In a recent essay titled “The Way Forward After Dobbs,” Ryan T. Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, explores a crucial point: for the pro-life movement to truly succeed in ending abortion, it must first address the broader issues surrounding sexual ethics in society.
The Current State of Abortion Views
Anderson argues that as long as society accepts nonmarital sex as the norm, many people will continue to see abortion as a form of emergency contraception.
This perspective is highlighted in Anderson’s essay published in First Things, a Catholic-led journal.
He suggests that declining marriage rates and delayed ages for marriage, combined with a persistent sex drive, will likely keep abortion rates high.
The Impact of Roe v. Wade’s Overturn
While the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade marked a significant victory for pro-life advocates, Anderson notes that it occurred during a time when abortion had already become deeply ingrained in American culture.
He points out that generations of Americans have been taught that abortion is a right and that unborn babies lack rights, which has led to a deeply rooted belief that there are no duties to the unborn.
Shifting Public Opinion and Political Defeats
Anderson highlights that recent changes in public opinion regarding abortion have contributed to the pro-life movement’s recent setbacks at the ballot box.
Even in states where abortion restrictions have been enacted, ballot initiatives often liberalize abortion laws or override state-level pro-life measures.
Challenges in Public Perception
According to Anderson, it was easier to affirm the dignity of the unborn when Roe v. Wade was in effect because it was more of an abstract issue.
However, many Americans, even those who identify as pro-life, support exceptions for cases like rape, incest, and personal circumstances.
This mixed support reflects a deeper issue where the support for pro-life principles often falters when faced with individual situations.
The Root of the Problem: The Sexual Revolution
Anderson attributes the root cause of the abortion issue to the sexual revolution, which began in the 1960s and aimed to normalize sex outside of marriage.
This revolution, alongside the women’s liberation movement and the introduction of the birth control pill, shifted societal attitudes towards sex and reproduction.
He believes that the pro-life movement must focus on changing sexual behaviors rather than solely advocating for the humanity of the unborn.
The Need for a Pro-Marriage and Pro-Chastity Movement
Rather than just addressing the abortion debate, Anderson argues that the pro-life movement should also promote pro-marriage and pro-chastity values.
He points out that premarital sex is common not just among secular Americans, but even among regular churchgoers.
To make meaningful changes, the movement must start by convincing Christians of these values.
The Role of Religious Leaders and Cultural Shaping
Anderson calls on religious leaders to speak more frequently about life and chastity from the pulpit.
He also emphasizes the need for organizations that can shape cultural opinions and create impactful media and policies.
This includes developing TV shows and movies that reflect these values, protecting children from online harms, and supporting effective church ministries.
Strategic Political Organization
Finally, Anderson suggests that the pro-life movement should focus on political strategies that support pro-life politicians and avoid efforts that might lead to political failure.
He advocates for crafting policies that promote marriage and for cultural leaders to apply the same level of professionalism seen in conservative legal movements to broader cultural issues.
He concludes that without a religious revival, achieving the necessary cultural and policy changes will be a monumental task.