The telephone call was received with little or no warning, and it was evident from the tone of the caller’s voice that she was experiencing distress.
A young woman, whom I will refer to as Mia, was contacting me in a frantic appeal for assistance. Her parents were exerting considerable pressure on her to undergo an abortion. The pressure exerted by the parents was such that they threatened to withhold the financial assistance she required to meet her housing costs if she did not proceed with the abortion.
I commenced an investigation into the availability of potential sources of assistance. By the end of the day, Mia had secured the necessary funds for rent and had arranged for transportation to the local pregnancy resource centre.
Her requests included the provision of nappies for the daughter she had already given birth to, along with a jacket to keep the child warm this winter.
I empathised with her plight. She was in a particularly vulnerable position, depending on the benevolence of strangers to provide for her and her children. Nevertheless, she was prepared to take a risk for the sake of her children.
The concept of courage can be understood in a multitude of ways. In many instances, it manifests as a mother who courageously resists the pressure to terminate her pregnancy. A study has revealed that as many as 60% of women who undergo an abortion have been subjected to pressure from a third party.
This form of coercion represents a significant challenge within our society, and it is imperative that it be addressed. It is difficult to conceptualise the concept of “choice” when a woman feels as though she has no alternative. Given the prevalence of pressure to abort, it is unclear to whom a woman can turn for support in such a situation.
It is frequently the case that pro-life organisations provide the encouragement that women require to give birth to their babies. The personnel of these organisations are comprised of dedicated workers and volunteers who are deeply invested in the wellbeing of women and the challenges they face.
Those employed by a National Right to Life affiliate are frequently called upon to provide assistance to women contemplating abortion. The affiliate may serve as a beacon of hope in a landscape of despair.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we provide support to those NRL affiliates that offer life-affirming solutions for women and their families. They serve as a beacon of hope in an otherwise desolate landscape.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
