There is a place for everyone in the pro life movement. Whether we are parents or not, we have an important role in the pro life movement. Everyone can make a positive difference by respecting the unborn and honoring the role of parenthood - specifically honoring the sacrifice that mothers make. Basically, we need to respect the unborn, support pregnant women and offer forgiveness to women who have had abortions.
The first element is respecting the unborn child. Life begins at conception. This is a scientific fact which is reinforced by the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, Orthodox Judaism and the Muslim religion. All three monotheistic religions believe that life begins at conception. All three monotheistic religions respect life from the moment of conception. Through the technology of ultra sounds, we can observe the life within the womb. We can see the baby moving and growing in the womb.
Supporting pregnant women is also important. Some women may choose abortion because they do not sense that they are supported by their husbands or boyfriends . They also may not sense support from society or the Church. Women deserve support. Pregnant women deserve support during their pregnancies. Carrying a baby for nine months is a sacrifice. It is heroic. It requires courage and strength. Women deserve support during their pregnancies and afterwards. This basic point needs to be continually reinforced. Women should never feel alone during their pregnancies. God is with them. Their family needs to be with them. Also, as members of the Church and of society, we also need to be with them.
A third element is forgiveness. Women who have had abortions must not be condemned. They must be forgiven and respected. The Catholic Church believes in forgiveness. All Christian communities believe in forgiveness. We know that Christ forgives us when we turn to him. In Jesus Christ there is forgiveness and healing. This is true for all of us. We need to extend that forgiveness to others.
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