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It has been widely acknowledged that the foremost reason why individuals chose to have an abortion has been economic in nature; ‘I can’t afford to have another child’.  The election of Obama will surely be a setback for those who desire to see abortion made illegal in this country, but pro-life advocates may take some solace in the fact Obama made the issue of addressing economic injustice in this country one of his foremost priorities.  The alleviating of economic injustice in this country would seemingly address the foremost reason why people claim they choose to abort their child.  This is of course not an end in itself and it is certainly insufficient, but at least it is one pragmatic step that would hopefully help to bring an end to abortions in our country. 

We Catholics should also be hopeful of the fact that the vast majority of Obama’s platform is consistent with the ’seamless garment’: an end to the war in Iraq, the closing of Guantanamo Bay, universal health care, better nationwide education, and alleviating of economic injustices, are all significant causes that Obama has stated he will be judiciously seeking to address.  It is important that we Catholics do not allow ourselves to become bitter or vindictive, but instead come together, trust in God’s divine providence and keep praying that American policy may be brought into conformity with Catholic values.  I am hopeful for the future of America and I believe that provided we keep hope alive and are committed to lovingly serving our brothers and sisters, we will continue to see the kingdom more at work in the United States of America.

Pax Vobiscum,
Matt Sanders, CSP