The recent Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Indianapolis saw a vote to condemn in vitro fertilization, sparking disagreement among members. Meanwhile, conservative lawyers advocating for strict limits on medication abortion faced a setback at the Supreme Court, with many allies seeing their approach as overly aggressive.
Former president Donald J. Trump urged Republicans in a closed-door meeting to shift the focus away from discussing abortion bans based on certain gestational weeks. This comes at a time when the anti-abortion movement is facing internal divisions and struggling to chart a unified path forward following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The anti-abortion movement is grappling with fundamental disagreements, including whether to continue pushing solely for abortion restrictions or to expand focus to other areas of reproductive health like fertility treatments. This internal strife has led to a lack of consensus on key objectives and strategies within the movement.
Some hard-liners are rejecting the incremental approach that previously yielded success in overturning Roe v. Wade, while others are wary of the current political landscape. This fragmentation was evident at a Southern Baptist Convention lunch where prominent figures expressed concerns about the movement’s lack of cohesion.
After achieving their goal of ending a constitutional right to abortion, the anti-abortion movement has faced setbacks, including political losses and challenges in maintaining a cohesive message. The movement’s future direction is unclear as Republicans navigate a post-Roe political landscape.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, has advocated for a 15-week national abortion ban as a strategic shift following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The movement is grappling with the evolving political landscape and the need to adapt its approach to continue advocating for anti-abortion policies.
Amidst these challenges, anti-abortion activists are working to shift public opinion and engage lawmakers in advancing their agenda post-Roe. The movement faces cultural shifts and generational differences that present additional hurdles in advancing their cause.
Some segments of the anti-abortion movement are pushing for “fetal personhood” legislation based on Christian values, while others advocate for a more long-term and pragmatic approach in light of recent political developments. The movement is at a crossroads, with differing views on the best path forward in advocating for anti-abortion policies.
Local actors within the movement are emphasizing the need for a flexible and strategic approach in the current political climate. While challenges persist, the anti-abortion movement remains determined to pursue its goals despite setbacks and internal divisions.
