Strategy
Abortion is now addressed at every level of our government, including federal agencies, therefore it is incumbent to speak for life and engage in legislative debate using the knowledge shared in this program.
Tactics
These are the actionable points that you can use to spread truthful information about the abortion pills.
Engage Political Representatives
Engage local and state political representatives on abortion to understand their position and advise them of how abortion influences your vote. Be prepared to step up educating friends if an abortion amendment is introduced in your state.
Stop Future Laws
Federal legislators can still propose laws to address abortion. Specifically, we need to stop the Democrat sponsored Women’s Health Protection Act that could become law after the next election cycle.
Author Defenses for Life
Recognize that almost every law addressing abortion is being challenged using the court system. Strategic, legal minds are needed to author effective Amicus Briefs in defense of life.
Advocate Online
Monitor federal agency websites and respond to their “request for comment” when a change is proposed, this needs attentive citizens and is an opportunity to share the truth about abortion.
About Legislation and Policy
Since Dobbs overturned Roe v. Wade, in June of 2022, conversations now include what will happen with state legislation or constitutional amendments, but all still occur with limited knowledge of actual details, whether the person supports abortion or believes in the Sanctity of Life.
In addition, given the intensive support for abortion from the current President, along with the loss of Roe’s judicial precedents, the Biden Administration has enlisted various federal agencies, especially the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise policy, with the goal of making abortion access easier.
Anglicans For Life as a biblically based ministry focuses more on pastoral care of people rather than political discussion, however we recognize the need to have a strategy for those who wish to engage in addressing the Sanctity of Life in this arena.
Tactic #1: Engage Political Representatives
Since Dobbs gave each state the freedom to establish their own abortion legislation, not only are we seeing changes in state laws that expand abortion access or limit it, but numerous states are also introducing amendments to their Constitutions that require voters to enshrine or ban abortion in their state permanently. Therefore, who we vote for, at all levels of government, becomes even more important.
Candidates themselves would be wise to be better versed about abortion so that we are clear about where they stand on the issue, given the intensity of the debate over the last 50 years, but also because they will face legislation that will potentially impact the lives of future generations for years to come.
Researching candidates, making an appointment to meet with them, and looking into their background is critical in the current climate of politics. Not only does this help us to be responsible citizens, taking our vote seriously, it lets the candidate know they will be held accountable via your vote. Once you know where a candidate stands, please share what you learn with others. Make it less about a political party and more about the person seeking your vote.
Additional Resources/Links
This website features some useful links to learn more about candidates, what you can do politically at the church level, and the blue button with related links has additional helpful information:
Additional Resources/Links
Tactic #2: Speak Up About Future Laws
When Dobbs overturned the Roe v. Wade decision, it, in essence, ended the law that allowed abortion nationwide. Instead, it gave each state responsibility to create their own laws. However, Congress could still propose a federal law to address abortion, either codifying Roe, allowing abortion all 9 months of pregnancy or banning abortion completely – or something in between!
Specifically, there is one bill that is Democrat sponsored called the Women’s Health Protection Act that could become law after the next election cycle. The Women’s Health Protection Act would legalize abortion for all 9 months of pregnancy, overriding all state laws that provide limitations.
Tactic #3: Author Defenses for Life
Almost every law that is passed to limit or ban abortion is challenged by pro-abortion groups using the court system. Since Dobbs, pro-life groups are more aggressively challenging some pro-abortion laws, constitutional amendments, and government agency policies. It is common for abortion related laws to work their way through the judicial system, possibly all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Amicus Briefs are now employed to aggressively capture each side’s arguments pertaining to laws challenged in the courts. Standing to submit an Amicus Brief can vary based on the topic. Strategic legal minds are needed in authoring effective Amicus Briefs.
Additional Resources/Links
Tactic #4: Advocate Online
While in years past, changes to policies at the government agency level only occurred after an act of Congress, now policy modifications are occurring in various government agencies to support abortion without Congressional approval or through an Executive Order. Policing the agencies and responding to their “request for comment” when a change is proposed needs attentive citizens and is a great project for retired legal professionals.
This is also an area where you can share what you learn online, via your social media accounts, so others can also contribute their comments. There are interesting websites and articles that can help you track regulations and policies.