The Christmas Answer to the Midterm ‘Abortion’ Elections

The recent midterm elections served notice that the pro-life movement has a long way to go.

The 2022 elections focus seems to have been mainly on electing pro-life or pro-abortion politicians. But the election results on various state abortion initiatives are a more serious indicator of where our nation stands on “life.”

Results

On Election Day, voters in five states decided the fate of abortion-related ballot measures. The pro-life position suffered defeats in all five. If we add the defeat of the Kansas pro-life amendment initiative this past summer its 0 for 6. We are batting .000.

The ballot initiative in Montana was most telling. It was a “born alive” one that would have required medical care to be provided to infants born alive after an induced labor, cesarean section, and abortion. It was defeated with a margin of victory for the pro-abortionists of 6%. The average margin of victory for the pro-abortion position in the other four states was 28% (Vermont 54%, California 40%, Michigan 14% and Kentucky 4%).

That is a disturbing and discouraging trend to say the least. Those statistics could show many things and political analysts and pundits provide a variety of reasons for that voting trend. The wording and other aspects that may have been contained on a given ballot measure could have influenced some votes. However, I think the results basically reflect a distorted view of the abortion issue by many voters.

Possible Reasons for the Results

There are committed pro-abortionists just as there are committed pro-lifers which can explain some voting patterns. However, I also think there is also a large segment of the voting public who are in the middle who voted for the pro-abortion position. They may be pro-life but with exceptions for rape, incest etc. Others may be against late term abortions but may feel any time before the third trimester is acceptable.

Then there are those who just don’t pay attention to the abortion issue. Many bought into the false narrative pushed by the Democrats that the abortion issue is all about denying women’s health rights, protecting democracy and individual freedom. There was no question that the mainstream media supported that narrative and it resonated with a lot of these people.

This shows that many do not know the details of what abortion is really about. It is especially the case for young voters. I have found that to be the case in discussions with many college students that I have encountered in my 40 Days for Life experiences. They seem to have no depth of understanding beyond the slogans, sound bites, internet headlines, and tweets they listen to and read.

Finally, I think our cultural obsession with “self” factored in. The pro-abortion message of “my body, my choice and my rules” and the like, feed into that sense of selfishness. The desire for an obligation-free life sets the stage for accepting such messages.

Free to Kill?

This same passion is pushed to the extreme whereby abortion is actually celebrated by many. The media loves to provide quotes from celebrities such as Jameel Jamil.  The “She Hulk” star stated that abortion was “The best decision I ever made.”

If I was to describe a snapshot of what I think the midterm elections indicate it is that “freedom of choice” in all aspects of our lives is a priority for many Americans. That mentality seems to influence just about everything in peoples’ lives.  They want to be sure, as a consumer, that they have unlimited choices.  They also want the freedom to buy any mind-altering drug they want.  And, finally, they want freedom of choice to kill a baby they don’t want.

If anything it reinforces the notion that politicians, legislative actions, and court decisions, while important, will not save unborn children. Only education and conversion will.

Enter Advent and Christmas

The upcoming Christmas season could not have come at a better time in the context of these election abortion results. It is a season of hope to counteract the election “downer.” It can also offer some direction for the pro-life message.

Even for non-Christians and atheists the season brings up what could be called pro-life images. It is a time to remember our own and our children’s birth. It is a time to stop and reflect on our families.  And it is a time to remember past Christmases, especially when we were kids.

“Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope.” –Pope Benedict XVI

It can be an opportunity for conversion for hearts and minds across many dimensions.  It is a time when many in our nation give in to a charitable spirit and think of others with gift giving. And people from all faiths to no faith at all take part in it.

This seasonal mentality can be channeled for pro-life purposes.

Another Reason for the Season

Advent is a time when we spotlight Mary (as a pregnant mother) and her unborn child (Jesus). Christmas thus can be viewed as a pro-life event. From that perspective, the popular “Keep Christ in Christmas” message can also serve as a message of charity about helping mothers and unborn babies in need.

Pro-life efforts over the years have focused on several different efforts. Prayer, witnessing, and service/advocacy outreach are the most practiced.

We should of course continue to pray to end abortion. But our prayer focus during the Christmas season should expand.  We could also pray for vulnerable mothers and their unborn babies and those who have suffered through an abortion.

The peaceful vigil witnessing, such as 40 Days for Life, has ended its fall campaign, but such efforts can and do continue through the Christmas season. Those vigil efforts outside abortion centers are often linked with outreach programs such as crises pregnancy centers.

Crisis pregnancy centers have grown exponentially the last few years. They provide an array of services.  Services include free ultrasounds, free quality pregnancy tests, confidential counseling services, abortion recovery services, baby clothing, and furniture. Many go further and provide food, temporary housing and job assistance. Texas alone has over 218 such programs.

The Church has assumed leadership in providing such services through religious orders such as the Sisters of Life, Catholic hospitals and Church-affiliated pregnancy care centers. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) supports local parish efforts through the “Moms in Need Program.” They also sponsor “Project Rachel” to aid women who have had abortions.

Messaging, Giving, and Serving

Charity donation requests abound during the Christmas season. And to be sure, there are many worthy efforts. However, we can also make a note to offer specific help for women facing an abortion decision.

The Christmas season themes can help in this effort.  A child’s birth, charity, providing services to the needy and “peace on earth and good will to men” can all be venues to announce the pro-life message.

Pro-life isn’t just about advocating for the end of abortion. It is also about helping the mother, the unborn baby, and the new born baby.  And it is about helping the women who have suffered through an abortion. They are all in need of help especially in this season of giving.

It’s a little nuance, but I have even seen some changes in the signs we carry at Planned Parenthood vigils. Whereas many used to say “Pray to end abortion,” more and more signs now say “We can help you.”

The birth of Christ that we celebrate during this season is about the “giving of life.” What better way to send the message about and acting on that giving of life than by supporting the crisis pregnancy centers and services mentioned.

The Advent and Christmas seasons are an opportunity for transformation from the self-absorption mentioned earlier.  This year take some time to recognize and cherish the gift of life, and offer life-giving support by way of your time, talent and treasure.

Down the Road

This essay started out painting a picture of a nation that is sadly out of touch with the abortion issue. The Advent and Christmas season can serve as an opportunity to positively deal with the real life results affecting women and babies from the pro-abortion mentality.

Beyond the priority of aiding the victims of abortion, such efforts may also aid in raising awareness of the true abortion life issues. This may help educate the culture to the pro-life message of life.  There are many alternatives to abortion provided by the Catholic Church and pro-life advocates and supporters.

Who knows, changes in awareness may translate to pro-life voting patterns in the future. It is another petition to add to our prayers.