With the recent pro-life legal victory of the Texas Heartbeat Act, there has been a renewed focus on the issue of abortion in American society— which calls for a renewed energy in the work of the pro-life movement. Differing thoughts have been put forth, not just about the law itself but about the focuses and intentions of those who work to affirm life. We recently reached out to Professor Rick Garnett of Notre Dame Law School for his thoughts on the recent events. While clarifying that the future of the pro-life laws currently in the spotlight is uncertain (pending the Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization and potential future cases regarding Texas' Heartbeat Act), Professor Garnett urged the pro-life movement's continued efforts to create a culture of life: "It is essential that the pro-life movement work on (at least) three fronts: First, providing support to families, mothers, and children who are in need; Second, changing our fellow citizens' hearts and minds about abortion, through charitable and joyful witness regarding the equal dignity of all; and third, working to enact laws and policies that will protect unborn children from abortion and protect the freedom of conscience of pro-life doctors, health-care workers, and citizens." Those three fronts are absolutely integral; here's how the pro-life movement engages with each of these in our attempts to promote that culture of life. 1) "Providing support to families, mothers, and children who are in need" It is our mission to support and serve those around us to build a culture of life. We have prayed outside our local Planned Parenthood for the women and families affected, encouraged women who visit our local Women's Care Center through cards sent during the pandemic, and, as part of Student's for Life's Standing With You door-knocking initiative, spread awareness of the free resources offered to our community by Pregnancy Choices Indy, where we hope to volunteer this year. So often, women get abortions because they feel they don't have that support. That's why the pro-life movement works continuously to provide it. Mothers have changed their minds due to the efforts of life-affirming pregnancy centers, sidewalk advocates, and other resources that tell women they can do it, that we do have what it takes. One beautiful example is that of the organization Let Them Live, which helps mothers create a financial plan for their pregnancy and parenting needs and then raises the needed funds. Another powerful example is that of the local organization Healing Hidden Hurts, which supports mothers who have been emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually hurt by abortion. We have designated a page of this website to listing the resources around Brebeuf's campus offered to women in need. The reality is that the pro-life movement is dedicated to providing the resources, services, and care that women need-- because that is what justice demands. Rather than only considering the child in the case of abortion, the pro-life movement works to encourage everyone to choose life, supporting them in whatever difficult situations they may find themselves. 2) "Changing our fellow citizen's hearts and minds about abortion" Our club focuses heavily on promoting understanding and truth-advancing dialogue about abortion through logical arguments and civil discussion. While many of our individual meetings center around the apologetics of this impactful life issue, we have also held larger events such as an inter-club dialogue on abortion and knowledgeable, informed speakers such as Professor Garnett and Mrs. Debbie Miller of Healing Hidden Hurts. We also welcome all to send questions about the pro-life positions to our Instagram account where we respond with clarifications and explanations. Being informed about abortion is powerful. While praying outside of Planned Parenthood this year, we were approached by a pro-life woman who shared her story. She revealed that she had once considered an abortion, but fortunately didn't acquire one after realizing what it truly did through a video that showed the steps of the procedure. While door-knocking over the summer, our group witnessed the impact of basic facts on one's understanding of abortion. And I have been involved in many conversations, both in-person and online, that have ended with a greater understanding of both sides by both sides (definitely don't hesitate to send me any questions or thoughts you might have on the pro-life position!). The pro-life message, promoted by productive dialogue, powerfully impacts our communities wherever it is presented. 3) "Working to enact laws and policies that will protect" As part of the pro-life movement, we stand for laws that protect and promote a culture of life. We especially have worked to promote understanding of these laws and policies, researching and dedicating club meetings to understanding topics ranging from the most prominent arguments about the legal side of abortion, to most significant Supreme Court cases surrounding abortion to the most recent legal developments. We've also hosted informed speakers like Professor Garnett to explicate the many aspects of pro-life laws in Indiana and their relationship to the nationwide legal developments. Everyone involved in the pro-life movement recently has witnessed the cultural reaction to Texas' law. Regardless of how it fares in court, the fact is that a significant amount of misinformation was spread about the it (particularly regarding how it affects different groups of people). Even the Washington Post has had to debunk myths about the effects of abortion laws before Roe v. Wade. Although high school students have limited opportunities to work directly with and in government to enact pro-life laws, we can still promote such policies by spreading the truth about them. Additionally, we have joined the local March for Life in Indianapolis (and will hopefully attend the national march this year) to show to call for pro-life policies from our government. * Truth and pro-life policies without service create a culture where women feel unnoticed and unsupported. A society where people serve each other is a society where everyone benefits both materially and as people; it's a society that fosters Brebeuf's Grad-at-Grad qualities of being "Loving" and "Committed to Promoting Justice." Attempts to bring about those policies and service will fail without a focus on promoting the truth. If the magnitude of abortion's injustice is not understood, policies and service ordered towards promoting justice will never be prioritized. And promoting truth and service without just policies will lead to a culture where injustice is still permitted and committed. A government without those policies is a government that stands to the side when that injustice occurs-- injustice that that includes not only the taking of an innocent life, but the potential emotional, spiritual, and psychological effects on the mother and other family members who work to protect that mother and her child. That's why the pro-life movement engages every day in serving those in difficult situations, spreading the truth about the life issues, and promoting policies on a local and national level to protect life. Building up these three columns builds up a society where a strong culture of life promotes justice for all. Maria ThomasMaria has worked as co-president of Brebeuf’s Right to Life Club since her freshman year. There, she gives talks and leads discussions about abortion and other prominent life issues, emphasizing the importance of reasoning and authentic dialogue as a means to finding the truth.
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