Pro-Life in Public

Kara Beth Vance

For years now, I write my annual article for January Connections about Sanctity of Life month and the March for Life Chicago (a pro-life event that College Church participated in for at least five years, but the event has since moved to Springfield).

Why January? Because the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States and declared it to be a “fundamental right” in the United States came out on January 22, 1973. Since that time, over 60 million abortions have been performed in the United States.

You’ve heard me say that I long for the day when abortion would be both illegal in this nation and unthinkable in our culture. We are still longing for that day.

Though the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned last summer through the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that determined there is not a constitutional right to an abortion, allowing states the ability to pass laws protecting the unborn.

It has been reported that in the first six months following the Dobbs decision there were about 32,000 fewer abortions than would have been expected. I do praise God for preserving the lives of all the children who live today because their moms chose to forgo an abortion since it wasn’t an available option anymore in the state where they lived.

And while we can praise God for saving lives even through a Supreme Court decision, our work really hasn’t changed. Illinois has actively sought to expand abortions in the state in part by marketing to people in surrounding states that have legal protections for the unborn.

One thing I have always appreciated about March for Life Chicago was the opportunity to put feet to our beliefs. Traveling downtown (especially when we did this in the frigid January temps!) and spending most of a Saturday requires some personal sacrifice. If your picture is posted on social media at a pro-life event, you may even have to endure some opposition.

It’s also a public witness that every human life is valuable— and this includes the unborn. Your public witness may even lead to conversations with those who passionately disagree about abortion and the unborn (such as the person opposed to your social media post). And what an opportunity that would be to winsomely engage: asking good questions, clearly laying out the case for life, pointing broken people to the God who gives new life and hope in Christ!

May the Lord give us courage to stand for what is right and good and true in public and in private and may he be glorified in our lives as we seek to be faithful in that.

Mark your calendars to join me and your College Church family on Saturday, June 24, as we take buses once again to Federal Plaza in Chicago to participate the Summer of Life Kick-off Rally. This public event will be structured along the lines of the past March for Life Chicago, beginning with speakers in the plaza, then marching together on a short route holding our life-affirming signs, and ending back in the plaza with a brief celebration.

There will be no cost to ride the bus, but we do want you to register. Keep an eye out in an upcoming enews for the registration link or email sohl@college-church.org with any questions.