In all of the stories about the flip of the House of Representatives, few paid enough attention to the massive changes in state governance. But the pro life movement did, noting that its allies have gained much political power. And that will result in a lot of new anti abortion legislating. From the Politico:
Massive gains in statehouses and a promising new rhetorical strategy have anti-abortion advocates predicting a banner year — and abortion rights supporters bracing for the challenge. The number of anti-abortion governors rose from 21 to 29 in the past election, according to a NARAL Pro-Choice America analysis, previewed exclusively to POLITICO and set to be released early next month. The number of states with fully anti-abortion governments — where the governor and the legislature find themselves on the same side of the issue — increased from 10 to 15.
What kind of laws might be passed?
Anti-abortion advocates are planning an aggressive strategy at both the state and the federal level. At a National Right to Life Committee state strategy conference last week — hastily convened after activists realized the extent of their legislative gains — the anti-abortion lobby announced it would focus on three model laws that have already seen some success on the ground...Alongside the fetal pain legislation, advocates see two other paths forward: pushing laws that would require an ultrasound to be shown to the patient prior to an abortion, similar to an Oklahoma law, as well as bills that would bar insurance coverage of abortion in the health insurance exchanges that come online in 2014.
I find it remarkable that in an increasingly relativistic and post modern culture, pro life beliefs continue to flourish and grow. Why might that be? There is no denying the scientific truth that abortion kills a developing human being. And that still matters.
