Those who understand abortion and want to stop it have an obligation to recruit others into the pro-life movement, and to pass on to them their experience and expertise so that, in time, the injustice of abortion will end. Pro-life activists cannot wait for the legislative and judicial process that will make abortion illegal. The activist has to save lives now…
No social movement has succeeded without activists taking to the streets. Activism, including demonstrations, pickets, protests, sit-ins and sidewalk counseling is necessary not only to save lives but to garner public attention bring the media into the struggle and shake politicians into recognizing the determination of anti-abortion supporters. Anyone who misses this purpose of activism, is a poor student of history.
Joe Scheidler, in Closed 99 ways to stop abortion. What is pro-life “activism” and what are the goals and objectives of pro-life activists?
Activists assert that it is not enough to believe in the value of all human life, we must act on this belief. Activists take the pro-life ethic seriously and propose ways to save lives through suffering, sacrifice, prayer and action. If you are willing to suffer and be ridiculed for the sake of small and helpless human beings, whom you will ever know and who will never know what you did for them, activism if for you.
Activism takes root in an ongoing prayer and spiritual life. It works in the spirit of charity and truth. I want to stress the pro-life activism is non-violent.
We understand that not all pro-lifers are called to this work and we do not downplay the importance of continuing medical legal, political and educational strategies. We only ask that other pro-lifers understand the importance of activism.
How do you get involved? In December 1984, I was pro-life. I knew that abortion was murder and when directed, I turned out to the annual rally, or sent letters to members of parliament or the local newspaper. I was not aware how far we had slipped down the slippery slope.
The turning point for me was the opening of the illegal Morgentaler abortuary in Toronto. Today I am an activist.
The Interim supports the work in the pro-life movement and is giving us space to keep you informed on our work. Activists are working from coast to coast in Canada now and this work will become more vital as more “clinics” open up across the country. We want you to become involved. Send you short articles on picketing, sidewalk counseling, court cases, hospital abortionists, prayer vigils and other activities to us.
