By YWA Ambassador Sierra M. Welch at North Central University

Recently, our country experienced an incredible Supreme Court decision which was the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. The Dobbs decision stated that “the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.” For the first time in 49 years since the Roe v. Wade decision came down, the authority now rests on the states to make decisions on abortion bans, restrictions, or the lack thereof.

The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has led to the tragic deaths of approximately 63,459,781 children since 1973 according to the National Right to Life organization. However, there are many states in our vast country that do not require abortion statistics to be tracked; therefore, the number is likely much higher.

I am unashamedly pro-life. I hold the belief we should love and care for the mothers who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, but compassion for these mothers does not have to coincide with the condoning of the unjust death of an innocent child. We cannot be emotionally manipulated into believing the lie that the value of life is conditional upon the feelings of the mother or father about the child. Let’s fight for life. Together.

In order to fight any battle, it begins with knowing who the enemy is and how they will attack. As Christians, we do not wage war against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities that seek to kill, steal, and destroy every human life. With this spiritual truth in mind, we understand that our war tactics are to bring the everlasting life and hope of Jesus Christ to the world. In doing so, those who accept Christ will be transformed and with this transformation with time comes the desire to fight for all life, protect the vulnerable, and nurture the brokenhearted. With it comes the desire to love mothers, fathers, and children deeply.

Yet, part of the battle is understanding we must take action in many spheres. There are legal policies that Satan uses to destroy life in the womb, ultimately the mother and father, too. As Christians, we can fight the battle to create life-giving legislation, by voting, writing, or calling our state legislators. We can volunteer at pro-life pregnancy centers, by simply being bold about what you believe about life and prayer. You, empowered by the Holy Spirit, could be the one to bring the message of hope. I pray that you are encouraged to act on behalf of those who need an arm of support as they walk through an unexpected pregnancy and will be bold to stand for the lives of the unborn, our most vulnerable.