A Living Wall's Promise of Reconciliation Amidst Lingering Abortion Debate

Behind the Ten Commandments monument on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds, a grassy area is slated for a second state-approved project. This project is intended to be a "Monument to Unborn Children," envisioned as a long wall of vibrant, green plants.

In 2023, artist Lakey Goff was selected through a public competition to design the state's official anti-abortion memorial. Her proposal, which included 1,400 plants, a Bible quotation, and the sounds of Arkansas waterfalls, was chosen over other designs that were more literal in their depictions. Ms. Goff has characterized her "living wall" as an attempt to bring reconciliation after years of conflict surrounding abortion.

Ms. Goff stated to the state commission that selected her design that the goal was healing. However, the monument has yet to be constructed, even though its construction was scheduled to begin months ago. The ongoing debate over abortion continues to be a source of contention. Even in Arkansas, a state known for its conservative views, division and animosity persist, three years after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion.