USA (MNN) — What does it really mean to be pro-life?
For some, it’s a broad commitment to human dignity in every form. For others, it’s a political label. Yet, LIFE International’s Alissa Hollander says the movement risks losing focus if it drifts too far from its anti-abortion roots.
(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
“Historically, the term pro-life was probably always a good amount of things,” Hollander explains. “But it was never less than being anti-abortion. That was foundational — and where the term began.”
Over the last decade, the cultural conversation has shifted. People have tried to broaden “pro-life” to include every form of human flourishing.
Today, Hollander says the pro-life label “has been applied to everything, from environmental concerns to economic policies.” While those desires may come from good intentions, she warns that redefining the term risks diluting it.
“If everything is pro-life, the word risks losing its meaning,” Hollander says. “At its core, pro-life means affirming the God-given value and dignity of every person, beginning at conception. That’s the foundation from which everything else flows.”
The pro-life community can hold nuanced opinions on other issues — such as immigration or the death penalty — without compromising that anti-abortion foundation.
“We always should treat everyone with dignity and respect,” Hollander says. “But we need to be clear that it (being pro-life) always includes being against the ending of innocent life in the womb.”
LIFE International staff (Photo courtesy of LIFE International)
LIFE International’s founder Kurt Dillinger and Alissa Hollander co-authored The People of the Womb and the Great Commission — a free resource helping Christians and the Church connect the Great Commission with the Father’s heart for life, available for free on their website. The paper explores how the Church’s mission must include defending the preborn, as the Great Commission calls the Church to uphold all that Christ commanded, including the value of every human life.
“Pro-life people have been accused of only caring about babies in the womb up until the moment of birth…. I just don’t think that accusation holds any weight,” Hollander adds. “There’s countless ministries that are aimed at helping support women and their partners in keeping babies and supporting them after a baby is born.”
Pray for unity of purpose in the pro-life movement, and for believers to live out that conviction with truth and compassion. Pray that more people will recognize the God-given value of life in the womb.
Learn more about LIFE International and their global partnerships in 170 countries at lifeinternational.com.
Header photo courtesy of Camylla Battani/Unsplash.
