I ran across a link to “Abortion: The Modern Holocaust” on the webpage of the Louisiana Pro-Life Federation, NRLC’s state affiliate. There we read this powerful pro-life video was created by Mandeville High School student Isabella Del Rio!
The creator of this brief but very poignant You Tube video describes herself as a “self-taught artist.” What an understatement!
It’s amazing how much she packs into 1:31. A explanation that 50 million unborn babies are lost worldwide; (at least) 93% of all abortions are for social reasons; we lose almost 3,000 babies a day in the United States alone; and that many people have forgotten the foundational truth captured in Dr. Seuss’s “Horton Hears a Who”:
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
The creative force that Ms. Del Rio is comes out beautifully in the music accompaniment—Matt Maher’s stirring, “The Waiting”—and during the entirety of the video where we see the hand of an artist rapidly sketching an unborn child, from her very rough outlines (so to speak) to her full development just prior to birth.
The video is hugely impressive. But nowhere more so than the end. All these lost lives, and yet the Pro-Life Movement continues–and continues to grow.
Why?
“Because if a single life does not matter….
then what does?”
At its core, valuing every single life challenges us to confront issues of systemic injustice and inequality that pervade our society. It prompts us to examine the ways in which certain individuals or groups are marginalized, oppressed, or disenfranchised, and to take action to address these disparities. Whether it’s advocating for racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, or economic equity, valuing every life compels us to dismantle systems of oppression and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Furthermore, the principle of valuing every life has profound implications for how we approach public policy and governance. It calls upon policymakers to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable or marginalized. This may involve implementing policies that ensure access to healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities for all members of society, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Moreover, valuing every life necessitates a reevaluation of our priorities as a society. It challenges us to question the prevailing culture of consumerism, individualism, and exploitation, which often prioritizes profit and power over the well-being of people and the planet. Instead, it calls for a shift towards values of empathy, compassion, and sustainability, where the needs of individuals and communities take precedence over corporate interests and material wealth.
In addition to addressing systemic issues, valuing every life also has profound implications for interpersonal relationships and community building. It calls upon us to cultivate empathy, understanding, and solidarity in our interactions with others, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of each person we encounter. This may involve actively listening to others’ experiences, validating their perspectives, and supporting them in times of need.
Furthermore, valuing every life compels us to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging, where all individuals feel welcomed, accepted, and valued for who they are. This means challenging discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry in all its forms, whether it’s based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It means creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected, and where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than a threat.
Ultimately, valuing every life is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a moral imperative that calls upon each of us to take action in our own lives and communities. It requires us to confront injustice, challenge oppression, and work towards a world where every individual can thrive and fulfill their potential. In doing so, we honor the inherent worth and dignity of every human being and move closer towards realizing a more just, compassionate, and equitable society for all.
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.
