By Grace Henry
How did you first become involved in the pro-life movement?
I was raised in a Christian household, so I have always been pro-life. As I have gotten older, especially through my friendship with Mary Garcia, I have become much more involved in the pro-life community.
It started with the pro-life club at IUSB. I began attending their events during my junior year of high school, and since then I have joined the club’s leadership team and become involved with Voices for Life. I have always believed in the pro-life movement, but my passion for it has continued to grow throughout my adult years.
What has been the most meaningful experience for you in this work?
I would say the mission trip we took just outside of Chicago. I spent most of my time praying outside an abortion clinic with another activist. It was sad because we saw several people leave the clinic who appeared to have undergone surgical abortions, hunching over in pain.
Being able to pray specifically for the women we saw enter the clinic was incredibly meaningful. As cars turned onto the road leading to the clinic, I prayed that they would continue driving past it instead. Every time a car drove by without stopping, it brought a sense of relief and hope.
What have you learned from people who disagree with you?
I have never believed that people who are pro-choice are evil or that they hate women and babies. Going door to door and having conversations with people has only reinforced that belief. While I believe they support something that is wrong, I do not believe they are evil as people. Those conversations have strengthened my commitment to the pro-life movement and reinforced my belief that there is no good argument for abortion.
What challenges have you faced in doing this work, and what has kept you going?
The biggest challenge with canvassing is that many people simply do not want to talk. They often shut the door immediately, which can be discouraging. After twenty doors in a row where people are unwilling to engage, it can become frustrating. At the same time, there are people who are genuinely excited to have respectful conversations about their beliefs. Those conversations, whether with someone who is pro-life or pro-choice, are always encouraging because they provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.
What advice would you give to someone interested in getting involved with pro-life work?
During one of our trips, we met people who prayed outside an abortion clinic every day. They were so happy to see us there. One man asked my friend Dan why he was so passionate about the pro-life movement. Dan’s response really struck me. He said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”
I would encourage anyone who is pro-life to become involved in some form of pro-life activism. Voices for Life is a great resource because it is local and very active in the community. If you believe that abortion is the taking of an innocent human life, then it is difficult to stand by and do nothing. I want to encourage people to get involved because this is a human rights issue rather than simply a political issue.
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