Amendment 4, sought to make abortions available on demand, overturn current laws requiring parental consent before a minor could have an abortion, and do away with commonsense health and safety regulations that enhance women’s healthcare. The amendment was also written with deceptive language and did not define any of its key terms. At the onset, those deeply entrenched in Florida’s pro-life movement expected that the amendment would not stand a legal chance of making it onto the ballot based on the deceptive language alone. However, to our dismay and despite our efforts, proponents gathered over 800,000 signatures needed to put it up for vote.

This initial defeat did not deter us but made us stronger. We realized we had a big battle ahead that would need to be fought on the ground, the air, and the sea, so to speak. All hands were indeed on deck. We mobilized speakers, organized workshops, led online information sessions, and designed and printed signs to help educate voters. The goal was to get the message out about the true impact of the proposed amendment and our stance of protecting the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.

It was a true “David versus Goliath” moment. We were the little guys battling against the pro-abortion giant. Every single Catholic diocese in Florida banded together and joined other people of goodwill in the fight. We were underfunded and lacked the time needed to maximize preparation and organization, yet by God’s grace, we managed to persevere. When I received the news of its defeat, my heart was full of so much joy, I knew God in His faithfulness was there, and we made history. Thanks be to God, we defeated Amendment 4, though it was by a slim margin.

We won that battle, but the work is not done; it has only begun. The amendment received 57% approval, just shy of the 60% vote threshold required to pass, which means others will be motivated to try to pass similar laws in the future. They will get smarter; they will learn and adapt.

We should take this victory and not let it go to waste, since lives depend on it. It is not the time to be complacent but rather to become more active and not wait for the next battle to catch us by surprise. We need to be vigilant and continue to educate ourselves and others and be ready to mobilize in size when the time comes. From pastors to other leaders, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, we must recognize that the abortion battle has moved to the states, and we can no longer stand on the sidelines. We need to be out there changing hearts and minds about abortion. I’m grateful to all the work everyone invested to be on the winning side of history for life. But no winning team is satisfied to win only by having a 48% success rate. The margin was that close. We must win convincingly. Otherwise, we risk a different outcome. Now is your time to act and find ways to do your part.

Ways to support life

By Candace Bryant-Lester, FAITH Catholic

Volunteer. Pro-life ministries, pregnancy and crisis centers, foster care programs, and prison ministries all could use your help! Encouraging and growing a culture of life begins in our own communities.

Get your affairs in order. Walk the walk by ensuring your own life is aligned with Church teachings. Find a life-affirming doctor to take over your care. Plan your advance medical directives in accordance with Catholic values. Reach out to your parish or diocese for Natural Family Planning education.

Learn more about Church teachings. The Catechism is a tremendous resource to learn more about our faith. You can read more about Church teachings on respect for life in paragraphs 2258-2317 (or the overview in paragraphs 2318-2330). Additionally, check out St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life).

Walk in Christ’s love with others. It’s easy to say we’re pro-life, but we must always remember that Jesus always put God’s love into action, and we must also: “This is the way we may know that we are in union with [Jesus]: whoever claims to abide in Him ought to live [just] as He lived.” (1 Jn 2:6) Unexpected pregnancies, life-threatening illnesses, depression, poverty, and incarceration happen constantly — what will we do if it arrives on our doorstep as a loved one or acquaintance in need? Let us resolve to act as Christ did by offering a compassionate witness, sharing life-affirming options, and walk with the most vulnerable to care for and protect human life.

Pray. There are many opportunities to pray for specific pro-life concerns ranging from rosaries to novenas and beyond. Simply adding your concerns and thanksgiving for life to God in your daily prayer is great practice, too!