Sixty-two million. That’s how many children have been killed since the Supreme Court discovered a “right” to abortion in 1973. In what might be the biggest ruling in decades, the Court ruled 6-3 today to overturn Roe v. Wade, the horrendous decision responsible for this half-century atrocity.

“The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and [Planned Parenthood v.] Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives,” wrote Justice Samuel Alito in the majority opinion.

If ever there was a moment for us to literally yell “Amen!” through our tears of joy, this is that moment.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was the case at hand, dealing with Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It’s the case we called the most important abortion case in a generation, and it’s the monumental decision that was leaked in May.

Many Americans no doubt worried that the leak would have its intended effect: intimidating one or more justices to change their opinion. That did not happen — unless, ironically, Chief Justice John Roberts was so angered by the unprecedented and damaging leak that he actually joined the majority, albeit only with a concurring opinion to uphold the Mississippi law, not to overturn Roe.

“The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision,” wrote Alito. “Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division.”

“We end this opinion where we began,” Alito also wrote. “Abortion presents a profound moral question. The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion. Roe and Casey arrogated that authority. We now overrule those decisions and return that authority to the people and their elected representatives.” That is exactly where such authority belongs.

And despite their insistence that abortion is so popular, that is exactly where leftists do not want this authority to reside. That’s why radicals protested outside the Court and even illegally at the justices’ homes. That’s why a lunatic tried to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. It’s why abortion zealots have attacked churches and pro-life pregnancy centers across the country.

They hate preborn life that much. And they’re not done, evidently planning what the Department of Homeland Security is calling a “Night of Rage” in vengeance and retribution for this ruling. The riots over George Floyd’s death may serve as the template.

As commentator Matt Walsh aptly noted, “It’s a good thing the Supreme Court affirmed our right to conceal carry right before this ‘night of rage’ you guys are planning.”

Make no mistake: The six justices in the majority are now in very real danger.

“This is the most coordinated & aggressive domestic terrorism in our nation today,” argued Live Action founder Lila Rose. “All because extremists are angry that they may not get to kill children in the womb, on demand, without limit.”

Fortunately, the Biden administration finally had something right to say. “Violence and destruction of property have no place in our country under any circumstance,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Wednesday. “And the president denounces this action.” Unfortunately, the Justice Department has been less than interested in prosecuting left-wing violence, preferring to dedicate time and resources to the nation’s 17 white supremacists and only lately arousing itself to investigate threats and violence against pro-lifers.

And we wouldn’t be surprised if, by the time the day is out, Joe Biden is once again talking about packing the Court.

On a much happier note, this ruling is the fruit of decades of unwavering work on the part of faithful women and men on behalf of the most defenseless among us, preborn babies. Their love and dedication to saving one life at a time and loving women in crisis will become even more important in the days and years ahead. Prayers and support will be needed.

We think especially of our friends at Choices Pregnancy Resource Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Patricia Lindley, its longtime former director, has written on these pages of her love for women and their children, both in the womb and out of it. “I am rejoicing with countless others who have been involved in pro-life efforts since the 1970s,” she told us this morning. “Abortion on demand brought only death and destruction to the American culture. The Dobbs decision reopens the opportunity for truth to prevail and for the ministry of pregnancy centers to be the beacon of hope that affirms life.”

The current director of Choices, Carol Ann Ferguson, said she’s still mindful of the mission to serve our community: “For thirty-seven years, Choices has been serving women and men facing pregnancy decisions. Regardless of this change in law, people in our community will continue to face unexpected pregnancies and we will always be here to provide compassionate care through our free medical and family services.”

Other leaders weighed in, as well. “The United States Supreme Court just announced one of the most significant rulings in my lifetime,” said Reverend Franklin Graham. “My prayer is that every state will enact protections for children in the womb, and that our nation will value life and recognize the rights of our most vulnerable.”

Finally, for decades, we have solemnly marked Sanctity of Life Day each January 22, the anniversary of Roe. Henceforth, June 24 will be a day worth celebrating.

(Updated.)