For many people, Pro-Life beliefs are shaped by personal experience. This is true of Laura, a Pro-Lifer who has seen first-hand the devastation of abortion, but also knows well the joy experienced when a mother chooses Life.
Please take a few minutes to read Laura’s interview. Become inspired to be a louder and more courageous voice for Life.
Why are you Pro-Life?
I’m Pro-Life because human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We have been given the cultural mandate (Genesis 1:28); the Decalogue and various summaries of the Law; and other references in the Bible that indicate that God is Lord over the unborn and that they, too, bear God’s image (e.g. Exodus 21:22-23; Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 44:2; Isaiah 49:1, and Luke 1:41).
Which Pro-Life issue is most important to you? Why?
They are all important. However, abortion seems to be at the forefront of my defense of Life. I think abortion has the louder voice in the media, for now anyway.
Do you have any Pro-Life memories or stories you would like to share?
I have two stories of women who experienced unplanned pregnancies that have particularly shaped my perspective on abortion. A very close friend of mine became pregnant at 16 and had a late second trimester abortion. This was in Texas and before Roe v. Wade. She was very afraid of the shame, guilt, and disgrace that she and her family would suffer because of her pregnancy. Although she agreed to an abortion, I think the decision had been made for her. We didn’t have the scientific technology that we have now, and I don’t think her parents’ decision was informed by medical science, or ethics, or the emotional ramifications their daughter might suffer. As odd as this may sound, I do believe they thought they were making the best decision for her. My friend was stunned when she delivered a lifeless baby boy; she wasn’t expecting the baby to be so well formed. After the abortion, she called me to express her shock and grief.
My perspective on abortion became more complex by my Christian faith and was challenged when my 16-year-old daughter became pregnant. Because of my deeply held beliefs and experience, the decision was painful rather than difficult. I knew that abortion was theologically indefensible. The emotional cost was catastrophic, and from the long view, taking a year out from normal teenage activities was recoverable. My daughter lived at LifeHouse Maternity Home during her pregnancy. There she was able to focus on what she wanted for her child. That year was difficult, especially for my daughter. By working through this crisis together, we ultimately formed a deep relationship of trust and respect. The experience of pregnancy was transformative for my daughter; she has enormous strength and grace as a result. There is no one I esteem more.
What do you hope to see regarding Pro-Life educational efforts around the state?
I hope to see growth in Pro-Life groups like the Dr. Joseph Graham Fellowship and Young Adult Life Link (Y’ALL). I hope that they will have increasing influence on their families, friends, and peers.
How did you hear about Texas Right to Life?
The Grahams and I have a mutual friend who told me about the work of Texas Right to Life and LifeHouse.
What advice would you give to somebody who has never spoken about this difficult issue?
Know your worldview.
Know your ethical system.
Know your topic.
Prepare a well-reasoned defense.
There’s no neutral ground, so don’t be tricked into believing there is.
Understand the pro-choice/pro-abort narrative.
Ask lots of questions.
Be winsome and kind. The person you’re having a conversation with may be suffering.
What excites you about the future of the Pro-Life movement?
The gradual decrease in the number of abortions and the legislative success we’ve had in Texas are exciting. The appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch and the likely appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court are very encouraging.
