For many Americans, Jan. 22, 1973, is a date that will live in infamy. On that date, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its infamous Roe v. Wade decision that effectively allowed for abortion on demand throughout the United States with very few limitations.
Every year since, those concerned about the right to life of unborn children have gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the Roe v. Wade decision. The National March for Life now claims to be the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world.
Over the years, many expressions of prayer have developed surrounding the March for Life. One such prayerful expression is “9 Days for Life.” This novena was developed by the Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to encourage Catholics to pray for the protection of human life. This year, the 9 Days for Life novena begins on Thursday, Jan. 19, and provides a prayer intention for each day, accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to build a culture of life.
Fortunately, this past June the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in their Dobbs decision. But, as the organizers of the March for Life have observed, “the work to build a culture of life in the United States of America is far from finished.” Unfortunately, abortion has become deeply ingrained into our culture over the last 50 years and there is still much to pray for. For instance, under current law and court decisions in the state of Ohio, abortion is still legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Much work has to be done before all unborn human life is protected in Ohio and many other states throughout the union. Again, there is still much to pray for.
9 Days for life is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. However, the novena is not just focused on the passage of laws. Some of the daily intentions include “may the tragic practice of abortion end,” “may each person suffering from participation in abortion find forgiveness, hope and healing in Christ,” “may all unborn children be protected in law and supported in love” and “may every expectant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.”
Many pro-life leaders are fond of saying that we don’t just want abortion to become illegal; we want it to become unthinkable. One hundred sixty years ago, slavery was legal in the United States. Fortunately today, not only is it illegal, it is also unthinkable. Let us pray for the day when the same holds true in regard to abortion.
Learn more about 9 Days for Life. There you may download copies of the novena or sign up to receive it via email or text message, either in English or in Spanish, Jan. 19 – 27.
