#

Anticipating Major Pro-Life Victories Despite Increased Abortion Access

In the face of the recent ballot initiatives that have granted greater access to abortion in several key states, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List), reaffirmed her belief that “ultimately, America is a pro-life nation.”

Ms. Dannenfelser expressed her support for the grassroots efforts of individuals and grassroot organizations to engage their neighbors and communities in the pro-life cause. In her view, this will remain the “key to winning the big debates in the public square” over issues such as abortion and human rights.

Undoubtedly, the pro-life cause is an uphill battle, as the recent vote on ballot initiatives in several states bring a decidedly mixed outcome to the table. Montana, Louisiana, and Kansas recently all voted to expand access to abortion, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia all saw their efforts to add restrictions to abortion access defeated.

In spite of the results, Dannenfelser remains confident that pro-life efforts are still on the right track and that working with organizations such as SBA List is the best way for people to engage effectively in the pro-life cause.

Indeed, effective engagement involves more than simply casting a ballot and requires sustained support for organizations that exist to advance the pro-life message. As Dannenfelser noted, “There’s only one pro-life organization that has partnered with 118 state and local groups to build a ground game that’s working with them in as many states as possible” and that organization, she continued, is SBA List.

The organization’s extensive network of grassroots supporters is its most important asset and it has effectively leveraged this support to support pro-life candidates at all levels of government and to oppose abortion access efforts of any kind. It also provides educational resources to promote understanding of the pro-life position and often provides counsel to individuals and families facing difficult pregnancy decisions.

As Ms. Dannenfelser put it, the pro-life cause has not been lost and is far from defeated, and the successes of the movement will continue to be won through grassroot engagement. This, she believes, is the way the pro-life message will ultimately win in the public square.