Yesterday Andrea wrote about the pro-choice mob chanting “Hail Satan” outside the Texas legislature. I read a few articles this morning on the story, and caught some other, unbelievable pro-choice messaging. A sample:
Exhibit A: A parent or guardian permitted their child to carry the following sign:”If I wanted the government in my womb, I would **** a senator.”
Exhibit B: A teen carries a sign that reads “Hoes before embryos.”
Exhibit C: Pro-choice activists spat on pro-lifers and threw cigarette butts at them.
As a member of the pro-life movement, I frequently engage in messaging meetings with other interested pro-life parties. I know that a movement cannot require that all members abide by certain communications standards. I also acknowledge the rights to freedom of speech and expression, even though I (we) sometimes wish certain individuals didn’t attempt to advance the pro-life cause with questionable or nonsensical placards or banners. And of course, as in any movement, there is a small minority of extremists who definitely do not represent the whole.
But bizarre, distasteful and lewd communications seems to be a general mainstay of at least a significant portion of the pro-choice movement, like the signs or chants used above. As is the assault of persons by spitting on them and throwing objects at them. At this rally, it was cigarette butts. At last year’s March for Life in Ottawa, pro-choice activists were whipping condoms at pro-lifers.
Over the years of attending pro-life rallies, I’ve seen pro-choice demonstrators appear topless. I remain unsure as to what message that advances. I’ve witnessed lewd gestures, posters and chants. Again, I remain at a loss as to how those means assist the pro-choice movement in advancing their position.
I’m not one of those few pro-lifers who thinks pro-choicers are idiotic or thoughtless. I have friends and associates who have thought through their position and still support unlimited abortion access. I think they’re wrong, but I acknowledge that they’ve thoughtfully reflected on the issue. And there are arguments for the pro-choice position that I don’t agree with, but that are sophisticated, like Judith Jarvis Thomson’s violinist argument. There are reasons why there are a number of philosophical and apologetic pro-life books and essays. One of them is that pro-lifers have taken the other side’s arguments, thought them through and responded to them. There are some very brainy people who make up a portion of the pro-choice movement, including its leadership.
I don’t understand how a movement that does include some good thinkers can produce such consistently ill-advised messaging. I also don’t understand how a movement that claims to advance its cause in the name of rights, respect and the protection of women from violence can assault women with cigarettes butts and saliva, and refer to women as “hoes.” Which philosophy under-girds a movement that consistently exhibits these behaviours at events across the continent? It seems to be a philosophy that fails to assign respect equally to all members of society, including women who don’t agree with their position.
If pro-choice leaders don’t believe that assault and lewd slogans should define their movement, why aren’t they condemning these actions? At the very least, condemning the spitting and throwing of objects at people? And keep in mind that in Canada, spitting on someone can be considered an assault under criminal law. The law appears to be similar in the US. These are matters not to be taken lightly.
h/t LifeSiteNews
by 
Thanks for saying this. It needs to be said.
I might note that the media is happy to capitalize on every mis-step made by the prolife movement. However, I simply hang my jaw in disbelief at how the media handle abortion advocates with kid gloves, and refuse to ask them any question at all that might put their movement in a bad light. Leaders in the pro choice movement should be asked about the behaviour of their followers, especially those who would put a sign about f-ing a senator in the hands of a six year old.
I agree. If we’re going to be held to account for the…. unpleasant factions in our movement, the same should be done for theirs. Did you see this? http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-abort-journalist-eats-crow-after-claiming-photo-of-vulgar-texas-protest
Yes, it appears easier to believe that crazy pro-lifers are making this stuff up.
Also, no news stations reported that the pro-choice protesters who showed up during the filibuster of the bill during the first called special session damaged capitol rooms by kicking holes in walls and pushing over furniture.
Then they say they are offended when the lieutenant governor and governor call them a mob! They damaged historical property and obstructed the democratic process! Yes, that is a mob!
Journalism: An account of events. Simple thing. Just like a diary. However ……
CBC -Clearly Biased Coverage.
CTV – Concealing The Views.
CNN – Creating Newspeak Now.
Even if one believed that reporting on events is subject to values and perspective one would still be able to present the events. What we see in the Texas ‘issue’ is the selecting of parts of events and statements to make up a story – poor performance – propaganda and not journalism.
Thank you for this post. Maybe calling the pro-choice side and the media to account for their actions/non-actions, respectively, is the next step for the pro life movement. Primarily because our views are peaceful, and we have a consistent viewpoint regarding respect for life, but also because the media magnify any of our responses while ignoring those of the other side, we tend to turn the other cheek. We don’t respond in kind. I have been on prolife marches and see young women nude from the waist up. To my mind, we should at least circle such types so that they are not visible. I have seen the condoms thrown, the nasty slogans. Maybe we should have a special group following along and picking up the condoms and throwing them into a clearly marked “GARBAGE” bag. Thank them for allowing us to dispose of them. Take pictures of their slogans and publicize them as was done here. Record the screaming insults and play them in our churches.
Once at 40 days for Life, another woman and I were praying alone in the evening and two young men ran over and kicked over our sign and yelled at us. It was frightening and violent and we were alone.
There is so much creativity in the pro life movement that I am sure some of the better thinkers can come up with ways that we can peacefully call out the media and the other side on their bias. Christians need to be awakened from their passivity.
Hi Maura,
You raise some interesting points. I think I might now make an effort to capture these behaviours at pro-life events on camera or video. I agree there is value is raising awareness of this issue.
Unstringing the Violinist
http://www.str.org/articles/unstringing-the-violinist#.UdX97vk3uUE
Yes, I recall being very disturbed by the sight of a young, pro-life activist, dressed as a clown (topless, I might add) accompanied by several women dressed as coat hangers, at the 2012 March for Life. I wondered about the message they were trying to convey, but am still at a loss to decipher the point of those asinine and, frankly, cheesy theatrics.
Thanks Rose. I’ve actually read that article a few times! 🙂 Thanks for posting the link!
Sorry, folks, my comment (above) should have referred to “pro-choice” activist.