Roe’s 50-Year Undoing Shapes the Next Half-Century for Life
Pushing Roe v. Wade Over the Brink: A Compelling History of Abortion in America
In the most comprehensive text of its time, Pushing Roe v. Wade Over the Brink takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous history of abortion in America. Authors Clarke D. Forsythe and Alexandra DeSanctis spent two years meticulously researching and compiling a wealth of information from various disciplines to provide a deep understanding of the factors that have shaped the modern reality of permissive abortion and euthanasia in the country. This extensively referenced book not only connects cultural shifts over multiple decades but also sheds light on the delicate balance between legal and societal frameworks that must align to protect the dignity of all life and ultimately put an end to abortion.
“Pushing Roe tells the story of Americans United for Life (AUL) as much as it documents the history of the larger pro-life movement over its first half-century,” said Tom Shakely, AUL’s chief engagement officer. “As we move forward in this post-Roe America, it is crucial that pro-life advocates of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs know our history in order to successfully adapt strategies and tactics to changing circumstances in the decades to come.”
A Legal Giant: The Origins of the Fight for Life
Steeped in the twofold history of population control and eugenic sterilization, Forsythe and DeSanctis delve into the roots of the modern battle for life. They reveal how even in the 1960s, eugenics still held some appeal to politicians, scientists, and academics, despite the horrors of WWII Nazism. The authors draw parallels between the elitist pressure that “normalized” abortion and the recent phenomenon of mask-wearing during Covid-19 lockdowns, highlighting the influence of societal elites on public behavior.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, founded in 1951, emerges as a significant and detrimental organization during this time. The authors expose how the organization ignored contrary evidence and contradicted its own prior statements about the risks of abortion, exerting substantial influence through significant briefs without proper authorization.
Established in 1971, Americans United for Life initially focused on public education but quickly recognized the need to engage in legal and policy debates. The organization became a legal giant, defending landmark abortion cases following the passage of Roe that granted federal protection to abortion rights. AUL also strategically networked with pro-life legislators, academics, and lawyers, while making its presence felt in the media to advance the cause for life.
Technology Beyond Ethical Consensus: The Ethical Dilemmas of Advancing Technology
The authors emphasize the role of technology in shaping American law and its impact on the abortion debate. They argue that technological advancements have outpaced ethical consensus, leading to ongoing ethical dilemmas in Western societies. While technology has advanced to save prematurely born babies, it has also given rise to new methods of ending unborn lives.
The authors explore the turmoil of the late 1960s, where law and bioethics clashed, and the definition of death surpassed common law. They also highlight the threats to freedom of speech and conscience that emerged as a result of Roe, leading to increased aggression towards life advocates and abortion protesters.
The Clinton administration, described as the first to aggressively promote abortion, further tested the legal system by nominating pro-abortion justices. While subsequent administrations attempted to overturn Roe v. Wade and regulate Title X funding, the battle to shift the legal decision on abortion back to the states remained unresolved.
AUL, recognizing the importance of Washington, D.C., returned to the heart of the battlefield after the 2008 election. The organization intensified its media presence and advocated for legislative limits on abortion. The authors also highlight the public-health consequences of Roe and expose scandals related to abortion “rights” and criminal activities, such as those involving infamous abortionist Kermit Gosnell.
Life After Roe: The Ongoing Struggle for Life
The work of translating moral principles into law and applying practical wisdom to win the fight for life is an arduous task that AUL continues to undertake. The authors acknowledge that while Roe has shaped the abortion issue for over four decades, it also contains the seeds of its own destruction.
AUL has proven resilient in the face of legal attacks, achieving victories and enduring setbacks in the ongoing struggle in the post-Roe era. Tom Shakely summarizes the battle for America’s heart, stating, “Since before Roe, Americans of goodwill have recognized that abortion warps the human heart. Ever since Roe was handed down, and even after Dobbs and to this day, the battle for America’s heart rages on. This is because America’s half-century legal abortion regime changed America by teaching Americans to embrace abortion as if it were a positive good. And in accepting abortion in this way, we’ve come to tell ourselves all sorts of related fictions about the human person. Too many have come to believe that human persons are disposable, at whatever age and stage in life. We see this playing out across the spectrum of human right to life issues, still with abortion federally and across the states, as much as with assisted suicide, patients’ rights, conscience protections, and denial of care situations.”
The authors highlight the detrimental impact of abortion on the underserved, vulnerable, and ignorant, emphasizing that it harms every person connected to it. They also shed light on the erosion of Judeo-Christian ethics, which historically prioritized the protection of human life. The struggle to reveal these foundational truths is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of the entire country and culture.
Tom Shakely concludes, ”What we’ve learned at Americans United for Life, and as pro-life advocates across the spectrum of life issues, is that the pro-life movement has been and will remain essential for America’s health and prosperity. When we know our history in all its richness, we can confidently go about the continuing work of building towards a future full of hope.”
How does understanding the history of the pro-life movement contribute to effective advocacy for the protection of life?
Er five decades, there is still hope for the future. They argue that the key to making lasting change lies in shifting the cultural and legal landscape surrounding abortion.
The book explores the importance of understanding history in order to effectively advocate for the protection of life. It provides a detailed account of the history of the pro-life movement, focusing on the organization Americans United for Life (AUL). By tracing the origins and development of AUL, the authors highlight the strategies and tactics that have been successful in advancing the pro-life cause.
The authors also delve into the roots of the modern battle for life, examining the historical context of population control and eugenic sterilization. They draw parallels between past elitist pressures that “normalized” abortion and current societal pressures such as mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This analysis underscores the role of societal elites in influencing public behavior and shaping the abortion debate.
The book further explores the role of technology in shaping the abortion debate. The authors argue that technological advancements have outpaced ethical consensus, leading to ongoing ethical dilemmas in Western societies. While technology has the potential to save lives, it has also given rise to new methods of ending unborn lives. The authors highlight the need for a careful balance between technological progress and ethical considerations.
The legal landscape surrounding abortion is also examined in the book. The authors discuss the impact of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which granted federal protection to abortion rights. They highlight the continued efforts to overturn Roe and regulate abortion at the state level. The book also exposes scandals and criminal activities related to abortion, shedding light on the public health consequences of unrestricted access to abortion.
Despite the challenges faced by the pro-life movement, the authors maintain a sense of optimism. They emphasize the importance of grassroots advocacy and the need for pro-life advocates to adapt their strategies to changing circumstances. The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to continue the fight for life and work towards a culture that respects and protects the dignity of all life.
In conclusion, “Pushing Roe v. Wade Over the Brink” offers
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