I hadn’t even fully moved into my office at Right to Life when a reporter reached out to schedule an interview with me discussing my new role as Executive Director. A few minutes into the conversation the question came: “So, what will happen if the election doesn’t go your way?” I understood what he meant by the phrase “doesn’t go your way” and welcome this type of question every chance I get. The reason? Because it gives me an opportunity to clarify a question that many are asking. In a post Roe v. Wade era, and now that the election is behind us, the question lingers in the minds of many. What is the mission of Right to Life of Southwest Indiana and other ministries or organizations like it? Are these ministries even needed anymore? I believe these are fair questions that deserve an adequate response. In light of favorable legislation for the pro-life movement that we should continue to celebrate, our role is needed now more than ever. Since the Dobbs decision, abortion has become a state’s rights issue, which means that our voice on a state level is more necessary now than it has ever been in our recent history. The many referendums on state ballots across the nation during this past general election are evidence of this reality. Political advocacy for pro-life legislation will remain a high priority for those desiring to further public policy that promotes the flourishing of the family. In addition to this, public sentiment on the issue of abortion and other life issues is growing more contentious and even confusing. People are being misled by individuals who are blatantly distorting facts about fetal development, women’s healthcare, and the reality of abortion. Our students are being bombarded with information designed to convince them to adopt a pro-abortion worldview. This battleground of public sentiment is probably being felt most acutely by parents, grandparents, educators, church leaders, and every next-generation influencer. These individuals need our support! Consequently, we are doubling-down on our efforts to engage parents, the family, and this next generation with the pro-life message. We are working hard to develop more resources, greater educational opportunities, and more exposure so that a wider audience can come to grips with the truth about life. Everything that we roll out in the coming months will have these goals in mind. Much has “gone our way” over the last couple of years, and for that, we celebrate. At the same time, there is still much light to shine on a very dark worldview that seeks to claim the lives of the most vulnerable. Those lives deserve our greatest protection! We cannot let apathy lull us to sleep! Dr. Jeff Ferguson Executive Director |