Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Leader Rodgers participated in a pro-life event on the Court steps this morning to advocate that our laws protect the dignity and value of the unborn.
Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks:
As a pro-life mom of three, it’s humbling to stand up and pray for the value and dignity of every life on the steps of the Supreme Court.
It is my hope that #SCOTUS ensures our laws reflect that every person - born and unborn - has dignity and value. #EmpowerWomenProtectLife pic.twitter.com/bd4cg4wqLc
- CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) Dec. 1, 2021
“Hello. I’m Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
“I represent Washington’s Fifth District and serve as the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“I’m a pro-life mom of three - Cole, Grace, and Brynn."
CATHY’S STORY
“For me personally, I’ve never had an abortion but I gave thought in my younger years of what I would do if I found myself pregnant and alone.
“It would have been a desperate situation.
“I can imagine an abortion seeming like an easy solution.
“It breaks my heart to think anyone would consider abortion as their only option or the best option.
“Growing up, I was never much of a baby person. I was 35 and single when I was elected to Congress. I didn’t know if becoming a mom would happen for me.
“Today, I can testify that bringing a new life into the world was the most amazing thing to ever happen.
“It’s the best part of life."
ALL LIVES ARE WORTH LIVING
“My son Cole - now 14 - was born with most common chromosomal abnormality called Down syndrome.
“When he was born doctors gave us a long of challenges and chances for heartache.
“I understand the uncertainty and the fear.
“But I couldn’t imagine life without Cole. His life is worth living!
“Yet in this debate, Down syndrome has been at the forefront.
“I think about a woman named Heidi with Down syndrome who lost her court challenge against the British government over its law allowing abortion, up until birth, for babies with Down syndrome.
“This cannot become America’s future where we cherish life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for ALL."
LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION
“Abortion is the sharpest, soul-searching question before us as a nation.
“It pierces every heart.
“People have strongly held beliefs and stories and both sides are guilty of dismissing one another.
“Fear and despair leads to more arguments, anger, discord, and more insecurity.
“Let’s make today a new opportunity to bring healing. To bring hope!
“Let’s come together around the science, research, and technology.
“Life - it’s in the DNA of every person.
“Because of technology today we can see a baby develop day-by-day. It’s awe-inspiring.
“Doctors perform prenatal surgeries and treatments to save lives in the womb.
“This is ALL proof that life begins at conception and it’s worth living.
“On this search to a more perfect union, it’s foundational that we celebrate this.
“That is what the Court is deciding in this case, to ensure our laws reflect that every person - born and unborn - has dignity and value."
LORD, YOU CALL US BY NAME
“As we continue our search for a more perfect union, I wanted to join you today in prayer.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day.
“We thank you that you are faithful.
“We thank you that you have governed in our country all through the ages.
“We thank you for so many who have gone before us.
“Today, in the United States of America, I find myself reflecting on the times of Ezekiel and the Prophet Ezekiel, when he said ‘our nation is lost, all hope is gone. We become old dry bones.’
“And yet, you, the Sovereign Lord said, ‘behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you and you shall live.
“Lord God, you are the author of life.
“We know, Lord, that it is you that forms each baby. You form together our bones in our womb.
“You call us by name.
“Lord, we thank you and praise you, Lord, today for this day we pray Lord that you will speak, that you will speak about life, about hope, and about healing in our land. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
