Special
Roe v. Wade is GONE! Guest Columnist Michele Beary
God is good, and abortion is no longer the law of the land! For almost 50 years, the pro-life movement has fought to overturn Roe v. Wade, and now we celebrate the good news! But, even after Louisiana is abortion-free, we know our work is not done. This isn’t the end of our fight … this is only the beginning. What does this mean for Louisiana? Through Louisiana voters, the Love Life Amendment was passed in 2020 to ensure no right to abortion can be found in the Louisiana Constitution. With the Supreme Court decision on June 24, Louisiana law immediately went into effect, safeguarding the right to life of precious children waiting to be born. On June 27th, Louisiana’s largest abortion business, Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport, filed a lawsuit against the 2006 Human Life Protection Act, as well as the recent 2022 Reaffirmation of Human Life Act. A temporary restraining order (TRO) was granted but was lifted by Judge Ethel Julien on July 8th. Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, made the following statement after the TRO was lifted: “We are happy that Louisiana prolife laws are back being enforced protecting babies from abortion. We thank Judge Julien for her fair and impartial assessment of Louisiana Law. It is disappointing that the abortion business wasted time and taxpayer dollars in this lawsuit. While we expect further legal proceedings in Baton Rouge, we look forward to our laws prevailing in Louisiana.” What does this mean for
Jubilant women gather outside the US Supreme Court after Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center? I’ve always believed that the life affirming work we do is somewhat irrespective of what happens in Washington D.C. or in Baton Rouge. What we do in the Bayou Region is what matters and we will continue to provide accurate information, free services, and practical support with a holistic and compassionate approach. ?We give each of our clients the care and attention they need; empowering them to make an informed decision for themselves and their future. Now, more than ever, women are going to be searching for practical help that shows them they don’t need abortion to survive, succeed or thrive in life. Women need to know how much their lives are worth and how they have value, oftentimes before they can value the life of the baby inside of their womb. Now, more than ever, we need your help meeting the essential needs of our clients which is crucial to the heart of our ministry—promoting the sanctity of life by offering life affirming options, and providing practical, financial, emotional and spiritual
22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • August 2022
assistance to those faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Being pro-life is just a stance. Being pro-love is an action. We must continue to let our actions show that we intend to support and provide resources for women with unplanned pregnancies. Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center will continue to lead with love, standing shoulder to shoulder with our pro-love community, and embrace a post Roe America by showing up for these women in the ways they need us most.We are energized and determined to continue fulfilling our mission – providing hope and real, tangible help to all who come through our doors. God chose us to live in this time. We are here for a purpose, and I ask that you work with Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center as we continue to bring life-affirming care to women in our community. Our work has just begun! Will you join us? What does this mean for our churches? The pro-life movement has been working for decades to welcome, protect, and care for babies and their mothers. However,
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