Since 1973, it is estimated that over 60 million unborn children have died through abortion procedures. The Center for Disease Control estimate that one out of six pregnancies in the US end in abortion. Last month, June 24, the US Supreme Court handed down a historic ruling on Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization, voting 6-3 to effectively reverse the effects of Roe vs Wade. Within hours since the ruling, several states banned abortion immediately and abortion clinics across those states closed. Twenty-six of the fifty states are expected to ban abortion, with twenty expected to legalize it. 

However, many observers believe it will have little effect on abortion rates as those who choose to have an abortion can simply drive to a state where the practice is still legal. Overall, this decision struck down the argument of Roe vs Wade that abortion is a constitutional right. That decision was premised on the assumption that the US Constitution contained a right to abortion. 

With the issue of abortion becoming a heated political battle in the U.S. in the coming months, the battleground now shifts to the individual states to determine whether to regulate or ban abortion in respective states. The November elections will particularly be significant as whoever ends up controlling the House between the Democrats or Republicans will determine the direction of the abortion issue in the years to come. While the Supreme Court decision cannot be overturned, the House can pass bills that will either aid or circumvent the ruling. The battleground has also become global, with the international community quickly following suit with the United Nations, President Macron of France, Prime Minister Johnson of Britain, and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, among others, criticizing the ruling and characterizing it as a step backwards.

Beyond the political battles, reviews, and protests that have ensued, our prayer as God’s people stems from Psalm 139:13–16, which says, “each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” That life begins in the womb and it is our duty to fight and believe for a revelation of the sanctity of life.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God to grant wisdom and discernment upon governments as they formulate laws regarding issues such as abortion, upholding righteousness and the value of human life. As state officials face tremendous pressure from the US President, government, liberal groups, and media, ask God’s revelation and word to be the moral compass of our society today.
2. Intercede for women dealing with crisis or unwanted pregnancies. Pray for divine appointments with churches or godly counselors who will lead them to protect both their lives and the unborn as well as practical advice on how to raise the children.
3. Pray for a deeper and growing understanding of the value God placed in each human life through Jesus Christ. May God use this landmark ruling to turn people’s hearts toward Him and for their minds to be renewed by the gospel that is for the salvation of all.

Every Nation is a global family of churches and campus ministries, of which Victory is a founding member.

We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This is the reason we value world missions as a church and persistently pray for the nations every month.

To learn more about this situation, you can check the news and resources in the links below.

• https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1616253/u-s-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade-curtailing-abortion-rights?utm_source=gallery&utm_medium=direct
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61928898
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54513499
• New York Times article on the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs Wade ruling and its effect on the states