By Lucas Holt, Human Dignity and Life Advocate for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
If you have ever shared your pro-life beliefs publicly — or scrolled through the comments on a YouTube debate about abortion — you have likely come across a familiar claim:
“You are not pro-life. You are pro-birth! You only care about babies being born, but once they are born, you do nothing to support them or their families.”
This claim is obviously false. At the same time, those of us who are pro-life should pause before jumping to defend our position. This objection does not come out of nowhere. People who raise it may have experiences that led them to conclude that pro-life advocates are inconsistent in defending the dignity and worth of the human person. Perhaps they have experienced poverty or other distressing situations and received no prayers or support.
The first step, then, is to ask a follow-up question: “What has led you to this conclusion?” Next, we listen and seek to understand the reasoning behind their belief. Once we understand, we will be in a better position to address the objection. Here is a good conversational framework for any issue:
- “What do you believe?”
- “Why do you believe this?”
- Respond with your belief.
- “Where do we agree or find common ground?”
- “Where do we go from here?”
People frustrated by the pro-life movement’s advocacy against abortion — and the seeming lack of advocacy for adoption, foster care, helping families on welfare, and meeting other societal needs — see something true. People experiencing these needs are indeed worthy of care and support. As Christians, we should wholeheartedly agree with that.
That is why, at Catholic Charities, we make it our mission to serve those facing these life situations. Whether it’s supporting families seeking to adopt or young, pregnant mothers; helping refugees integrate into the community; counseling couples struggling with finances; or offering mental health counseling for those dealing with depression, anxiety, or marital tension — we strive to recognize that each person’s life is valuable. One’s circumstances do not change this fact.
This worldview, which recognizes the value of human life at all stages, is known as the Consistent Life Ethic (CLE). The keyword here is consistent. The reason we oppose abortion is the same reason we oppose war, human trafficking, physician-assisted suicide, racism, in vitro fertilization, embryonic stem cell research, sex changes, digital violence, and poverty. Each of these issues poses a grave threat to the dignity of the human person. We cannot selectively support and oppose certain things. If we truly want to be pro-life, it requires being for life all the time, in every circumstance.
In this month of October, as we celebrate Respect Life Month, let us embrace the CLE, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every person, at every stage of life. Doing so will allow us to silence critics who say we are only pro-birth. At the same time, it is a challenge for us all to live according to what our faith teaches. If we do so, we can be witnesses of the Gospel of Life and do what our Lord commanded: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16).
Celebrate Respect Life Month by attending the Respect Life Mass on Saturday, October 25, with Bishop David Ricken and Abbot Dane Radecki, O.Praem, followed by an inspirational talk by David Bereit, founder of 40 Days for Life.