This past week, the wicked practice of abortion took center stage in the news as former President Donald Trump and the Catholic Church delivered statements addressing this most controversial and disputed topic.
In a video statement, former President Trump said he was proud to have appointed three justices who were part of the majority that overturned Roe v. Wade, thus ending the lie that there was a right to abortion in the Constitution. By name, he thanked the six justices that made up that majority "for having the courage" to act. He emphasized that the legal issue of abortion has now become an individual state matter for the people to decide. The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) celebrated the momentous overturning of Roe v. Wade, and greatly appreciates former President Trump's strong pro-life policies that his administration implemented during his tenure.
The Catholic Church issued a Declaration, "Dignitas Infinita" on Human Dignity, that addressed the inherent worth of humanity. They outlined their doctrinal position and spoke to numerous affronts against the dignity of mankind. Abortion is listed as one of these "violations of human dignity."
But no word has the power to change the reality of things: procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth."[89] Unborn children are, thus, "the most defenseless and innocent among us. Nowadays, efforts are made to deny them their human dignity and to do with them whatever one pleases, taking their lives and passing laws preventing anyone from standing in the way of this." [90]It must, therefore, be stated with all force and clarity, even in our time, that "this defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development.
JDFI unashamedly uplifts the sanctity of human life, and Dr. Dobson has been on the front lines of this battle for decades, declaring that from conception to our final breath on this earth, all life is a sacred gift from Almighty God. It must be cherished in our hearts and protected through our actions, both in our individual capacity and our laws and policies as a nation. Our ministry strongly agrees with the Catholic Church's Declaration on abortion — it is the taking of innocent human lives.
We stand with our fellow pro-life organizations who are pleading that our country's governing bodies, both state and federal, do all they can to protect preborn children. This includes the youngest humans, from the embryonic stage through birth. While we understand that there are differing opinions within Christendom, it is JDFI's position that every preborn child must be protected—regardless of the circumstances surrounding their conception, as each child bears the image of their Creator God and possesses an eternal soul.
While holding fast to our moral convictions, we equally have tremendous compassion and care for mothers who are dealing with traumatic situations involving sexual abuse or the challenges associated with dire health conditions. These circumstances are most certainly devastating for those involved and require immense love, support, and counseling. In every situation, we believe it is God's desire to preserve life whenever possible.
JDFI will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all our children are welcomed into the world and protected by law. In November 2024, the country will have a stark binary choice on the ballot regarding the sanctity of life, religious liberty, and parental rights. We pray that Christians throughout the nation will steward their votes well and be a strong voice for the voiceless.