Once again, I was reminded of the need for pro-lifers to handle abortion comments with care during my recent pro-life presentation as a volunteer speaker for Pennsylvanians for Human Life.
Together, PHL's director Martha Short and I addressed five classes (six counting the group that included two classes) at Council Rock High School South in Bucks County, Pa. We spoke to seniors.
The students were curious, thoughtful, respectful and sometimes challenging in their questions. It was a wonderful exchange of ideas and viewpoints -- education at its best.
In one class, two young women's body language suggested mild hostility toward Martha and me. Such expressions from students concern us. For PHL's director and I agree that a young people might be defensive about abortion based upon a personal experience or a personal loyalty.
As the end of the class period neared, the bolder of the two cold-shouldered students raised her hand and asked us if we felt negatively towards women who had had abortions. Martha and I assured her that we did not. We explained that post-abortive women are a concern due to the problems which we know many women experience.
Then I suggested that if any of them know someone who has had an abortion, they might want to keep an eye on their friend to be sure that she is OK. And, if she seems out of sorts, then I asked them to please find help for her in the way of a trusted adult or counselor.
Both girls relaxed their faces. One smiled. The other unlaced her tightly crossed arms and legs. The ice melted.
If healing is in order, may it begin.
(c) 2008 Marybeth T. Hagan
Crossposting with http://www.mothermayibeborn.com
As a post-abortive woman and a speaker myself about the subject. I ALWAYS tell my audience that we have to start changing the way we say things...instead of "I can't believe someone could do that to their baby"...say, "My heart goes to those who feel abortion was their only choice"...because for many of us...it was.