By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Editor’s note. This appeared in the April edition of National Right to Life News. Please share with your pro-life family and friends.
Something always strikes me in the days leading up to Easter. It is a passage from Scripture that is often repeated as Christians mark the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
The line is a question uttered by Pontius Pilate, who stands in judgment of Christ. It is just a few words, but it’s a quotation that could be the hallmark of our age: “What is truth?”
People who consider themselves agnostic when it comes to abortion policy frequently claim that they do not know when life begins—as if the truth is unknowable. But, in fact, each human life has a beginning and an ending. A 4D Ultrasound clearly shows us that the beginning is long before birth. The only logical conclusion is that life begins at conception.
Once that truth is accepted, it is difficult to deny the humanity of the preborn child—especially when that face appears on a screen. It is one thing to talk theoretically about “choice”—it is quite another to hear the heartbeat of “choice’s” victim.
What is truth?
Truth is that a heartbeat can be detected 24 days after conception. Brain waves are apparent 44 days after conception. At 12 weeks in utero, the preborn child can move her arms and legs and suck her thumb.
Truth is that abortion takes the life of an innocent, unrepeatable human being.
Truth is that abortion destroys the physical bond between mother and child.
Truth is that each abortion changes the world forever, because it denies the world of a unique soul.
The truth may seem inconvenient, but it is nonetheless the truth.
In the end, as has been often quoted, the truth shall set us free. Living in the truth will help us to rebuild a culture of life in our communities and in our country.
Instead of asking, “What is truth?” let us boldly ask, “What can I do to promote life?” For the truth of the matter is that life is a good which should always be cherished, protected, and loved.