Dear Friend, Today, an abortion can take place for any reason in Maine as long as the baby cannot survive outside of the womb (in other words, as long as the baby is not “viable”). But once the baby is able to survive, the abortion needs to be justified on the basis of the life or health of the mother. It’s not ideal: The result is that thousands of not-yet-survivable unborn children are killed in Maine every year. But it’s the law for a reason, even in a heavily pro-abortion state: Not even the cruelest abortionists have been able stomach the thought of a perfectly healthy child, able to survive on its own outside the womb, being ripped limb from limb or dissolved in acid. But it was just announced that this may change. Planned Parenthood and their allies in the Maine Legislature want to legalize killing children who can survive on their own outside the womb. Yes, that’s right. Children who can survive outside the womb. If this attempt succeeds, those children can be legally killed in our state. “With all the pomp and circumstance of a press conference in our Capitol’s Hall of Flags,” said Executive Director Carroll Conley, “They boldly declared war on any child in the womb who is deemed unwanted due to physical imperfection, inconvenience, or any other reason the mother chooses to end that baby’s life.” I wish I had more to say about why this is so wrong. But I think the effect of a bill like this is something that first has to be felt. It’s like an attempt to roll back a law on murder (in a way, that’s exactly what’s happening): We’re almost downplaying the gravity of the situation by coming out with intellectual reasons to oppose it. It first needs to sink in what this actually does. Long before the child is viable, he or she can feel pain. He or she has a heartbeat. He or she can smile and show emotion. Once the child is viable, he or she can survive completely outside of the womb on his or her own. And abortion supporters in Maine want those children to be killed for their “rights.” It must be stopped. We have our role to play. So do you. In the coming weeks, we will be able to give you more information on what you can do to help. There’s hope. Policy Director Mike McClellan, who was at the announcement, says that “the attendance was not especially strong, and… many of our allies wandered down to sit in the back. As I looked at them, they were very intense and focused, and gave me a heart that they are in this game.” Plenty of hope indeed. But we have to do our part. Let’s start with prayer. Soon, we’ll try to create opportunities for you to get in touch with your representatives and senators, and look to testify before the committee. But first, we’ll pray. One last thing: Our allies over at the Diocese of Portland released an excellent statement on this issue. Please feel free to go check it out at this link. |
