To say 2020 has been a year like none other we have experienced would be an understatement. As if protecting the most innocent among us was not hard enough, we now have to contend with additional circumstances that try our spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Even with these added stressors, many pro-lifers are still out in the trenches every day fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves. This fact is evidenced beautifully in our State Briefs compiled by Joe Kral. I am always in awe by the extent and variety of legal avenues pursued on the state level. Having worked on state legislation, I know that just getting a bill introduced can be a massive feat in itself.

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In addition to the legal protections already being pursued, our authors offer insight into other legal possibilities to protect the unborn. Chris Maska, of Texas Alliance for Life, gives an excellent summary of the legal battle in Texas regarding closing abortion clinics during the pandemic to protect medical supplies. If this case illustrates anything, it is that pro-life opportunities present themselves in the most unlikely ways.

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On the other hand, Andrew Shirvell of Florida Voice for the Unborn discusses a more traditional route to protecting the unborn. Using Florida as an example, he provides an in-depth legal analysis of whether it is prudent to pursue a constitutional amendment to a state constitution should Roe be overturned. His article offers some extremely helpful guidance regarding factors that need to be considered when planning successful legal strategies.

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When I look over legislative activities on the state level, almost all legislation pertains to abortion or assisted-suicide, which is good. Still, other life issues are just as important that we must address – such as IVF. Both Katie Breckenridge's article and the legislative testimony from Colorado are worth a read if you want to familiarize yourself with why IVF is a pro-life issue. IVF and all the other issues that come with it are the other side of the abortion coin. IVF is the ultimate objectification of children, which is the logical extension of the abortion mentality.

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If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that life as we know it can turn on a dime. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on what the change is. As pro-lifers, we must be ready for anything and use the circumstances we are given to advance the cause of life.

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Ana Brennan, J.D.

Vice-President & Senior Editor

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