On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court decided in favor of Norma McCorvey (aka “Jane Roe”) and held that women in the United States had a right to choose whether or not to have abortions. Roe v. Wade changed the trajectory of history. However, I had no idea “Jane Roe” never actually had an abortion. Here is the real story behind Roe v. Wade.
It has been 48 years since Roe v. Wade was decided. In that time, the National Right to Life estimates that 61,628,584 babies’ lives have ended through legal abortion in the United States. That’s close to 62 million people who were never given a chance to live their lives.
My child was almost added to the list of babies who have died as a result of abortion. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so ashamed. I was terrified to tell my parents. Even though I have always been pro-life, I felt like maybe having an abortion would solve all of my problems. I thought no one would even have to know I was ever pregnant.
I went to Planned Parenthood and asked for the abortion pill. It was a miracle that not only did that clinic not have it, but there wasn’t a clinic within a 3 hour radius that had it. The clinic workers wanted to keep looking for a clinic that could offer me what I wanted, but I knew I had to get out of that building. From the Planned Parenthood parking lot, I called my Mom and told her I was pregnant. I knew once those words were out of my mouth I would never consider abortion again.
The truth is, having an abortion would not have solved any of my problems. I knew I was never going to be able to unsee that positive pregnancy test. In fact having an abortion would likely have created a whole new batch of problems. There are a lot of physical and emotional side effects that are associated with having an abortion (read more about that here). The moment I walked out of the Planned Parenthood clinic, I was filled with shame and guilt for having even considered having an abortion. I had no intention of ever telling anyone that I actually went to Planned Parenthood in search of the abortion pill. That secret was haunting me. It wasn’t until my secret came out that I was able to be freed from that shame and guilt.
God doesn’t want us to live with shame and guilt. He sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross and save us from ALL of our sin (including abortion). There is freedom that comes in surrendering to God and letting Him forgive ALL of our sins. To learn more about healing from abortion checkout Surrendering the Secret. I am so thankful God chooses to forgive our sins instead of making us pay the price for them.
Each January, people from around the country gather in Washington, DC to meet with their Representatives and lobby on behalf of pre-born babies at the March For Life. March For Life is always around the same time as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Having lived in DC for many years, I was very familiar with the March For Life and had even participated in a few of the marches. In 2019, March For Life was held on January 19th. That was the day I decided to share with the social media world that I was pregnant. I thought it was fitting since the whole day was about celebrating life – even life that resulted from an unplanned pregnancy. I wrote these words in my post:
This was certainly a surprise to me, but it was not a surprise to God. I know this little one fits perfectly into God’s plan because even though there are unplanned pregnancies, God doesn’t create unplanned people. God has a plan for each and every one of us and I can’t wait to see how He uses this story and this little one to accomplish His purpose and bring Himself glory. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5
This year’s March For Life will be virtual so be sure to tune in on January 29th to celebrate life.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared January 22nd to be Sanctity of Human Life Day. It is a tradition that continues to this day. So this Friday, January 22nd, Sanctity of Human Life Day and the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, take some time to remember the millions of lives lost to and impacted by abortion. Take a moment to recognize that ALL human life is sacred and ALL human beings are created in the image of God. Proverbs 31:8 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
ALL life is precious in God’s eyes. Here is what the Bible says about the pre-born:
- Genesis 1:27 – created in the image of God.
- Job 33:4 – the breath of the Almighty gives me life
- Psalms 100:3 – He made us and we are His
- Psalms 127:3-5 – a heritage from the Lord
- Psalms 139:13-16 – knit together in my mother’s womb
- Isaiah 44:24 – formed by your Redeemer
- Isaiah 64:8 – the work of God’s hand
- Jeremiah 1:5 – set apart by God
- Luke 1:15 – filled with the Holy Spirit
- Luke 1:41 & 44 – can leap for joy
- Galatians 1:15 – set apart by grace
- Ephesians 1:3-4 – chosen
Love,
Redeemed Mama