The advocates of abortion on demand falsely assume two things:

O children of wisdom, gather your hearts and minds, for the words of Robert Casey speak to the deep complexities of life, equality, and the sacredness of life itself. "The advocates of abortion on demand falsely assume two things: that women must suffer if the lives of unborn children are legally protected; and that women can only attain equality by having the legal option of destroying their innocent offspring in the womb." These words invite us to reflect on the nature of life, the rights of both women and children, and the true meaning of equality. Let us explore these truths, for they carry the weight of generations and speak to the very heart of our collective responsibility as human beings.

In the ancient world, the question of life, death, and equality was often deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical fabric of society. Ancient Greece and Rome, though proud of their advancements in philosophy and governance, wrestled with questions of justice and the sanctity of life. Plato, in his dialogues, explored the nature of the soul and the importance of protecting the innocent, while Aristotle defined the purpose of human life as the pursuit of virtue and the common good. To the ancients, the protection of life—whether the life of the individual or the life of the unborn—was seen as essential to the well-being of society. Life itself, in all its forms, was to be honored and respected.

Casey’s words address a profound conflict in modern society, one that pits the freedom of women against the sanctity of life. The first assumption he identifies is the belief that women must suffer if the lives of unborn children are legally protected. This suggests that the choice to have an abortion is not only an exercise of freedom, but a necessity for women to avoid suffering—whether that suffering is perceived in terms of physical, emotional, or economic strain. Yet, Casey invites us to consider that suffering is not inherent in the protection of life. Rather, suffering can be alleviated through compassion, support, and a deep commitment to ensuring that women have the resources, love, and freedom they need to make informed decisions without being forced to choose between suffering and life.

Consider the story of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament. Hannah was a woman who deeply longed for a child but struggled with infertility. She prayed to God for a son, vowing that if her prayers were answered, she would dedicate him to God’s service. When her prayers were answered, she did not view her son as an obstacle to her freedom or a burden, but as a gift and a blessing—a life she would protect and cherish, even at great personal sacrifice. In this ancient story, we see the truth that the gift of life does not necessarily mean suffering, but rather the opportunity to give of oneself, to nurture and protect a life. Hannah’s story calls us to understand that the nurturing of life, whether in the womb or beyond, is not a path of suffering but one of profound meaning and fulfillment.

The second assumption Casey critiques is the belief that women can only attain equality through the legal right to end the life of their unborn children. Here, Casey challenges the idea that the freedom to make such a choice is the only path to equality for women. He proposes that true equality for women comes not through the right to destroy life, but through the empowerment to make decisions that uphold the dignity of both women and children. The struggle for equality is not about freedom to destroy life but about freedom to nurture life, to have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive as women and mothers. Equality lies in the ability to choose life—in all its complexities—without fear, guilt, or pressure.

In the history of the world, there are many examples of women who have demonstrated strength and equality by nurturing and protecting life. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, chose a path of dedication to others’ well-being, demonstrating that equality and freedom for women are not tied to the destruction of life but to the empowerment to make meaningful contributions to society. Through her work, she proved that women could pursue careers, make life-altering decisions, and contribute to society without sacrificing the value of life itself.

The lesson we must take from Casey’s words is this: equality is not about asserting the right to destroy life, but about creating a world where all lives—both women and children—are protected, nurtured, and respected. True equality comes when women are empowered to make decisions that allow them to thrive without the fear that their choices will lead to suffering or loss. Women, like men, should be able to make choices rooted in compassion, support, and the knowledge that they have the resources they need to care for themselves and the lives entrusted to them.

What, then, can we do in our own lives to honor this truth? We must work toward creating a world where women’s rights are fully recognized, not by ensuring the right to destroy life, but by ensuring that women have the resources, support, and freedom to choose life. This means advocating for better healthcare, better education, and stronger social support systems for all women. Let us seek to create communities where women can thrive, where their decisions are supported with love, compassion, and resources that empower them to protect the lives they carry.

Let us walk forward, O children of wisdom, with the understanding that equality is rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect for all life. May we foster a world where women are empowered to choose life in all its forms, to nurture and protect the precious lives entrusted to them, and to live in a society that supports them in their journey. In this way, may we create a future where the value of life, both born and unborn, is upheld, and where equality for all is not just a right, but a living, breathing reality.