Reclaiming the Narrative: Republicans and the Abortion Debate

I just finished reading a Wall Street Journal article which underscores a critical realization: Republicans, and conservatives face a brand problem, not a policy problem…

“Talk more about abortion, not less”. I couldn’t agree more. 

As we approach the critical juncture of the 2024 elections, it is imperative that we, as Republicans, reevaluate our approach to one of the most defining issues of our time: abortion.

At onetime the anchor issue of our campaigns reflecting the moral compass and principles of our party. At one time, we stood as an unwavering light in the darkness, affirming the defending the life, seems to now given way to a prevailing sentiment among some in our party to “sidestep” this issue, fearing backlash or attempting to appeal to a broader audience. However, this strategy has only served to erode our principles, our brand and allow our opponents to define us.

In a memo prepared by the House Republicans’ campaign arm, it was astutely recognized that our party does not suffer from a policy problem regarding abortion, but rather a brand problem. We must confront this head-on by openly discussing our positions on abortion, confidently articulating our stance to voters, and dispelling misconceptions that have clouded our image.

We are called to be bold and not abandon our principles. It is time to confront this issue head-on and reclaim the narrative.

At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question: What is abortion? Is it a right? Is it healthcare? Or is it the willful and intentional termination of the life of another human being? What do you and I believe? What we believe, sets the North of each our our own moral compass, which should direct our paths.

We cannot shy away from the stark reality that abortion ends a human life, fragile, small, and dependent though it may be.

The ‘Life at Conception Act,’ cosponsored by 125 House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, reaffirms the principle that human life begins at conception. This legislation recognizes that every human being, from the moment of fertilization, deserves protection and dignity under the law.

Abortion has permeated our societal discourse, morphing over the years of Roe, from a once whispered taboo into a so-called “right” or “reproductive healthcare right.”

We must reclaim the narrative and acknowledge abortion for what it truly is: the deliberate ending of a human life.

The consequences of Roe v. Wade have been staggering, with over 64 million lives lost since its inception. In Kentucky alone, the annual average of reported abortions equates to the loss of 6 to 9 elementary schools of children every year. These are not just statistics; they represent precious lives extinguished before they had a chance to flourish.

Abortion is a complex and deeply divisive issue, but that does not mean we should shy away from discussing it.

We must ask ourselves: Can there be degrees of tolerance for the intentional termination of innocent and fragile lives? Can we justify a law that grants the “right” to end the life of another, regardless of the circumstances of their conception?

The circumstance of ones conception, must never determine the value of ones life. Must never allow ourselves to surrender to political pressure; but authentically represent the principles that define us as Republicans.

In the words of Judge Tom Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court, “Human life cannot be wrongfully destroyed without incurring the wrath of a holy God.” Lawmakers, have a solemn duty to uphold the sanctity of life and enact just laws that reflect the highest moral principles.

What is a ‘Just Law”? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God” (Martin Luther King 1963). A law is just when it is moral. King further explained his view of “moral” by describing it as something (1) “eternal” and “natural”, and (2) respecting human dignity 

Granting someone the right to willfully terminate the life of another cannot be deemed “just” by any measure. It is incumbent upon us to stand firm in our convictions, to champion the rights of the unborn, and to work tirelessly towards a society where every life is valued and protected.

As we chart the course for our party and our nation, let us embrace the challenge of defending the dignity and value of every life from conception to natural death. Let’s be the light in the darkness. This is not just a political strategy; it is a moral imperative that demands our unwavering commitment and resolve.     

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