LIBERAL COURT OF OKLAHOMA INADVERTENTLY OPENS DOORS TO PERSONHOOD MOVEMENT

Dear Friends of the Preborn,

On Monday, the liberal Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against Personhood Oklahoma, deeming personhood rights for unborn children “unconstitutional.” The Oklahoma Court’s decision relied heavily on Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and in moving to deny the people’s right to petition on behalf of the preborn, they have turned this case into a federal issue, deciding “the only recourse available to this Court is to follow…the United States Supreme Court.” The ruling has set us up for a direct challenge to Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

The Oklahoma Court ruling has, inadvertently, propelled the Personhood movement several years forward!

The implications of this case are enormous! Not only will the Personhood movement receive more exposure, which results in an unmatched opportunity for education and saving babies’ lives, but there is a very real chance for victory. The Oklahoma case could be the first to directly and successfully challenge Planned Parenthood v. Casey, dismantling the abortion stronghold in America, and demanding basic human rights for every single human being. This is cause for celebration!

On its face, a ruling against us could be seen as a negative outcome, particularly in light of the Oklahoma House of Representatives failure last week to bring Senate Bill 1433, the Personhood Act, to a full vote.
The truth about Personhood is that it is God’s movement. From our first effort in Colorado, we attempted to recognize full personhood rights for preborn children not because we thought it would be easy, nor because we thought we would be an instant success. Rather, we sought to protect every innocent child because it is the right thing to do—because we know that we are commanded to “love our neighbor as ourselves” and to “rescue those being led away to slaughter.” We have seen the Holy Spirit move in astonishing ways, time and again. No longer content to regulate the abortion industry, Personhood USA declared that we were “in it to end it,” and we have continued to stand on this principle.
In my 16 years in the pro-life movement, I have never seen God move in such profound ways. In each personhood campaign the lives of preborn babies have been saved. For us, this is the most important reason to keep moving forward.

Further, this is the first time that I have witnessed hundreds—and often thousands—of churches united in purpose, promoting the dignity and value of every person from the pulpit, and calling on their church members to act. Likewise, I have never seen tens of thousands of young people and first-time pro-life volunteers compelled to action—collecting signatures and witnessing on behalf of the preborn.

Personhood is the first direct challenge to Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Regardless of the outcome of this case, Personhood has proven itself effective in its methods and strategy, not only by saving lives, but by legally being the first to bring a legitimate, direct legal challenge to Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Yes, we understand that we may not win the first time, but many do not, including the Nebraska partial birth abortion case. Whatever the outcome, we will not give up.

As I explained above, our mission is obedience to Christ and defending the lives of all innocent children. The ‘end goal’ has never been to get a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, or to overturn Roe, because it is often argued that such actions are not necessary to end abortion. As Justice Scalia explained in his dissenting opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a 1992 SCOTUS decision that, unfortunately, reaffirmed legalized abortion, Roe v. Wade was “plainly wrong.”

To again quote Justice Scalia’s dissent, “The States may, if they wish, permit abortion on demand, but the Constitution does not require them to do so.” Of course, I do not agree that the states have the right to allow the killing of children, but I DO agree that the states can and should outlaw abortion.

This latest Oklahoma Supreme Court decision has taken us straight to the heart of the battle, fast forwarding several years. And it is a huge breakthrough for the Personhood movement!

Since the beginning of Personhood USA, there has been one huge blessing after another, sometimes in disguise. Please join me in anticipating what is coming next!

In His Service,

Keith Mason

President, Personhood USA