Discovery Institute Fellow Speaks at the D.C. 40 Days for Life Kickoff Rally
On Monday, October 4, 2021, Arina Grossu, Fellow with the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism, spoke at the Washington D.C. 40 Days for Life campaign Kickoff Rally, focusing her remarks on how the pro-life movement is seeing the beginning of the end of Roe v. Wade. The 40 Days for Life is a visible, public, peaceful prayer vigil outside a single Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in the local community. Participants pray and fast for an end to abortion.
Arina Grossu 
Monday was the first day that the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments this term. On December 1, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, the biggest case regarding abortion to come before the Supreme Court in decades. The Mississippi Gestational Age Act is at the center of the debate in Dobbs v. Jackson. It limits abortions in Mississippi after 15 weeks gestation, except for medical emergencies or for severe fetal abnormality. It puts into question the constitutionality of the viability standard, but even more so, it puts into question the constitutionality of abortion itself.
In addition to the Dobbs case, the most important pro-life law to this year is the Texas Heartbeat Law which passed in May 2021 and went into effect on Sept. 1,2021. Since it has gone into effect, over 5,300 Texan babies’ lives have been spared from the violence of abortion. It requires an abortionist to check for a heartbeat, and prohibits abortions after a heartbeat is detected. A heartbeat is a universal indicator of life. The law makes it clear that once a heartbeat is detected, that human life must be protected.
The job of the pro-life movement now more than ever before is to help moms with practical life-giving solutions as we prepare for a post-Roe reality. We must build a culture of life and provide a safety net that catches these vulnerable women and provides real solutions, not just with diapers and formula, but with rent and utilities assistance and help in leaving abusive relationships. We must love them both.
Catherine Glenn Foster, the President and CEO of Americans United for Life, was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included:
- Terrisa Bukovanic, Founder Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU)
- Maria Erquiaga, Service Co-Chair, CUA Cardinals for Life
- Hannah Wolfe, Capital Area Regional Coordinator, Students for Life of America
- Kathryn Windels, Director of Life Issues, Archdiocese of Washington, DC
- Pastor Ron Kronz
- Kat Talalas, Assistant Director for Pro-Life Communications, USCCB
- Louis Brown, Executive Director, Christ Medicus Foundation
- Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council
- Michael New, Director of the DC 40 Days for Life campaign
For more information on the 40 Days for Life Campaign and to find a vigil location, you can go visit 40daysforlife.com.