WHY BE "ANTI"
ABORTION?
The shocking
difference between "Pro-Life" and "Anti-Abortion" Philosophies
Probably even pre-dating
the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973 that legalized abortion on demand
in the US, individuals and organizations wishing to stop abortion have
rallied under the "Pro-Life" banner - referring to themselves
as "Pro-Lifers" - and joining "Pro-Life" organizations.
~
Their reasoning was straight forward, and not
altogether misguided. Being 'pro' anything means 'in favor of' - taking
a positive position. And what could be more positive than being in favor
of life? No doubt the term was derived in part from the Bill of Rights
which declares our God-given right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of
happiness - the origin of the "Right to Life" movement.
~
As battle lines between those in favor of, and
opposed to abortion became more clear, each faction realized the value
of a positive presentation. Those in favor of abortion began using "Pro-Choice"
rather than the more accurate "Anti-Life", or "Anti-Child"
label. 'Pro-choice' projected an image of being broad minded, tolerant,
and sophisticated. But of course, when one is 'anti' something, he or she
is surely a narrow-minded, maniacal bigot. Whenever local and national
news media referred to those in the right to Life movement, the terminology
used was invariably negative. We became "Anti-abortion" protestors,
while abortion advocates hissed at us for being 'anti-choice'. Pro-lifers
were quick to counter with, "…oh no, we're not ANTI-abortion, we're
PRO-life!" It was at this critical juncture, that things began, albeit
slowly, to go terribly wrong.
~
Now before you dismiss our thesis as being a
tempest in a teapot, or merely an exercise in picky semantics, consider
that we now live in a country where 'pro-life' senators & congressmen
argue over whether or not partial-birth abortions should be banned. Some
of these same 'pro-lifers' then present themselves as heroes for opposing
this particular method of killing, while turning a blind eye to the 4,500
other children that are being dismembered every day in abortion mills from
coast to coast, through slightly different, but no less horrifying means.
Consider that American legal child killing continued virtually unabated
throughout 12 years during which the white House was occupied by 'pro-life'
presidents. Consider that numerous national and state level 'pro-life'
organizations raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year,
ostensibly to fight abortion, while turning their backs on simple methods
(and those who use them) that have been proven to save babies lives. Why?
Because they do not want to offend their 'pro-life' contributing membership.
Enormous sums of money are spent each year on lavish 'pro-life' conventions
designed to motivate and elicit donations… while just down the street,
the abortionist plies his grisly trade, unchallenged by their numbers -
or their rhetoric. The once proud and principled 'pro-life' position, has
sadly become a club that admits just about anyone, and accomplishes virtually
nothing.
~
Back in the days when our nation was split bitterly
over the issue of slave ownership, a powerful groundswell known as the
Abolitionist Movement gained momentum. It is important to note that 'abolition'
is not a positive word. It means to abolish, to end, to obliterate… in
this context, slavery. The brave men and women who fueled this movement
did not care if they were characterized in a negative light by their opposition.
They knew that owning slaves was wrong, and they did everything they could
to end it. They could have called themselves 'pro-freedom', or 'pro-emancipators'.
They could have raised funds and had banquets. They could have hired celebrities
to speak and entertain members with deep pockets and shallow convictions.
They could have turned their backs on slaves and slave owners - preferring
to enter into only 'tasteful' discussions of the issue. But they didn't
do those things. There was no time for infighting with other abolitionist
'organizations'. There were no 501-c3 tax breaks.
~
Instead, they took the negative position. Working
at the "street level", they changed public opinion by telling
the truth, developed means and methods like the underground railroad that
actually saved lives, freed families - and ultimately brought an end to
the shameful sin of slavery. It happened because they did what worked.
It happened because people were not afraid of being negative, or injuring
the sensibilities of the easily offended. That, in essence, is the heart
of the 'Anti-Abortion' vs. 'Pro-Life' argument.
~
For years, and with increasing intensity, a cloud
of 'pro-life' disapproval has been swirling around the Anti-Abortion Signs
project, despite its simplicity and proven effectiveness. At first, some
organizations accepted the idea of showing pictures of aborted children
to communities, and especially to those seeking abortions. Others rejected
the idea as being "too negative" right from the start. But then
the membership (read that 'income base') of some of these organizations
began to object. Never mind that child killing is repulsive and offensive,
"…it's those SIGNS that offend us, and if your organization is going
to support THOSE awful things, then you can kiss my check goodbye!"
They said. And slowly, predictably, it began to happen. First, 'pro-life'
organizations refused to promote the use of the giant signs. Then some
demanded that picture signs not be used, only those with words - then no
protest signs whatsoever. Next, some said we should only do 'religious'
things at abortion clinics. Others worked hard to develop a kind of yuppie,
upscale message that being 'pro-life' is somehow 'cool' and desirable -
an end unto itself. Whether they realize it or not, these 'pro-life professionals'
are in fact spreading a de-facto "wall of protection" around
America's abortion industry. That is hardly the 'pro-life' position we
signed onto - how about you?
~
If you believe the life of one baby is worth
offending potentially millions of 'pro-lifers', then you are an Anti-Abortionist.
If you believe that showing the unvarnished truth about abortion will change
hearts and minds, then you are an Anti-Abortionist. If you are not afraid
to call killing KILLING - no matter what method is used, then you are an
Anti-Abortionist. If you have become disillusioned with a positive answer
to the abortion problem, and the 'pro-life' organizational approach to
the issue, then you are an Anti-Abortionist. If you truly believe that
God, and not government grants us the inalienable right to life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness, then you are an Anti-Abortionist. And IF
you are an Anti-Abortionist, the babies need YOU!
~
Our signs are MADE for Anti-Abortionists - those
who don't shrink back from the truth - those who are willing to take their
convictions to the street. To those who have stood with us for so long,
God bless you. To those who are tired of going to conventions, being entertained
and doing nothing, WELCOME! The organizations have made little progress
in 27 years - thousands of babies die every day - you can save some right
now. That's why Anti-Abortion Signs exist, and that's why we're Anti-Abortion.
Are you?
~Anti-Abortion Signs Group
August, 2000
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