Choosing Love: Why I’m Pro-Life

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet of the nations I appointed you.
Jeremiah 1:5

I wish I could go to the March for Life tomorrow in Washington DC, but unfortunately, I have four classes on Fridays and I cannot miss them. Nevertheless, my prayers are with those who are marching tomorrow and giving their voices for those who don’t have a voice. I know that abortion is one of the greatest evils of humanity, and I’m dedicated to praying for an end to abortion, donating to pro-life organizations whenever I can, and sharing pro-life content on my personal social media accounts. I wish I could join the March for Life tomorrow, but consider this blog post my contribution to the March and one of my efforts in the fight to end abortion.

Note: All sources are linked at the end of this blog post, after my “Stay radiant!” signature.

There is nothing loving or merciful about abortion. The possibility of a child growing up in poverty or with a difficult life is not a reason to choose abortion. We don’t give the homeless or the hungry the death penalty because they’re suffering, so we shouldn’t abort the unborn because they could potentially suffer when they’re born. We should seek to eliminate the suffering, not the sufferer, or the person experiencing the suffering. Abortion is an attack on both the unborn baby and the mother. With every “successful” abortion, a child dies, but women also risk their own physical and mental health. With every abortion, the mother faces several risks, including bleeding, infection, cervix damage, uterus perforation, internal organ damage, and even death. Furthermore, women who had an abortion have higher risks of eating disorders, alcohol and drug addictions, depression, guilt, and suicidal thoughts and actions. Abortion denies both the mother and her child of their inherent human dignity.

Abortion never was, is not, and never will be healthcare. Doctors and medical professionals’ job is to heal their patients. They’re supposed to do everything they can to save lives, not end them. Considering that life begins the moment of conception, abortion is the deliberate act of killing a unique, unrepeatable life at its most vulnerable stage. Vulnerability also is not a reason to choose abortion. No, the unborn cannot survive on their own, but neither can newborns or toddlers. We shouldn’t end lives because they’re helpless. Instead, the most helpless, vulnerable lives are the ones that we should protect the most and handle with the most care and love. Furthermore, abortion is never medically necessary. This is the common argument for legalization of third trimester abortions, but no matter the case, doctors can always attempt to save both the mother and the baby. In the case of an emergency, mothers and their doctors should choose an early delivery instead of an abortion. Third trimester abortions can actually take days to complete, and in the case of a true emergency when time is of the essence, doctors cannot waste days before treating the mother. Of course, the baby might be lost as the mother receives treatment, but this does not count as an abortion.

Leah Darrow, a Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster just had her fifth baby: a beautiful boy named Valor Joseph! In her early stages of labor, she made an inspiring Instagram video that breathed so much truth in a world that tries to spread so many lies about children and motherhood. Darrow says, “Babies don’t keep us from our dreams. I’m getting ready to deliver a baby that will not keep me from my professional growth, but will make me better because of it… Children do not keep us from our lives, but they make our lives better!”

Ladies, believing that you have to choose between a baby and a career, or education, or fame only upholds the stereotype that women cannot be mothers and succeed in other facets of life! The abortion industry loves when women believe the lie that they’re “too weak” or “incapable” to do what they’re made to do. God gave us women the beautiful gift of pregnancy. Without a doubt, we are strong enough, smart enough, and capable enough to conceive, carry, and give birth. I will not give the abortion industry the satisfaction of believing their lies, and I hope that you’ll join me in this stand. Children are not burdens. They are blessings. Motherhood is not a setback. It will motivate you. Fertility is not a disease. It is a blessing.

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As a final note, I feel like the pro-life/pro-choice labels imply that they pro-life side has no concept of choice. I can assure you that we do, and we uphold the loving choice, which is the one that recognizes and protects the dignity and sanctity of human life. Yes, we have the right to choose, so I encourage you to choose life! (Thank you to Miss Ackerman, my morality teacher from high school, for shedding light on this concept and teaching me what it means to be truly pro-life.)

If you’re participating in the March for Life, I’m praying for you. If you’re fighting to end abortion, I’m praying for you. If you’re trying to conceive, I’m praying for you. If you’re mourning the loss of a baby, I’m praying for you. If you’ve had an abortion, I’m praying for you. If you’re pro-choice/pro-abortion, I’m praying for you.