Hare Krishna.
What is the perspective on the reversal of the abortion case by the U.S. Supreme Court, which has now removed the constitutional right to abortion for women? In this discussion, I will first outline the legal changes, and then explore the ethical, sociological, financial, and spiritual dimensions of the issue.

Legal Perspective:
Since 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court had upheld the constitutional right to abortion through the landmark Roe v. Wade case. However, the recent decision in the Dobbs case reversed this, stating that there is no constitutionally protected right to abortion. The Court emphasized that it is the role of legislative bodies, not the judiciary, to make such laws. This means that abortion law will now be determined by individual states. Some states, especially those with more conservative views, may impose stricter abortion laws, while others, like liberal states, may ensure broader access to abortion services. Some states have already declared their intent to become “abortion sanctuaries.”

This decision has fueled the long-standing conflict between the pro-life and pro-choice movements, often resulting in polarized and extreme positions. One key insight from the Bhagavad Gita can guide us here: we should avoid reducing people to mere positions. Krishna refers to such narrow, judgmental thinking as knowledge in the mode of ignorance. In today’s world, the left often portrays those opposing abortion as anti-women, while the right accuses abortion supporters of being anti-life. But the reality is far more nuanced.

Ethical Perspective:
Abortion is often framed as a medical procedure for ending a pregnancy, sometimes presented as a “simple” solution for population control. The fetus is frequently depicted merely as tissue to be discarded, but this downplays the serious ethical considerations involved. There are many stories of people, like Abby Johnson, who were once advocates for abortion but changed their stance after witnessing the procedure firsthand. She was shocked to see the fetus as a fully formed human being, with arms, legs, and a face—alive but subjected to violent procedures. The ethical gravity of abortion should not be obscured by minimizing or denying the reality of what happens during the procedure.

From a scientific standpoint, the embryo has the potential to become a human being, and there is no clear biological point at which it can be said to transition into full humanity. A purely materialistic view of personhood—such as that proposed by some atheists who argue for infanticide—is dangerous. If we allow abortion to be justified on the grounds of location (in the womb vs. outside), where do we draw the line? Should children of any age be subject to the same treatment? Most people intuitively recognize the humanity of the embryo, but ethical discourse should be informed by an unfiltered understanding of what abortion entails.

Sociological Perspective:
Why are so many women seeking abortions? Simply passing laws will not solve the deeper societal issues at play. The Bhagavad Gita mentions Varanasankara—the societal consequences of a disorganized social structure, where children are unwanted or unprotected. The solution is not to make abortion more accessible but to restructure society in a way that supports virtuous, responsible family life.

The issue is also framed as a “women’s rights” issue, which makes it seem like women are solely responsible for pregnancy outcomes. This reduces the complex dynamics of sexual behavior and responsibility to a one-sided issue. Historically, abortion allowed men to escape responsibility for their actions. If abortion is seen as a woman’s responsibility alone, it places an unfair burden on her to decide whether to continue or end a pregnancy.

Furthermore, the abortion industry is a multi-billion-dollar business. During the pandemic, when many medical services were restricted, abortion was deemed essential and continued without interruption. The financial incentives behind the abortion industry cannot be ignored.

Spiritual Perspective:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the true purpose of life is not sensory pleasure, but selfless service. When the driving force behind life becomes the pursuit of sensual pleasure, as seen in the sexual revolution, society begins to view the consequences of that pleasure—such as pregnancy—as burdensome. Abortion, in this context, serves as a technological means to separate indulgence from its natural consequences, encouraging people to prioritize pleasure without responsibility.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes that life is meant for evolution and service. Parenthood and motherhood are not burdens, but gifts and opportunities for growth. Modern society, however, often sees children as inconveniences, leading to the unfortunate trend of fewer children and more pets in certain communities.

Parenting, and especially motherhood, is a privilege and a spiritual responsibility. By seeing it as a burden, society undermines the natural desire to nurture and care for the next generation. If we return to a spiritual understanding of life’s purpose, we would see the value in nurturing life through parenting, which would shift societal attitudes toward abortion.

Conclusion:
The legal change, which removes the constitutional right to abortion, is a step in the right direction. Making something as serious as abortion legally available without proper checks can desensitize society to its moral gravity. However, the solution to the issue is not just legal but also moral, ethical, and spiritual. We need to reconsider our societal values: the sanctity of life, the importance of marriage, and the spiritual growth that comes from nurturing life.

Abortion should not be seen as an inviolable right, nor should it be promoted as a “good.” We must restore the importance of family, parenthood, and human responsibility. The solution lies not only in law but in the transformation of societal consciousness, where we begin to view life as an opportunity for service and growth, not just as a pursuit of personal pleasure.

Hare Krishna.