After Dobbs: Life, Law, and Church Care
Summary: On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overruled Roe v. Wade and Casey, ending the federal constitutional right to abortion. This article reflects on what changed and why it matters for followers of Christ. We’ll explore Scripture’s teaching on life and justice, consider how the Church can respond in faith and compassion, discuss how we speak about these issues with love, and close with a prayer. Throughout, we remember that God is Lord of life from the womb onward.
So What Actually Changed?
First, let's clear up some confusion. The Dobbs decision didn't ban abortion across America. I know that might surprise some people who thought that's exactly what happened.
What Dobbs actually did was overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey—two previous Supreme Court cases that had established a federal constitutional right to abortion. Think of it this way: before Dobbs, there was a national rule that said states couldn't ban abortion before a certain point in pregnancy. After Dobbs, that national rule was gone, and each state got to decide for itself. As one pastor put it, "Dobbs did not mean that abortion is now illegal; all it did was give each state the ability to make laws to prohibit abortion." And that's exactly what we've seen happen. Some states immediately moved to ban or heavily restrict abortion. Others protected or even expanded access. The result? A patchwork of different laws depending on where you live.
Here's something that might surprise you: nationwide abortion numbers have only dropped by about 13% since Dobbs. That's significant, yes, but it's not the dramatic shift many expected. This tells us something important: Dobbs wasn't a magic solution that ended abortion. Instead, as one writer described it, it's a "new starting line" for those of us who want to advocate for life with both truth and compassion.
Why This Matters to Us as Christians
You might wonder why this decision matters so much to people of faith. The answer goes to the heart of what we believe about God and human life. Scripture teaches us that every single person—including those not yet born—is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27). That's not just a nice theological concept; it's a foundational truth that shapes how we see the world. When God spoke to Jeremiah, He said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." The psalmist marveled that God "knit me together in my mother's womb." While it is poetry in the book of Psalms—these are declarations about the value and dignity of life from its very beginning.
Think about how Jesus lived and taught. He consistently reached out to "the least of these"—the people society overlooked or pushed aside. He welcomed little children when others thought they were bothering Him. He told His followers that caring for the hungry, the sick, and the imprisoned was the same as caring for Him personally. If we take these teachings seriously, how can we not be deeply concerned about protecting the most vulnerable among us?
But here's what's crucial to understand: while Dobbs gives us reason to thank God (because more babies may now live), it's definitely not the finish line. Laws alone don't solve the deeper hurts that lead women to consider abortion in the first place. Many face poverty, abuse, fear, or trauma. Some feel completely alone and without options. This is where the Church comes in. Dobbs should be a wake-up call for us to step up our game when it comes to loving and supporting mothers, children, and families. We can celebrate each life that's saved, but that joy should fuel our commitment to serve others even more passionately. As the prophet Micah reminds us, our call to "do justice and love mercy" is as urgent as ever.
What Scripture Really Says About Life
Let me share something that might deepen your understanding of why this issue matters so much from a biblical perspective.
When you read through the Gospels, you see that Jesus' entire ministry was about giving life and bringing healing. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. But notice His heart toward children specifically. When parents brought their little ones to Him, His disciples tried to shoo them away—they thought Jesus had more important things to do. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and don't hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
That word "hinder" is interesting. It means to prevent or obstruct. Jesus was essentially saying, "Don't put barriers between children and me. Don't treat them as less important." By that standard, protecting tiny, dependent people—including those still in the womb—is exactly what God calls us to do.
The Old Testament backs this up powerfully. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." Psalm 82 commands us to "rescue the weak and needy" and "defend the cause of the poor and oppressed." Notice there's no exception for age or size in these passages. They call us to defend all who are helpless.
Here's something beautiful, though: even as we stand for these convictions, the gospel gives us hope and mercy. I know many people reading this carry personal pain or regrets related to abortion—maybe your own experience, or someone you love. The good news of Jesus is that His blood covers all sins. God promises new beginnings and calls us to be people of reconciliation. We can trust His mercy just as much as we obey His commands.
How Can We Respond as the Church?
So what do we actually do with all this? The change in law calls us to prayer, witness, and action. But what does that look like practically?
Show Practical Love to Mothers and Families
This is huge. We need to surround pregnant women and new mothers with real, tangible support. I'm not talking about just saying "choose life" and walking away. I'm talking about showing up.
Churches can partner with pregnancy resource centers or start local support groups. We can provide counseling, material aid like diapers and meals, transportation help, and childcare. We can encourage members to mentor families or even "adopt" them in an ongoing way. We can help arrange safe housing or job training for single moms.
One ministry puts it perfectly: their vision is "for every woman with an unexpected pregnancy [to have] a church to turn to for support." Imagine if that were actually true in every community. Every church could become a place of hope and practical help.
Embrace a Consistent Ethic of Life
Here's where we sometimes miss the mark as Christians. Being pro-life can't just mean caring about babies before they're born and then losing interest afterward. If we truly value each child, we should work just as hard to support them after birth.
This means advocating for policies that help families thrive: accessible healthcare, paid family leave, affordable childcare, quality education, and safe neighborhoods. It means working against violence, poverty, and injustice in our communities. As Pastor Justin Fung writes, "If we really value every life... we should do just as much for these little ones once they get out of the womb as before."
Offer Healing and Forgiveness
Many hearts in our churches are wounded by abortion—individuals, couples, maybe even you. Our response must be compassion, not condemnation. We need to offer forgiveness, counseling, and prayer to anyone hurt by abortion. We need to consistently remind people of God's grace in Christ.
A truly loving church is actually the strongest pro-life witness we can have. When people see genuine love and forgiveness in action, it speaks louder than any argument or protest sign ever could.
Serve All "the Least of These"
Our concern for the vulnerable shouldn't stop with the unborn. Jesus calls us to look for anyone who's overlooked or neglected: the poor, homeless, immigrants, disabled, elderly, and imprisoned. He taught that helping these people is literally like helping Him.
Scripture even warns leaders in Ezekiel 34 that God expects them to "strengthen the weak" and "heal the sick." Let's feed the hungry, visit the lonely, and advocate for the voiceless. In everything we do, we show that every life matters to God.
Practice Peaceful Witness and Prayer
Let me be crystal clear about something: we absolutely reject violence. The Church should never condone attacks on clinics or threats against anyone. Such actions completely contradict the command to love our neighbors. Church leaders have stated firmly: "We unalterably oppose the use of violence in any form to achieve" pro-life goals.
Instead, we pray, serve, and speak up peacefully. Paul tells us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." We trust God's power, not shouting matches or force.
We need to lead by example. Have honest conversations in your congregation. Equip people to volunteer at care centers or family support ministries. Remember 1 Peter 3:15: we should be "prepared to give an answer for the hope we have," but always "with gentleness and respect." Our words and actions should be winsome, reflecting Christ's heart.
Speaking Truth in Love
Let's talk about something really practical: how do we actually have conversations about abortion? It's tough, right? These discussions can get heated fast, and people have deep, personal feelings involved.
Here's what I've learned from watching Jesus: He always showed love to the person in front of Him before diving into theological debates. He listened and cared first, then spoke truth kindly. We should follow that pattern.
Talk About People, Not Politics
Instead of launching into policy discussions, share stories of real life. You might say something like, "I've seen how joyful life can be even in difficult circumstances," rather than debating legal technicalities. Concrete examples—friends who chose life, cases where help made a real difference—resonate far more than political slogans.
Use Compassionate Language
Think carefully about how your words sound to someone who might be hurting. Avoid accusatory phrases like "you sinned" or anything that sounds judgmental. Acknowledge that these situations are genuinely painful. Try saying things like "I'm sorry you've had to face this" or "I'm here to help." Make it clear that your concern comes from love, not judgment.
Focus on Jesus's Love
Keep bringing conversations back to God's love for everyone—including women in crisis pregnancies. Jesus spent His life serving and healing, not condemning. Let His compassion guide your tone. If you feel anger or fear rising up, take those emotions to prayer first. Our goal isn't to win arguments but to reveal Jesus' kindness through our words.
Answer Gently and Respectfully
1 Peter 3:15 teaches us to give the reason for our hope "with gentleness and respect." If someone challenges you, listen more than you speak. If you disagree, do so calmly. A soft answer really can open a heart (Proverbs 15:1). Remember, you represent Christ—so let peace and respect shape everything you say.
Above all, pray for wisdom in these discussions. Ask the Holy Spirit to bless your words and soften hearts. Speak clearly about your convictions, but always couple them with acts of love. Often our actions speak louder than our words anyway.
Moving Forward Together
As we think about what comes next, let's remember that while laws have changed, our ultimate hope comes from God alone. The Dobbs decision gives us new opportunities to serve and advocate, but it doesn't guarantee outcomes. Real change happens one heart, one family, one community at a time. We're called to be people of both truth and grace, conviction and compassion. We stand for life because we believe every person matters to God. But we also recognize that the women facing these decisions are people God loves deeply—people who need our support, not our judgment. This is easy to say, but hard in practice. It's messy and complicated, and it requires us to stay engaged for the long haul. But it's also exactly the kind of work Jesus calls us to: defending the vulnerable, caring for the hurting, and showing the world what God's love looks like in action.
The question isn't whether you're "pro-life" or "pro-choice" in some political sense. The question is: will you be pro-life in the fullest, most Jesus-like way possible? Will you work to protect and care for all of God's children—born and unborn, wanted and unwanted, easy to love and difficult to love?
That's the challenge and the opportunity before us.
A Prayer for Our Path Forward
Heavenly Father, you formed each of us in our mother's womb and know every life by name. We thank you that you treasure each soul, born and unborn. Today we lift up those who are afraid or hurting: expectant mothers without support, fathers who feel helpless, medical professionals under pressure, and families facing impossible choices. Surround them with your love and provide for every need.
Holy Spirit, give us wisdom and courage. Help us advocate for life in both word and deed, reflecting Jesus in everything we do. Give us hearts of compassion—protected from both complacency and anger—so we can minister to hurting people without fear or shame. Remind us that though laws change, true hope comes from you alone.
Strengthen our churches to be refuges of practical help, forgiveness, and gospel hope. Help us pray without ceasing, trust you for the future, and build your kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." Let our words be seasoned with grace, our hands ready to serve, and our lives rooted in the truth that you are Lord of all life.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
