ABORTION BAN: IT'S SOUTH DAKOTA VS SUPREME COURT
PIERRE, MARCH 7: A near-total ban on abortions has been signed into law in South Dakota, a measure the governor called a “direct frontal assault” on the US Supreme Court decision to legalise the practice 33 years ago.
The bill would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless the procedure was necessary to save the woman’s life. It would make no exception for cases of rape or incest, but such victims could get emergency contraception. Under the new law, doctors could get up to five years in prison for performing an illegal abortion.
A judge is likely to suspend the abortion ban before it is due to take effect July 1, which means it would not change state policy unless the case gets all the way to the SC and the state wins.
The Legislature passed the bill last month after supporters argued that the recent appointment of Conservative justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito have made the SC more likely to overturn 1973’s Roe vs Wade.
Some other states have been considering similar bans, and the South Dakota legislation will have an impact elsewhere, said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy indianexpress.com, 03/07/06
Ahaz Rules in Judah
1Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD, as his ancestor David had done. 2Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel and cast images for the worship of Baal. 3He offered sacrifices in the valley of the son of Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. He imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations whom the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. 4He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the pagan shrines and on the hills and under every green tree. 5That is why the LORD his God allowed the king of Aram to defeat Ahaz and to exile large numbers of his people to Damascus. The armies of Israel also defeated Ahaz and inflicted many casualties on his army. 6In a single day Pekah son of Remaliah, Israel's king, killed 120,000 of Judah's troops because they had abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors.
WHY IS THIS OLD TESTAMENT STORY PARALLEL TO ABORTION?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide the insight:
28:3 Imagine the monstrous evil of a religion that offers young children as sacrifices. God allowed the nation to be conquered in response to Ahaz's evil practices. Even today the practice hasn't abated. The sacrifice of children to the harsh gods of convenience, economy, and whim continues in sterile medical facilities in numbers that would astound the wicked Ahaz.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 that the little children should be allowed to come to Him. Where do you think Jesus stands on the abortion issue?
Every life is created by God and therefore sacred. Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ must remember that abortion is not only a political issue, but it's one of God's issues. He calls for our obedience.
- Commit yourself to praying for the unborn in our culture at least once a week.
- Look for ways to volunteer at a pro-life ministry. Choose one that shows love, grace and forgiveness. Those who are struggling with a decision about abortion need the love of Jesus, not condemnation from angry people who call themselves Christians.
- Write a letter to your congressional leaders encouraging them to protect the lives of the unborn. Make sure you write with the love and grace of Christ.
- Write a thank you note to God for the marvelous way He created you. Place it where you will see it regularly as a reminder to thank God for the life He has given you!
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.