Op-Ed: Pro-Life Groups Resist Ending Abortion

The Rise in Abortions and the Pro-Life Establishment's Role

Three years have passed since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, yet the number of abortions in the United States continues to rise. Instead of a decline in abortion rates, over one million preborn babies are still being terminated each year, an increase compared to the final years under Roe. This trend is not limited to progressive states like California and New York, which have implemented new protections for abortion on demand. It has also occurred in conservative states where Republicans hold political power.

This situation raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of pro-life organizations that are supposed to protect the lives of the unborn. These groups, which many pro-life conservatives and Christians entrust with their time, talent, and resources, have largely failed in their mission to end abortion. In some cases, they have even opposed genuine efforts by everyday Christian citizens to stop the practice.

A Book Exposing the Pro-Life Establishment

My new book, Forsakers of the Fatherless: The Secret Treachery of the Pro-Life Establishment, now available for preorder from Founders Ministries, presents a compelling argument that many pro-life organizations prioritize the interests of the Republican political establishment over the protection of preborn lives. Through investigative journalism and interviews with individuals from both sides of the issue, the book reveals how these groups often work against efforts to abolish abortion.

Examples of Pro-Life Groups Opposing Abortion Reform

One example is Brian Gunter, a Baptist pastor in Louisiana who has dedicated his life to saving babies outside of abortion clinics and establishing pregnancy centers across the state. When he advocated for legislation to provide equal protection for preborn babies, his former allies at Louisiana Right to Life and national pro-life groups encouraged lawmakers to oppose his bill. Even House Speaker Mike Johnson sent messages urging the bill’s sponsor to withdraw it.

Another case involves Dennis Sarfate, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who now works to save babies from abortion in Arizona. When he and his church members found a state lawmaker to support an equal protection bill, that legislator was pressured away from supporting the proposal by Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy. In an interview for the book, she failed to provide a clear answer on how to end abortion in the state.

These stories are not isolated incidents. Similar events have occurred in other conservative states such as Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

The Case for Equal Protection Laws

The bills proposed by these Christians are straightforward. If preborn babies are considered image-bearers of God and hold the same value as born individuals, then taking their lives should be classified as murder. These equal protection bills aim to extend existing homicide, assault, and wrongful death statutes to include preborn people.

Despite this logical approach, many pro-life groups have offered excuses for opposing or refusing to support such legislation. One excuse is the lingering influence of Roe v. Wade. Before its overturning, pro-life groups resisted the idea of states defying the Supreme Court’s decision. However, with Roe gone, these excuses no longer hold weight.

Another reason cited is the need to win elections. Some pro-life lobbyists and lawmakers argue that supporting equal protection bills could cost Republicans seats in future elections. Yet, these arguments persist even in deeply conservative states where Republicans face little risk of losing power.

A third excuse is the claim that women are always victims of abortion. While some women are forced into abortions by abusive partners or others, the majority are willful participants in the act. Some pro-life groups allow misplaced compassion to prevent them from supporting bills that classify abortion as murder for all involved, including women who choose to have abortions.

The Consequences of Inaction

The result of these excuses is the continued killing of preborn babies across all 50 states, even in places that could realistically abolish abortion. Millions of well-intentioned Christians are contributing to organizations that claim to be pro-life but may be actively undermining efforts to end abortion.

Christians must be aware of these realities to effectively combat abortion. Forsakers of the Fatherless not only informs readers about the current state of the battle against abortion but also inspires a renewed commitment to ending it once and for all. By standing firm in faith and justice, we can finally bring about the protection of the fatherless and the glory of God.