By Carol Tobias, President
Editor’s note. This president’s column appeared in the May online edition of National Right to Life News. You can read this page three story and all other stories at nrlc.org/uploads/NRLNews/NRLNewsMay2015.pdf.
National Right to Life President Carol Tobias
I have had the pleasure, and the honor, of speaking in several states this spring. I love having the chance to visit with our grass-roots base and hear their stories. While some are sad, even heart-breaking, others are tremendously uplifting and encouraging almost beyond words.
One young man in a wheelchair thanked me for NRLC’s position against rationing of medical treatment in Obamacare. With a realistic look at his situation, he said that he would be one of those denied treatment. A woman shared the story of her newborn son, born with a chromosomal abnormality, having a “Do Not Resuscitate” order placed in his medical chart without her knowledge. I often wonder if I had the right words to offer hope and encouragement, and sympathy when necessary.
I also get to hear the stories that would uplift any pro-lifer’s spirits. One mother shared the joy a disabled daughter has brought to her family. Counselors at pregnancy centers share stories about some of the many women considering abortion that they were able to help.
Another woman speaks to thousands of students every year, using her background as a biology teacher, to explain the fascinating story of fetal development and the way those precious babies are killed by abortion. One of the most common questions she gets asked is, “Why have we not heard this before?” I find that encouraging because our young people want the truth, and when they hear the truth they take a stand.
And I get to meet young people who are continuing the battle for life. One college group was looking for more ideas on how they could influence their college campus for life. One youth group, active in a pro-life ministry, has discovered that “anger can only take you so far; God can take you farther.”
I can say conclusively that all of the people mentioned above, along with the many other pro-lifers I have met, seem to lead mostly ordinary lives- taking care of a family, working a job, helping out with church or civic organizations. But they are not “ordinary” in all the ways that really matter.
They/You are the conscience of America. You are the voice for the voiceless, reminding this great nation that what is happening to our unborn children is wrong—relationally, morally, and spiritually.
And every time I tell an audience that the pro-life movement will succeed because they (the audience) will not give up, they applaud! You might think they would applaud if they were told they can retire, or give up, or take a break, but no- they’ve been working hard for many years; I tell them they are going to continue to work hard, and they applaud.
That is the determination and tenacity of pro-lifers. They know we’re in a battle for the hearts and minds of Americans, for the soul of the country. Giving up is not an option. They are dedicated to the proposition that human life is precious and must be protected.
We’ve had some tremendous successes this year. Two states, Kansas and Oklahoma, enacted laws to prohibit the killing of unborn children by dismemberment abortion. Idaho passed a ban on webcam abortions. The U.S. Senate, no longer under the control of Harry Reid, adopted a bill against human trafficking that prohibits funds raised through fines and penalties from paying for abortion. The U.S. House will consider a bill this week to protect unborn babies who can feel pain.
These are incremental steps forward, but do not underestimate their significance. They are waystations on the journey that will end the day the law protects all babies.
Beyond legislation, more and more Right to Life chapters are educating their communities with fair booths. Many of them have stories about young children pointing to the fetal models and saying, “baby,” recognizing intuitively what many in society would try to deny.
Our chapters and volunteers are making their presence known on social media, reaching out to those who may not hear the truth in other conventional ways. Our affiliates are reaching young people- through oratory and video contests, youth camps, Teens for Life groups, college groups, and sponsoring students to the NRL summer academy.
We look forward to our annual convention in New Orleans in July for the opportunity to learn from and encourage each other. We continue to recruit more laborers into this mission field for life.
Because of the stalwart people active in the right-to-life movement, and the newcomers who join each day, the future is exciting and promising. Being pro-life has no boundaries. Stereotypes about age, race, gender, political or religious philosophy, income, or education break down the moment you get to know pro-life grassroots Americans. The right-to-life movement is stronger because we are diverse.
I wish I could get a message to everyone working to keep abortion legal. I would tell them to give up. They sometimes have legislative successes (but not many!), they sometimes have election victories, and they can certainly be vocal, but all they are doing is delaying the inevitable.
They will not win because our cause is just and because pro-lifers are resolute and persevering. One day unborn children will again be protected because we will not give up until all the little ones are welcomed in life and protected in law.