OPINION:
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the responsibility of determining abortion laws has decisively shifted back to individual states empowering states like Florida to reevaluate and assert their stance on the sanctity of life through legislative measures.
The recent ruling by the Florida Supreme Court to uphold the state’s 15-week abortion ban is a profound declaration of Florida’s commitment to protecting the unborn and their mothers.
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This moment is a crucial juncture for Floridians, prompting us to reflect on our values and the legacy we wish to create in the protection of life and the support of women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Critics of Florida’s abortion bans often portray such legal measures as restricting a woman’s choice. Yet, this perspective narrowly defines choice within the context of abortion, failing to address the deeper socioeconomic issues at play. The real question we should be asking, in light of the thousands of women who will have to “reckon with unwanted pregnancies,” is why these pregnancies are considered “unwanted” in the first place. Understanding and addressing the root causes that lead women to seek abortions (a majority of which are due to financial burden) can lead us to more meaningful solutions that extend far beyond the scope of abortion.
Abortion, as it stands, is not — and never should be considered — a solution to the complex matrix of socioeconomic challenges faced by women today. It is, at best, a grievous stopgap, one that abortion supporters often use to sidestep the more demanding work of providing genuine support.
Similarly, the repeated claim, echoed by The Washington Post and prevalent among pro-abortion advocates, that abortion is medically necessary distorts the truth. In reality, abortion is never medically necessary. This argument creates a false dichotomy, setting mother against child while ignoring the medical principle that prioritizes saving both lives. In cases of medical emergencies during pregnancy, healthcare professionals are trained and committed to treating both the mother and the baby as their patients, striving to protect both lives. This approach is not only more compassionate but is a comprehensive model of care, one that respects the intrinsic value of both patients.
The oversight of women’s real needs by abortion advocates is the reason why organizations like The American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, which advocates against abortion in medical emergencies using evidence-based rationale, Her Plan Florida, which provides a list of over 440 resources for pregnant and parenting women in Florida, and Let Them Live are now more vital than ever.
Let Them Live’s mission — to provide financial support to women contemplating abortion due to economic hardship — challenges the narrative that access to abortion is the primary or sole form of support available to women in crisis. By offering real, tangible alternatives, Let Them Live illuminates a path forward that honors both the life of the unborn and attends to the dignity and needs of the mother.
These efforts, especially in states like Florida, dismantle the argument that women are left with no options other than abortion. Framing abortion laws as merely restrictive fails to capture the holistic approach taken by the pro-life movement, which not only seeks to protect the unborn but also to provide tangible support to women in need.
We understand the heart-wrenching reality faced by countless women who feel cornered into considering abortion — not out of a genuine desire but due to the overwhelming pressures of their circumstances. This dire situation is, unfortunately, the backdrop for the majority of abortion decisions, reflecting a lack of real choice rather than a true preference.
In Florida, we stand on the cusp of transforming how we support women facing unplanned pregnancies. Organizations like Let Them Live are pioneering this change, offering not just financial assistance but holistic support that addresses material, emotional, and mental health needs. This model of care is what genuine choice looks like — providing women with viable alternatives to abortion and addressing the underlying challenges they face.
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This comprehensive approach to supporting women in need is demanding; it requires a significant investment of resources, time, and emotional energy into women during and after their pregnancies. Yet, this is precisely the commitment that the pro-life movement, bolstered by the recent legislative advancements in our state, is prepared to make. It is a testament to our belief that support should not merely be about steering women away from abortion but about affirming life and providing the means for both mother and child to thrive.
As a proud Floridian, I see this as an opportunity to redefine what support looks like for women facing unplanned pregnancies. It’s about moving beyond the binary of abortion as the only choice and towards creating a society where women are provided with resources and support. This path is undoubtedly more arduous, involving more than just legislation — it’s about changing hearts, minds, and the very fabric of our community support systems.
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Emily Berning is the President and Co-Founder of Let Them Live, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to saving lives from abortion by financially supporting women in crisis pregnancies. Emily and her husband, Nathan, have adopted 25 embryos over the last two years and are hoping to be pregnant soon. They live in Ormond Beach, Florida where they enjoy the beach with their three dogs.
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