From the moment Isabelle was conceived, she was loved. I loved her despite the waves of nausea and complete exhaustion that plagued my workdays. I loved her even more with each glass of wine that I did not drink and with each plate of sushi that I avoided. My love for her never wavered when I dragged myself onto the treadmill for half an hour each day or when I avoided medications that would have made me a bit more comfortable. I loved every single kick, even the ones in the very early morning. Each one filled my heart with the joy that comes from carrying life within you. I loved Isabelle with an intensity that only another parent can completely understand.
For months after Isabelle passed away, I struggled with the idea that so many women chose to take the life of their baby before the baby was born, and as much as I loved my daughter, she was taken from me. My heart aches knowing how many tiny babies, who knew nothing more than the comfort of their mother’s womb, were brutally murdered before they could even take their first breath.
I can’t help but think of Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). What would Jesus say about our society if we permit the murder of the most innocent and helpless members? Are we as Christians actively fighting for the rights of those unable to defend themselves?
I fear that our laws surrounding this issue have not been created by people who have felt the kick of a baby inside their womb. It is difficult to have felt that kick and deny that there is life and that ending that life is just as much murder as shooting someone in the head.
The man who walked down the street, pulled out a gun and shot someone in the head had a choice – his choice, murder, is definitely not legal. By the same logic, a mother has the choice to brutally rip her baby from her womb, ending the child’s life – her choice, murder, should not be legal.
It devastates me that our society considers a baby in the womb to be less human, less important and therefore justifies murder. I fear for the future generations who will inherit a country with such a flawed mindset.
Isabelle was not ‘less human’ when she was inside my belly. She was very much alive, and she had the same right to life as any of us. I loved my sweet daughter fiercely and would have gladly laid down my own life if it meant that she could have lived. I pray that this beautiful country will come to recognize the value of each and every human life. I pray that it will someday fight for the rights of every human, not just those outside the womb. I pray that we someday all choose life because I fear for any society that promotes the mass murder of those who have yet to be born.
Each January, thousands gather in Washington DC to support life. They march for those who cannot march for themselves. They speak for those with no voice. With each step they take towards the steps of the Supreme Court, the words of our Declaration of Independence ring loudly in their hearts and minds:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
I challenge you to pray for those who are marching in Washington, our politicians, and all who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Together we can create a society that embraces all life.
March for Life in Washington, DC
*Unalienable – impossible to take away or give up
(Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inalienable)
