Regardless of where one’s political loyalties or views generally lie in relation to US politics, there is no denying that Tuesday’s midterm elections will have far-reaching consequences for a wide range of issues. Among these is the pro-life cause, for which the outcome could have particularly profound implications, potentially with devastating consequences for the right to life of unborn babies.
From the prospect of more radical pro-abortion legislation being enacted at state level, to substantially increased federal funding for abortion, to the erection of formidable barriers to the appointment of pro-life-leaning judges, these and numerous other deeply troubling developments now seem inevitable.
And yet Tuesday’s vote cannot reasonably be interpreted as in any way a repudiation of pro-life values. For example, 78% of candidates who signed the ‘pro-life pledge’ at state level won their races. And in states such as Idaho, voters by a 12-point margin backed existing laws protecting unborn babies, with 56% voting in favour and 44% against.
While the results on abortion-related measures in states such as Virginia and Missouri were disappointing from a pro-life perspective, it would be mistaken to assume that abortion was a driving force behind the Republican Party’s huge electoral defeat. Rather, exit polling clearly shows that concerns over the Iran war and the cost of living were central to the Democratic wave that swept across the country.
It is very important therefore not to fall into the trap of accepting the media narrative that Tuesday’s results amounted to some resounding endorsement of the pro-abortion position. They did not.
The pro-life movement in the United States is made up of people of remarkable determination and resilience. They understand only too well the ebb and flow of politics, and how circumstances entirely beyond their control can dramatically shift the political landscape in one direction or another.
It has been interesting to read the commentary and reflections of leading figures in the US pro-life movement following Tuesday’s results. There has been no attempt to sugarcoat what happened. Instead, many have offered frank and unflinching assessments of where the movement now stands.
Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins reflected yesterday on the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a victory that had taken decades to achieve. She recalled standing on the steps of the Supreme Court that historic day and telling the assembled crowd that this was not the movement’s final victory, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in the battle to abolish abortion.
Hawkins stressed yesterday that the struggle is as much cultural as it is political, and that winning hearts and minds must remain central to the movement’s efforts. She expressed particular concern that far too many people today have little understanding of their own inherent dignity and worth, let alone that of their fellow citizens or unborn babies. Addressing this deeper cultural problem, she argued, must become a much greater priority.
Politics as they say is downstream from culture. Renew the culture, and the political victories will take care of themselves.