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Indiana was the first state in the nation to take up abortion legislation since the Dobbs case returned the issue to the states, and Governor Holcomb signed a near-total abortion ban on Friday, August 5th. I had the opportunity to be at the Indiana statehouse during this two-week legislative session, to observe many of the floor debates and to listen to the arguments of advocates and protesters. Here are 3 lessons from the debate in Indiana and what it means for the sanctity of life around the country:
- The debate was theological. To be clear, the legal foundation for the law is the principle (set out in Dobbs) that states have a rational basis for protecting the life of the unborn in the womb, as supported by medical and technological advancements since 1973. That said, it struck me that both sides relied on theological or at least quasi-religious, ultimate truth claims in support of their positions. My point? The debate around abortion is inescapably moral/religious.
- The debate isn’t over. Dobbs simply returned the issue of abortion to the states, but I had some hope that it also signaled or would at least catalyze substantive change in the moral landscape of the nation. But, as proven by the last few weeks, Christians still have much work to do to promote the sanctity of life.
- The debate is an opportunity. Due to No. 1 above, the debate over abortion is a remarkable opportunity to cut past talk of the important issues to what is morally and ultimately good in our society.