A Crucial Moment for Life

If Roe v. Wade falls, our work to bring hope and help to mothers and babies will be needed even more

THIS IS A HOPEFUL YEAR for all of us who cherish the dignity of human life. In the coming months, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is focused on the constitutionality of abortion. This case offers the first real hope of overturning Roe v. Wade in more than a generation.

Hope is the essence of this case — and at the core of the cause of life itself. For Christians, hope is not just a feeling. It is a reality of our existence, rooted in Christ’s resurrection. Hope, or the lack of it, is also a driving factor behind the sad reality of abortion. Many women who make that tragic choice do so out of despair. For this reason, protecting life depends on providing hope to women in need.

The Knights of Columbus has long risen to this challenge. We know that every life is precious, that every life matters. We focus as much on the life of the mother as on the life of her unborn child. That’s why we’ve spent decades supporting pregnancy resource centers and giving women with unplanned pregnancies the love and care they deserve.

Our leadership in the pro-life cause has made a remarkable difference. Yet if the Dobbs case overturns Roe, our faith in action will be needed even more.

The right decision in Dobbs will not mark the end of abortion. Rather, it will mark the beginning of the end. In a post-Roe world, the citizens of each state will determine the legality of abortion through their legislative process. It will be a new era, one in which local efforts and pregnancy resource centers will take center stage.

If abortion limitations are returned to the states, even more expectant mothers and their unborn children will be looking for help. The Knights of Columbus must be there for them. It has often been said, “where there’s a need, there’s a Knight,” and we must work to provide for the needs of every mother facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy and support her after she chooses life.

‘Imagine a future in which every woman has the freedom, care and resources she needs to choose life; where mothers and their children have the care they need to thrive.’

We are providentially poised to succeed. Over the past decade, the Order has placed nearly 1,500 ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers throughout the country, with machines in every state. This historic achievement has given us relationships with key organizations that will be pivotal in a post-Roe world. On this solid foundation, we can and will build.

I encourage every council to contact a local pregnancy resource center or maternity home to offer support for its lifesaving work. I also encourage councils to support women and children through local parish programs. Every diocese has a ministry that either helps prevent abortion or provides post-abortion healing. And there are countless apostolates in our Church that provide food, health care and education to young children and families.

Imagine a future in which every woman has the freedom, care and resources she needs to choose life; where mothers and their children have the care they need to thrive. The Knights of Columbus is uniquely situated to make this vision a reality.

As we redouble our efforts, we must also redouble our prayers. Let us fast and offer small sacrifices for the sake of the unborn and their mothers. And let us pray that, whatever happens in the Dobbs case, abortion’s days are numbered.

Now is a crucial moment for life. Our compassion, understanding and generous support are all essential. So too is our bold witness, which is needed to change not only laws, but also hearts and minds.

This truly is a hopeful year. And it is also a year when we, as Knights, will spread that hope as never before. A culture of life demands nothing less, and we desire nothing more.

Vivat Jesus!