Today, many Americans will take time to remember Roe v Wade, the 1973 United States Supreme Court that legalized abortion in the U.S.  Since the current Supreme Court recently overturned that decision, however, such remembrances have been taking on different hues.  For those opposed to abortion, it was to vow to carry on so as to make abortion illegal in every state.  For those who support a women's right to choose to have an abortion, it was to continue, state by state, the quest to keep the option open.

    I'd be hard pressed to find anyone who likes the idea of abortion.  I certainly don't.  Few of us are necessarily delighted to have an abortion.  On the other hand, I say to the anti-abortionists that if you wish to abolish abortion altogether, walk the talk.  Work just as hard and just as fervently to ensure that states and interested charitable organizations have the funds, and the desire, to provide pre--and post--natal care to those who need it.  If you claim to be "pro-life" (whatever this means), then seek to convince states, relevant organizations, and the federal government to work together to ensure that women who, for whatever reason, find themselves pregnant, receive proper care.  In addition, work to ensure that they and their child receives proper care AFTER birth.  Do not reject public programs that attempt to help women who find themselves in this situation, do not oppose efforts to cut off funding for the many public programs that offer aid.  Churches cannot do it all.

    Nor can individuals.

    Love the mother, love the child.  Abortion is an immensely complex issue, and we do ourselves no favor when we distill it to empty shibboleths and simplistic sloganeering.

    God is still there.  Let's listen to his love.