I recently was privileged to witness a miracle, my fourth in six years. I was able to share in the joy of a new life entering this world.

As I held my newest grandchild, I was awestruck once again by God’s magnificent creative power. I was moved with joy seeing the excitement and love of two new parents as they beheld their new daughter.

Yet, even as I held this precious girl and thought of all the wonders and adventures that await, part of me was saddened as I thought of all those children who weren’t allowed to experience life or love.

In the past several weeks I have read about the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the U.S. I’ve read about advocates celebrating the right to choose abortion — a staggering 45 million, and counting (source: Guttmacher Institute).

I have to wonder …  how? How do we, as a nation, allow such things to happen? How do we boast about the right to life, liberty, and happiness, while callously taking that right away from so many? How do we elect leaders who not only agree with such atrocities, but vigorously defend, and even fund them?

How do we talk about protecting our children and planning for their futures while looking the other way as other children’s futures are stolen from them?

How do we look at ourselves in a mirror and not feel ashamed?

It’s time to ask ourselves these things, and seek God’s forgiveness.

Mark Beaudoin, Hanover