The Solidarity Future of Pro-Life Politics
The Pro-Life movement has long focused on national legislation and Supreme Court rulings such as Roe, Casey, and Dobbs. These efforts, while crucial in the past, are now less important since President Trump and the GOP have declared that abortion laws will be decided at the state level. In his first few weeks, Trump has enacted the usual executive actions that act as a light switch between Republican and Democratic administrations, but whether or not anything will be done federally to intentionally create a culture of life remains to be seen. The American Solidarity party should aim to become a critical component of the pro-life movement's success by creating and fostering deep roots in activism at the most local units of government.
Local focus on widespread involvement in town and county government, school boards, and library boards is crucial for the following reasons:
Funding Allocation: federal and state governments send money to support local budgets. The philosophical majority in the lower levels of government can use their discretionary spending to orchestrate spending to uplift human dignity, ensure respect for life at all stages, and to support families—especially those in need. Pro-Life advocates can influence these decisions, potentially reducing funding for abortion services.
Zoning Regulations: Local zoning laws can restrict the placement of abortion clinics, making them less accessible. Zoning also controls gambling, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, marijuana dispensaries, etc.
Public Education: Pro-Life advocates can work with local school boards to incorporate pro-life perspectives into sex education curricula or to support alternative education options.
Crisis Pregnancy Centers: Supporting the establishment and growth of local Crisis Pregnancy Centers provides crucial alternatives to abortion by offering resources like counseling, material aid, and parenting classes.
Focusing on building a grassroots movement is also crucial because:
Community Engagement: Local activism fosters stronger community bonds and allows for more direct engagement with elected officials and constituents.
Identifying Local Leaders: Activism at the local level helps identify and cultivate passionate leaders within the movement.
Building Political Power: By winning local elections and influencing local policies, the Pro-Life movement can gain momentum and exert greater influence at the state and national levels.
What Can Pro-Life Advocates Do?
Research Local Elections: Stay informed about local elections and candidates' positions on abortion-related issues.
Get Involved in Local Campaigns: Volunteer for pro-life candidates, donate to their campaigns, and spread the word about their platforms.
Attend Local Government Meetings: Participate in public hearings and express your concerns to local officials.
Support Local Crisis Pregnancy Centers: Volunteer your time, donate resources, and spread awareness about their services.
Educate Your Community: Engage in respectful dialogue with your neighbors and community members about the sanctity of life.
Conclusion
The Pro-Life movement can achieve significant progress by shifting its focus to local politics. By engaging in local activism, building grassroots support, and influencing local policies, the movement can create a more favorable environment for the protection of the unborn and their mothers. We need an entire army of pro-life activists and politicians in order to collaborate and coordinate pro-life political activity from the most local levels to our state governments.
There has never been a deliberate effort to rewire the movement into a local and personal struggle. The time is now. We must get the word out to educate and organize our neighbors who share our passion for the dignity of human life.