Roe Turns 30

Accepting the Realities of Roe vs. Wade

Editor’s note: Dr. Joseph Kincaid has been involved in the prolife movement for more than 30 years. He serves as the executive vice president on the Right to Life of Michigan Board.]

Back in 1973, did most people think that abortion would still be legal in 30 years?
In Michigan, prolife people worked together developing a plan to defeat the abortion referendum in 1972. The referendum was defeated soundly, 61 percent to 39 percent. The prolife people in North Dakota were also successful in defeating their abortion referendum. At the time, we felt a strong message was sent to the U.S. Supreme Court. Americans did not want abortion on demand. Our message, unfortunately, was not heard.

I was sitting in the office at my desk when my wife called with the news regarding Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton, the two U.S. Supreme Court decisions which legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. I could tell she was crying when she explained the two rulings. She was heart-broken. I was shocked.

In retrospect, the prolife work in Michigan didn’t influence the U.S. Supreme Court. But, what the work in 1972 did do was set a foundation for the prolife movement in Michigan. Many lives have been saved and more will be saved because of the dedicated work of prolife people in our state.

Did early prolife activists see the abortion debate as a sprint or the marathon that it has become?
In the beginning, I saw the battle as more of a sprint. I felt this way because of the prolife success we had in 1972. It wasn’t long, however, that I knew this would be a marathon. I knew that patience and endurance was needed to defend the unborn in Michigan. We’ve made great strides through the years.

Did you ever believe that our country would sanction 40 million abortions and that many states would even pay for abortions?
The human mind is extraordinary, but I never could have imagined 40 million lives lost to abortion. When we think of 40 million it is only a statistic – it has very little meaning. But the loss of one human being is truly a tragedy.

How do you stay encouraged after 30 years?
I am encouraged because I know that I am on the right side. Every month when the Right to Life of Michigan board members meet, I am encouraged and inspired. Kindred spirits meet from across the state to work toward the same goal of saving lives and helping women and families.

What gains in the prolife movement have you seen over the last 30 years, both in legislation and education?
It is exciting to look at the legislative accomplishments which have been made in Michigan. The passage of prolife laws which include the end of tax-funded abortions; parental consent for minors wanting abortions; informed consent for women before abortions are performed; and the Born Alive Infant Protection Act protect women and children. Such prolife legislation has worked to lower the number of abortions performed in Michigan.

Also, the prolife representation in Lansing shows the hard work of prolife people during election seasons. Michigan voters continue to put life principled people in the Michigan House and Senate to truly represent all of Michigan’s citizens, born and unborn.

What tools do we have now that we didn’t have then?
Prolife media outreach has played an important part in reaching women with life-affirming options. To connect with those in need via television and radio is remarkable. We have also seen a growth in the Right to Life of Michigan Educational Resource Centers and with programs which reach out to each Michigan Community. The development of Right to Life of Michigan affiliates throughout the state has also been an incredible tool for educating and encouraging prolife people in Michigan.

How has the prolife movement improved in Michigan?
Growth has been the key to our effectiveness. Many other states look to Right to Life of Michigan as an example of a strong effective prolife organization. Right to Life of Michigan is a well organized statewide force with education, legislation and political action.

What do we need to do to keep our cause successful and accomplish our goal?
We’ll need to continue to expand our affiliate groups throughout the state reaching out to all communities with the prolife message of hope and life.

We will also have to continue our media programs and upgrading our communications using web sites, billboards and all other forms of media.

Continuing our support of prolife lawmakers. I would like to see additional prolife men and women being sent to Washington, D.C., to represent our state.

What has been the most successful argument/tool for you when you’ve presented the prolife position to others?
What has been most successful for me is showing the humanity of the unborn. When people learn of the development of the unborn child and see pictures of children before birth it is impossible to deny the fact that unborn children are deserving of the right to life.

Showing pictures of aborted unborn children also presents the reality and horror of abortion. I was once told we should use these telling pictures because that is the only baby picture ever taken of that child. It is important to take people back to the reality of abortion. The reality is that a special unique individual dies with each and every abortion procedure.

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