U.S. non-profit advocating for conscientious objectors says calls are spiking

[Ms. Toad]

2. There has been little reason to seek conscientious objector status since the draft was abolished.

The only threat between 1973 and now was registration for selective service. Unfortunately, conscientious objector status is not an option as to registration, so boys who don't register for selective service are blocked from a lot of scholarships - a standard that doesn't apply to girls.

As a member of a peace church, we occasionally get inquiries about the selective service - which is preparation for war, and against the beliefs of most conscientious objectors.

I have mixed feelings about those already in the military, but those not in the military would have had no reason to seek counsel on conscientious objector status in the last 5 decades. Were I in the age at which I might be drafted - I would be making calls. Not because all of a sudden I am afraid - but because until Trump started the war in Iran there was no possibility I would need to formalize my conscientious objection to war.