We are not alone, strong, pro-life women! Got this note a couple of days ago. I’ve sent a reply already but then I realized, others may have thoughts to add. Can you write me, via Facebook comment, direct message or email–what you would advise?
How do I get my voice heard? Or, more accurately, my opinion. I am a pro-life feminist, and feel that our current government does not think that’s a credible position.
I would appreciate your advice on how to affect cultural change that I feel strongly about, without a platform to preach from, and without missionary zeal. I’m a full time working wife & mother, completely without any political affiliation, but strong opinions on humanity and compassion.
I’ve contacted my local MP, who directed me to the Status of Women Committee head. Not terribly helpful.
Please weigh in! If we figure out how she can make change then we can all make change!
Women deserve better than abortion.
by 
A reply from a former politician, Stephen Woodworth:
Regrettably, too many politicians – possibly the majority – are interested only in what they refer to as “ballot box issues,” a euphemism for issues that will get them elected or un-elected.
The chief feature of such an issue is that enough people care sufficiently about the issue to choose their candidate because of the issue.
Consequently, that’s what you must demonstrate to politicians.
How do we show that we care a lot about something? By the effort we put into it!
An email is easy to send; it doesn’t demonstrate great concern. A posted letter is better, but not as good as a phone call, which itself doesn’t show you care as much as an office visit and conversation directly with the politician would.
Individual effort, of course, while meritorious, doesn’t demonstrate that enough people care. However, collective action to show people care must also be demonstrated by the degree of effort they invest.
I once witnessed an MP ignore 3000 pro forma postcards she received on an issue from her constituents. Imagine how difficult it would have been for her to ignore 3000 of her constituents showing up at her office doorstep to demonstrate their concern!
For a variety of reasons, many truly progressive people (by which I do *not* mean those in our society who falsely label themselves as “progressive,” but rather those who recognize the worth & dignity of every member of the human family and who respect freedom & democratic processes) are reluctant to make the personal investment of time, resources and money to visibly, vocally and repeatedly demonstrate that they care even about the fundamental concerns of human dignity, freedom and democracy.
A reply from Melissa:
I would say, join your local pro life group and speak up there. The pro life groups need strong feminists in them, people who are not afraid to speak out in the face of injustice. And then, whenever there is a story that relates to the life issues in the news, either write a letter to the editor yourself, or get the pro life group to send out a press release. You won’t be heard every time, but you won’t be totally ignored either.
A reply from Corrie:
Resolve not to be cowed by pro choices and be not embarrassed to speak up whenever the occasion demands it. I still find it difficult to defend life in this abortion minded society, but I am getting better.
This is from my hubby who works in the political domain:
1) Start commenting publicly — Letters to the Editor and comment upon media reports. 2) Encourage faith leaders (the big ones) to publicly defend the pro-life position — and engage in public discourse, at parliamentary committees and the like. 3) Encourage other adviocates to do so publicly and AMPLIFY the message — every credible voice counts. 4) Find other voices similar to yours and form a “Caucus of Care” at the grassroots level. There are likely many voices who remain silent and/or passive.
Thanks, Beth!