By Grace Henry
How did you first become involved in the pro-life movement?
My introduction to the pro-life movement was in late 2024, when a few friends from my church invited me to participate in overpass outreach in Elkhart. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, although at that point I did not know much about the pro-life movement beyond knowing that my church supported the cause. After that, I did not become involved again for almost a year.
In September 2025, I found out that a few Voices for Life volunteers were going to Notre Dame to hold signs as people entered for football games. I was intrigued because I had been looking for an opportunity to volunteer in something I genuinely cared about and felt passionate about. After Melanie noticed that I was attending frequently, she encouraged me to complete the training for pro-life canvassing. I agreed, and after completing the training, I began canvassing as often as I could and eventually started participating in abortion clinic mission trips as well.
What has been the most meaningful experience for you in doing this type of work?
One of the most meaningful parts of this work has been the opportunity to connect people with resources they may not otherwise know exist. Many of the people we encounter are facing an unexpected pregnancy and may feel like they have nowhere to turn. They might be a single mother, have little support from the father of the child, or simply not know where to find help. Another meaningful part of this work is the opportunity to be a voice of moral support for someone who may be considering abortion. I think there is a misconception that pro-life volunteers are there because we hate women or want to condemn them. That is not why I do this work, and it is not the approach I have experienced at Voices for Life.
I think about moments in my own life when I have made mistakes or gone down a path I later regretted. Sometimes I have thought, Someone knew what I was doing. Someone saw where I was headed. I wish they had spoken up. If someone had lovingly warned me, perhaps I would have made a different decision. That is how I view this work. We are not there to condemn people; we are there to speak up because we believe there is something at stake. There is a human life involved. It is not simply a problem to be solved, but it is a child and a person with inherent dignity.
What have you learned from the people that disagree with you?
One of the biggest things I have learned from people who disagree with me is the importance of patience and compassion. When people become angry with us, their reactions are often about much more than the individual volunteer standing in front of them. Sometimes they are responding from a place of personal hurt, fear, anger, or past experiences.
People have made assumptions about me because of my pro-life beliefs, and sometimes they have insulted me personally or commented on my appearance. Those things do not bother me nearly as much as they might have in the past. Instead, I have learned to ask myself why someone might be responding that way. I also think about what my response says about me. If someone insults me and I respond by insulting them back, what have I accomplished? But if I respond with patience, kindness, and forgiveness, I have an opportunity to show them that being pro-life is not about hatred or condemnation. It is about loving people.
What advice would you give to someone interested in getting involved with pro-life work?
The best thing you can do if you are interested in getting involved in pro-life work is talk to someone who is already volunteering. Getting started can feel intimidating, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Reach out to a volunteer and ask questions. Ask them what they do, what they enjoy about it, and what they think might fit your personality and strengths. Someone who is already involved can give you an honest perspective on what different opportunities are like.
I would also encourage people to start small. Choose one opportunity and shadow someone who is already doing it. If you are interested in canvassing, go with someone and listen to their conversations. You do not have to commit to doing something forever just because you tried it once. One of the great things about Voices for Life is that there are so many different ways to get involved. If one opportunity is not right for you, try something else. Whether you are outgoing, quiet, nervous, artistic, organized, or simply passionate about helping people, there is a place for you.
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