By Margaret Connolly
CORRESPONDENT

Warning: Read at your own risk. This article contains a challenge meant for mature adults only.

Why the warning? I have to say that I’m hesitant to reveal the subject of this article. I’m afraid that once you see the words “Respect Life” you’ll stop reading and skip right to “Church Clips.” But now that I’ve caught your attention, please try to stay with me till the end.

Of course you know that all human life is sacred. Unfortunately, for many of us that’s where our commitment to life ends. But I’d like to make the case that pro-life issues are critical to each one of us individually and to our culture and nation as a whole.



Life has become disposable

Most of us know there are 1.3 million abortions per year and mourn the millions of innocent lives lost since 1973. The numbers are so staggering as to be incomprehensible. And yet there is even more: Behind every life lost is a life broken. There are millions of women who have had abortions and very many of them are devastated by it. Post-abortion sequela affects women with life-changing symptoms ranging from deep depression to nightmares. When women do not address the destructive issues brought about by their first abortion, many go on to have more abortions. In fact, the “repeat” rate of abortion in our country is more than 50 percent. This is something we cannot ignore.



Life has become utilitarian

Scientists and celebrities clamor for the use of fetal stem cells despite the fact that experiments with these same fetal stem cells have not produced one successful outcome. Yet there have been many promising results from the use of adult stem cells. Now, there are some in Washington who would like to legalize the cloning of human embryos for experimentation first and then destruction.

Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” addressed the misuse of scientific knowledge. Shelley’s prophetic words, written in an introduction to her novel, are especially poignant in the current atmosphere: “Supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavor to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world.” Shelley’s message is clear: Our abilities to advance scientifically must always be tempered by our responsibility to respect life. Today, we laud and court our Dr. Frankensteins in the halls of Congress.



Life is cheap, but death is cheaper

In Oregon, the only state (thus far) to legalize assisted suicide, HMOs are trolling for physicians willing to participate. Because most doctors in Oregon aren’t willing to engage in the killing of their patients, a major HMO sent an e-mail to the more than 800 doctors in their plan soliciting them to act as an attending physician and write lethal prescriptions for patients they have NOT treated. The price of drugs used to end a patient’s life: $40. The price of providing suicidal patients with the proper care so they do not want to end their lives: $40,000. (Exposing the real motivation behind assisted suicide: priceless.)



“Life Action” needed

The real pro-life struggle exists in each of our hearts. We will not see an end to the increasing assaults on life—until each of us understands that we have a responsibility to protect life. This is not a belief to be tucked under a bushel basket. This is a belief that requires light through concerted action.

And now, the challenge: I would like you to become involved in pro-life work. Here are just a few suggestions:

Become a Respect Life Coordinator in your parish (check with your pastor to see if there’s a need).

Join the Respect Life Committee at your parish.

Volunteer your time at a local crisis pregnancy center.

Prayerfully and, if possible, financially support a pro-life organization of your choice. Life issues touch each of us, whether we’re aware of it or not. I hope that you’ll accept my challenge and help build a culture of life.



Connolly is acting director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago. For information, call (312) 751-5355.