Courts not needed to say when life begins

In the wake of 60 million deaths in the womb the last 50 years, and now the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court’s move to remand abortion decisions to the states, I gratefully remember a story my maternal grandmother told. A young mother experienced a horrible pregnancy with uremic poisoning and nine days of blindness. After delivering her second daughter, doctors warned her: “Don’t get pregnant again, trying to deliver a third child; it will kill you.” (In 1918, like today, abortion was regrettable but reasonable to prevent a mother’s death). She pondered and prayed. Three times she walked out the door for the abortion appointment. Three times she returned. She finally resolved to carry and birth this baby, even if she would sacrifice her life.

Without complications she carried and delivered her third daughter. I’m glad she did. For that 1918 baby eventually became my mother who bore four boys who in turn became fathers of 12 children and numerous grandchildren. I am thankful for the faith and courage of my maternal grandmother, or I would not be here.

None of us would be here were it not for the thoughtful and brave decisions of our ancestors. No, they did not need a Supreme Court to decide when life begins. Nor did they did need MRIs, though today such images confirm babies in the womb. And no, none of our mothers’ pregnancies were easy. So, especially if under 50 years old, thank God and your mother for giving you life.

Tim Bickel

Cedar Rapids