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The Good… and it can only get better

Dec 16, 2021

By Linda Verhulst, Missouri Right to Life –Western Region

I heard on the radio recently that the difference between a pessimist and an optimist is this: A pessimist says, “It can’t get any worse” (or, if you are really Eeyoreish, “It can only get worse.”). But an optimist thinks, “It can only get better.”

Another mark of pessimism vs. optimism is that a pessimist always notices what goes wrong (and something always goes wrong), and an optimist takes encouragement from what goes right. As we prepare to put 2021 behind us and move forward into 2022, the degree to which we are looking forward to the new year depends largely on our perspective.

After all, the reset of the calendar does not mean a reset of reality. I will admit that I have been on both sides of the fence concerning the future of life in America, but I hold out hope. There are still too many hard-working, God-fearing people who refuse to allow our country to turn into something that we do not recognize. I get kind of excited when I think of truth prevailing over lies and good conquering evil, like any good superhero movie.

For that reason, I would like to end the year with highlights of pro-life accomplishments and successes in our country, state, and region in 2021. For example, the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks state-level abortion legislation, has marked 2021 as the most devastating state legislative session for abortion rights in history. (Fighting abortion AND covid? Talk about multi-tasking!)

Guttmacher reports that as of early June, 2021, 561 abortion restrictions have been introduced this year in all but three states. The CLI reports 489 proposed restrictions as of May 31 from all but two states (California and New Jersey). Missouri introduced 23, the third highest number in the country behind Texas and West Virginia, and just ahead of Arkansas. As of early August, states had enacted 97 of those introduced abortion-restrictive statutes into law (Guttmacher). Add to that number the widely-publicized Texas Heartbeat Act, enacted on September 1. Arkansas, amazingly, enacted 19 of the 22 restrictions it introduced. Read calendar below for some month-by-month optimism.

As you read about a year in the life of MRL-Western Region, please note one constant running throughout the year. Yes, it’s YOU!. The Western Region is dedicated to being a voice for the voiceless and defending life’s sanctity. However, no organization can be as effective without the help of those who come alongside the cause with conviction. I pray that the struggles of this past year have not dimmed your light for life and hope you will continue to shine with us in the years to come.

Partnering with You for Life!

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