Young Adults Forum

By Kerri-Lee Mullan

Truth can reach unreceptive audience

As pro-lifers, we join clubs, attend conferences, hand out literature and display posters. I assume we can all agree that we have a common purpose in the work we do. We try to create awareness among those who are pro-abortion, "fence-sitters," and most importantly, women contemplating abortion. But have you ever felt defeated in your efforts? Have you ever wondered, "Am I really having any effect on the world?"

Recently, I reached a point where I lost all hope. When I told friends or family I was going to attend a pro-life event, I would face comments such as - "Don't get arrested" or "Don't set off a bomb." I felt as though all my efforts were being overthrown by the ugly stereotype associated with being pro-life. The positive message of pro-life was being hindered by negative images.

I could not figure it out. I had to get to the bottom of the mystery. I wanted to know what people thought of us, and how to fix it.

I contacted somebody "looking in from the outside." She was a friend who had not made up her mind on the issue of abortion. I relied on her honest, unbiased perception of the pro-life movement.

She did not hold back. She released years of tension and frustration against the pro-life movement onto me. She described her view of people in the movement as bible-thumping, in-your-face, violent, vulgar, belligerent, pushy, negative radicals.

Ouch! That really hurt. My suspicions were confirmed. It was obvious that the truth and goodness of our message was not getting through to people.

My source said that she often felt as though she was being forced into believing something. She felt that scare tactics, such as pictures of torn up fetuses, were a low way of attempting to persuade her. Trying to reach people through purely emotional means was not a fair way to play the game. She felt bombarded by other peoples' emotions.

Pro-lifers have to give society more credit. They must convey their message with the awareness that human beings are logical creatures, capable of making the right decision when presented with the truth.

For example, when I was part of the Challenge Team this past summer, we spoke to high school students about saving sex for marriage. To my surprise, the teenagers were extremely accepting towards chastity. Don't get me wrong, it is a positive message. Still, chastity is not something you expect teens to accept easily. What makes the difference between acceptance and rejection on chastity, is the way the issue was presented. We told them - "chastity is something that really works for us, we want to let you know how great it has been in our lives." After hearing the benefits, the teens were either on side or seriously considering it. The young people truly appreciated the fact that they were not being forced or frightened into believing something. They felt respected.

I believe our message as pro-lifers would go a lot further if a similar approach were taken. People have become desensitized to the "I am right, you are wrong" learning model. The key to breaking communication barriers is to realize that you are not the only one with an opinion. If you expect somebody to be open to what you have to say, you yourself must also be open.

You are pro-life for a reason: care and compassion for all forms of life. Relay that feeling through your daily interactions with people. Don't forget to look and listen. Open your eyes and ears. Pay attention to what people are reacting negatively to, and change it. Find a new approach and always focus on the precious lives you are saving and not solely on how you can win the battle.

When I asked my "outside" source if she had anything to add, she urged pro-lifers to be critical in their presentation of information, and to continue making an effort to inform the public.

I was now satisfied. The mystery was solved. I have gained an insightful perspective on how our message is received. My own personal message to pro-lifers: you are doing an awesome job, congratulate yourselves for the many lives you have probably already touched.