Unlike some, I don’t make a habit of bashing people for not voting. As an old-fashioned patriotic type, I believe it is our civil—and moral obligation—to take responsibility for shaping our democracy. But, at the same time, I know that others are convinced there are other “better” uses of their time.
However there is an altogether different moral calculus for pro-lifers. Babies die by the thousands each and every day. Can we honestly say we don’t have 20 minutes to do what we can to level the legislative field for those who have no voice but ours?
I have many friends and family who are financially hard-pressed at this very moment. Without minimizing this for a moment I would ask you to consider this thought from Paul Stark, from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, NRLC’s state affiliate:
“In the case of abortion, our government has legalized and sanctioned the intentional killing of a class of innocent human beings. At stake, then, is the equal fundamental dignity and right to life of every member of the human family. This is unlike any other issue or concern in American society today (excepting the other right-to-life issues of embryo-destructive research and euthanasia). In no other area are some human beings placed outside the protection of the law and allowed to be killed for any reason.”
Mr. Stark precedes this comment with what might be an uncomfortable question: in our capacity as single-issue pro-life voters, do we properly recognize the clear implication of our own view? Always?
Probably we do, in the sense that in our ethical calculations we prioritize saving unborn babies from abortion and the medically dependent from assisted suicide and euthanasia. But as voters, do we always, always, always go to the polls?
Do we share our convictions with others, politely but firmly? Do we help them remove the scale from their eyes? Do we assist them to understand that no social justice issue of our day is as remotely important as whether we sit idly by while over 1 million helpless babies are extinguished every year?
The chance to make your voice heard on behalf of unborn babies takes place a week from tomorrow.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
