Pelican State News

Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper celebrated the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

He shared his thoughts in a June 24 Twitter post with video from the Louisiana Right to Life account.

"Today is a day to celebrate life!" the Twitter post said. "For nearly 50 years, the Supreme Court forced Louisiana to allow legal abortion. The result? Over 530,000 Louisiana unborn children were killed by abortion since 1973. Thousands of women were hurt by what was supposed to be a simple 'choice.' But one year ago, our world changed."

He noted the "Supreme Court restored Louisiana's constitutional right to protect the lives of our citizens waiting to be born" with the Dobbs decision, according to the Twitter post.

"Since then, we estimate that 7,012 babies have been legally protected from abortion in Louisiana," the Twitter post continued. "We give thanks to God and so many pro-life citizens over the decades who have fought for life!"

He added their fight continues, according to Twitter.

"Chemical abortion pills are still being illegally shipped to women. Women still need our help! We must keep our laws pro-life. We must continue to educate hearts and minds for life," the Twitter post said. "Thank you for fighting with us to protect babies and help moms. We look forward to standing with you for years to come to keep Louisiana pro-life!"

Shared on the Twitter post was a video of Clapper and others celebrating the anniversary of the Dobbs decision which overturned Roe v. Wade.

"We're just excited to be here. We are teaming up and working with people all around the country to continue to defend life, protect and help moms," Clapper said in the video. "We're just so thankful for this anniversary. One year ago, we were at the National Right to Life Convention, as we have been talking about, when we heard the great news. So, what a year it's been in Louisiana — all three abortion facilities shut down in Louisiana."

In the video, Clapper and fellow members of the Louisiana Right to Life organization reflected on their experience at the National Right to Life Convention, which was held June 23-25. The convention, which has been held for more than 50 years, hosts pro-life advocates including a wide array of speakers and features other activities and events.

The Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization June 24, 2022, overturning the Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion nationwide, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Due to the new ruling, individual states now have the authority to determine the legality of abortion within their own borders. Louisiana is one of the most restrictive states, having completely banned abortion.