does not contain the Hyde Amendment for the first time since 1976. Removal of the amendment (see previous posts) would allow the federal government to fund abortions. The budget now goes to the Senate where a lively debate is assured. Pro-life advocates believe there are enough Democrats who oppose taxpayer funding of abortion that the Hyde amendment will be restored. Then the bill would go back to the House. This may get ugly.

Subscribers will receive updates as these important issue grind through the political process and the courts. At the same time, the pro-life faction is working diligently to provide resources to women so they have support and choices and have a viable option to have a healthy baby, even if they must give it for adoption.

Pregnancy resource centers outnumber abortion clinics 3 to 1. If it were not for huge amounts of political money being poured into Planned Parenthood, many of their clinics would have to close. However, there remains a hugely influential lobby for the election of people who support abortion, and Planned Parenthood is crucial to the retention of political power and the wealth that goes with it. It will be an ugly struggle.