Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, was not the clear-cut, nationwide pro-life declaration many had been hoping would come to fruition. Instead, much work to adequately support life in the womb, and the rights of those who value it, continue at both the state and federal levels.
“South Jersey is on fire for pro-life,” said Ethel Hermenau, project director for LIFENET, a nonprofit organization established in 1994 that aims to achieve equal rights for babies in the womb through education, advocacy and networking. “Abortion is a human rights violation, and there is a grassroots movement growing stronger every day,” said Hermenau, a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Absecon. “With prayer, repentance and resolve, we will never give up this fight to defend babies in the womb and out of the womb. We are changing a culture back to life.”
Strength in Numbers
Our Lady of Sorrows parishioner Melanie Stubee serves as leader of the South Jersey-based pro-life group United for Life NJ. She gives educational presentations to parishes looking to revive their pro-life ministries.
“We have about 20 pro-life ministries in parishes that have restarted since COVID,” Stubee said joyfully. “We have such power, but God is taking this to another level.”
One such church-based pro-life group, that of Saint Damian Parish, Ocean City, is led by Joseph and Virginia (Ginny) Sosnowsky, married for 45 years and full-time volunteers in the pro-life movement since 2011. The couple, also members of LIFENET, keep the issue at the forefront by offering Masses for the unborn in all three of the parish’s worship sites and monitoring legislation unfriendly to human life.
“[Legislators] are sneaky,” Virginia Sosnowsky said. “They put out legislation during a lame duck session or only give a short time to review it before their vote in the dark of night. We rely on action alerts to keep track.”
Her husband added, “Why don’t people vote for pro-life legislators? … We need to continue to promote legislators who are pro-life and encourage good people to run for office.”
Troublesome Legislation
The emphasis on unity and widespread involvement is necessary, as numerous pieces of legislation in New Jersey are aimed at the pro-life movement.
In July 2022, then-New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the creation of a Reproductive Rights Task Force intended to curtail pro-life individuals from their right to protest outside abortion clinics. In December of last year, $5 million in grant funding was made available to Rutgers University to support current abortion providers and educate students in abortion care.
Perhaps most alarming to pro-life advocates is Bill A4350/S2918, which is under consideration as part of a larger plan to make New Jersey a sanctuary state for abortion. Its passage would ensure free abortions on demand up to the moment of birth; invalidate the 1974 Conscience Clause Law; allow minors to have abortions without their parents’ consent or notification; impose penalties and fines against peaceful protestors outside abortion clinics, and provide a $20 million Reproductive Access Fund to expand training in abortion, provide security personnel at abortion clinics and provide taxpayer-funded abortions for all who desire one, whether a N.J. resident or not.
Defending the Right to Life
Looking forward to the new year, those eager to advocate for pro-life issues may choose to attend the annual March for Life in Washington on Jan. 20. On the state level, New Jersey Right to Life has announced that the yearly “Rally for Life” at the Trenton Statehouse will no longer take place in January, but instead move to June 24 in celebration of the anniversary of the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
But making one’s voice heard need not be restricted to these events only, Stubee said, nor be limited to large-size gatherings. “Even the homebound can take part in a prayer chain,” she said.
Using guidelines from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Stubee suggested those who value life toil in four main categories: prayer and worship; legislative advocacy; education and public awareness, and outreach.
Activities for parishes and individuals include:
• Prayer and Worship: Participate in Masses, novenas, Holy Hours and Rosaries for Life; include pro-life intentions in Prayers of the Faithful at Mass; Prayer Warrior network and Spiritual Adoption Program.
• Legislative Advocacy: Sign up for legislative Action Alerts with the USCCB, New Jersey Catholic Conference, New Jersey Right to Life and other entities; lobby legislators via email, postcard or phone trees before important votes on pro-life issues.
• Education and Public Awareness: Promote a culture of life via parish bulletins, website and bulletin boards weekly; invite speakers, show films and promote area pro-life events; educate parishioners on stages of fetal development, and advocate for chastity education and natural family planning events.
• Outreach: Volunteer with area crisis pregnancy centers; support these centers via baby showers, diaper drives, Christmas giving tree and other fundraisers; participate in Life Chains, March for Life and 40 Days for Life Campaigns, and interface with other pro-life entities at the parish such as the Knights of Columbus, Youth Groups and religious education.
South Jersey pro-life leaders explained their fervor in advocating for the unborn much as generals heading a large, steadfast corps of believers intent for battle. Stubee said, “So many Catholics united can be a powerful force. It is important we stick together.”
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