Hopeful
signs for unborn
Is abortion merely a choice? Of course it involves choice, but abortion
fundamentally is about a living human child. Is abortion only about one
woman’s choice, informed only by her doctor? Ultimately it is a
woman’s choice, but she is informed and influenced by other forces
and other people.
Just as an insightful thinker can see the deeper realities to such phrases
as “choice” and “right to choose,” careful observers
are catching a new spirit in our American culture. There is much work
to do to, and our social problems are all too apparent. But there are
unmistakable signs of hope for Catholics and all people of good will.
Finally, we are witnessing progress toward a society that guarantees the
right to life for every child from the moment of conception, and respects
the dignity of each person until natural death.
Young women are increasingly rejecting the lure of the quick fix and choosing
to bring their child to term, aided by two significant factors. Ultrasound
imaging of the preborn baby reveals a tiny person active and at rest,
even a baby sucking his or her thumb. Mothers considering the termination
of their pregnancy instead fall in love with their baby, partly because
they can now see and know that it is their own baby boy or girl. In increasing
numbers, young women especially are choosing to deliver the baby that
they cannot deny.
The pro-life movement is the other influence behind this cultural change.
The rising involvement of young people has given the movement a new vitality.
They are transforming the attitudes of America’s youth-driven culture
from the inside. Young people faced with hard choices may hear and often
dismiss the words of their elders, but the actions of peers they respect
hold powerful sway.
Signs of hope such as the continuing decrease in abortions nationwide,
the ban on partial birth abortions and an increase in services to pregnant
women do not represent an end in the struggle to respect life. They do
suggest that a corner has been turned, and that a brighter light now shines
on the path to life.
The struggle continues, and more than ever, it needs the dedicated prayers
and presence of Catholics and all people of good will. You can do you
part by praying for life in the Archdiocese this weekend (see pages 1
and 6 for details) and joining the March for Life in Washington, D.C.,
this Tuesday. It is an opportunity to show again the power of love for
humanity, the source of which lies in almighty God, the Author of life.