(Part Four)
Can you imagine a world without abortion? In some ways it is easy, just no more abortion. But think about it all the way through. What does it mean for the world? What might it mean for you?
Abortion is the most devastating and contentious social issue in modern history. With over 40 million babies aborted in the United States since the passage of the gravely flawed Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, abortion has claimed more lives than every war the United States has been involved in, put together. These numbers are staggering, to the point where we become desensitized to the sheer magnitude of what this means for the victims of abortion, for us, and for our world. Abortion is the ending of an unborn human life. It is not a modern problem. People throughout the millennia have looked for ways to end pregnancies. Why?
Because having babies and raising children is hard and very often inconvenient. In the past, it was possible for a woman to have an abortion under the false belief that what she was doing was not actually taking a human life. Science had not advanced as far as it has today. So people thought the developing baby was nothing more than a mass of cells without “personhood”. At best just a “potential person”. Today we know that is not true. Advances in science now tell us that an unborn baby’s heart begins to beat when the baby is only 22 days old; brain waves are detected at 6 weeks, and a baby can feel pain and respond to it as early as 20 weeks.
But, even before that, from the very moment of conception, something amazing is already happening. The genes of the mom and the dad are no longer acting separately. They have combined to create a new human being who is determining his or her own development and building a body that will continue to grow until that person’s death. There is no longer any doubt about what abortion does. It stops the life of a growing, developing unborn child.
If simply making these statements about the reality of the unborn child were enough to end abortion, it would have ended years ago. Unfortunately, the situation is far more complex than that. Many people cannot or will not believe the science of preborn human life because to do so means they have to change their entire way of thinking about themselves and their own life choices.
States like New York now allow abortion throughout the ninth month for babies deemed incompatible with life, whatever that means, and if the mother’s life or health – including her mental health – could be compromised by the pregnancy, abortion is available until her due date.
Imagine a world without abortion, where every single time a woman found out she was pregnant, the first thing she would be told is “congratulations!” Whether she was 12 or 49; rich or poor; married or single, having a baby in perfect health, or one with Down Syndrome, this mom would be affirmed that her child was a perfect creation, a gift that God was sending to the world.
Imagine a world without abortion, where parents who were having a hard time would be taken care of within their own communities. Even small acts of kindness can add up quickly and take the burden off over-stressed parents. Neighbors, families, and churches would donate baby things; friends swapping childcare; communities coming together to truly support each other rather than looking away because it is “someone else’s problem”.
Imagine a world without abortion, where legislators would create support systems for parents. Things like paid maternity leave and affordable childcare. What about tax incentives for parents who stay home with their kids? Now that we know telecommuting works, corporations would support flexible working conditions so parents can work from home. Tax incentives would be available for grandparents and other family members who watch children during the workday.
Imagine a world without abortion, where schools would have every resource needed for women and girls who are pregnant or are parenting. Students would be able to learn from home, having student-housing that welcomes children, and free childcare on campus. Classes would accommodate parents, so they don’t lose credit or have to repeat classes.
Imagine a world without abortion, where parents who cannot take care of their own children, for whatever reason, would be able to place them with families who are waiting to adopt and give these children a forever home. Families who cannot have children of their own would adopt babies and kids in foster care. All families would open their hearts to kids in need of a home and a family.
When abortion is no longer a choice, things change. Imagine this as a different scenario: Let’s say you make a commitment to the tennis team. You promised yourself that you wouldn’t quit—no matter what. With that attitude, you go to practice every day doing your best. Maybe you have really bad days. Maybe some teammates are unkind to you. Maybe your coach is really mean. Maybe you sustain an injury. Maybe the cost to be on the team is more than you can afford. Maybe your bus breaks down on the way to your most important match. Life is uncertain all the time. Anyone of these factors might be enough to make someone want to quit. But, if you have made a commitment to stay on the team, then you will find a way to overcome any obstacle to keep your commitment. And any thought of quitting? It is not even on your mind or part of your decision process.
In a world without abortion, men and women will respect each other and work together for the benefit of any children they create. Parents will stick around and commit to the families they help create. Single moms will not be raising children all alone. In a world without abortion, men and women would respect the power of their bodies to create new human life and would treat each other, and their own sexuality, with the reverence they are due. When couples engage in sex, they would do so with the full knowledge that their action might result in the conception of a new human life with an eternal soul. And, if they are not prepared to welcome a new baby into their lives, they will refrain from sex out of respect for themselves, their partners, and the baby they might bring into the world.
None of us are JK Rowling or George Lucas, with the power to create an entire world from our imaginations. But using imagination is critical in creating social change. Now that we have a sense of what a world would look like without abortion in it, it is up to each one of us to make it a reality.
How to start? Small. Creating a world without abortion will not happen simply through legislation. Political action is a positive way to change the world, but Pope Francis reminded us continually that real change comes about through personal encounters. One person helping another person.
Pray. Prayer is action. It changes us and those around us to be more open to the possibility of doing good. Start by saying a prayer to end abortion at Mass. Organize a rosary to end abortion once a month during lunch, or even joining a 40 Days for Life campaign to pray outside an abortion clinic.
Visit. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple gesture. Do you know someone who is pregnant or has a baby? Maybe a friend, relative or neighbor? Go visit and bring a small gift: a Walmart gift card or a flowering plant. Better yet, offer to watch the baby/child while the mom or dad takes a nap or goes for a hike.
Help. Resources are available. There are pregnancy resource centers and clinics everywhere. Find one near you and ask how you can help. They might need diapers or formula. Maybe they need someone to design flyers or post on their Facebook page. What talents can you offer to help women find the resources they need to choose life?
Live. You are the best ambassador for a world without abortion! This world is not just inhabited by other people, but by you. What are you willing to do with your life to create a world where abortion is not necessary? This means choices you make in your own relationships and how you support friends facing a pregnancy decision. Be armed with resources that will allow you and others to choose life!
For more ideas, visit https://www.wewerebornready.com.
Make a decision that abortion will not be part of your life. When you do, if you ever find yourself in a situation where abortion could be an option, you will make a decision to not even consider it. Instead, you will find the resources and the strength to make the choice for life. The resources are out there, and the strength will be given to you, you just have to look for them.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!