By Maria V. Gallagher, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
We had a discussion in our office today about the fact that people can and in fact do change their minds on abortion. But what can prompt such a conversion to the pro-life side of the ledger?
Number one, I believe, is education. Despite breathtaking technological breakthroughs, some people unfortunately are still uninformed about the development of the child in the womb. Others are not well-versed in the tremendous resources that are available to pregnant women in need.
In addition, people might have been raised in a pro-abortion household. They may believe many falsehoods about the pro-life cause.
That is why it is important for us as advocates for life never to give up.
Dr. Bernard Nathanson co-founded the pro-abortion advocacy group originally known as the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, NARAL, and now Reproductive Freedom for All. And yet, when he witnessed the “silent scream” of an unborn child during an abortion, he embraced the pro-life cause.
Abby Johnson once served as an award-winning director of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion operation. She witnessed an ultrasound-guided abortion and became pro-life.
So many, many women have had abortions and have come to regret them. They serve in all facets of the pro-life movement, and their contributions are immeasurable. They are to be commended for courageously standing up for the lives of the most innocent among us.
Conversions may not be instantaneous, but they are quite common in the pro-life world. That is why we must continue to use all peaceful, legal means at our disposal to communicate, to educate, and, finally, to motivate.
Who knows? There may just be another Dr. Bernard Nathanson out there, just waiting for a sign to cross the bridge and join the right-to-life cause.