Actions Make A Difference For Life

by Beth Henderson

COVID-19 changed a lot of things.

For example, it changed the way we interact with others. For some, it meant becoming a lot more computer savvy, and “going” to church in our living rooms. Our children no longer caught the bus to go to school, they simply flipped on the computer or got on their phones. We willingly donned masks and gloves to do simple things like grocery shop or go to the post office. We respectfully gave people their space.

It also changed our conversations. Death rates, “at-risk” populations and being “essential” became regular topics

in our homes, on the phone and over Zoom. Everybody was talking about it, and just about everybody was doing something to try to stop the sickness from affecting more people and taking more lives.

In the midst of it all, I couldn’t help wondering why it had taken a pandemic for these things, which have been on the forefront of conversations in the pro-life movement for so long, to be bandied about in the public forum so easily, albeit in a somewhat limited scope. I think the answer lies in perspective. We talk about what affects us personally and publicly in ways that others readily see. We talk about what doesn’t require us to go against social norms, or dip our toe into the hot waters of politics or religion. And we talk 40 // July 2020

about things that allow us to feel like we’re doing something without actually demanding that we take a stand.

Let me put it into perspective for you. At the time of this writing, 45,575 people in the United States have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus. This is, indeed, a tragedy, and the numbers will no doubt increase before this is over, and we should make efforts to stem this horrible sickness.

But let us consider that in 2018, the most recent numbers we have, 862,000 babies in this country died due to abortion. Unfortunately, very few people are taking measures to stem that plague on our nation. Why? Because we’ve believed the lie that abortion isn’t murder, that if someone’s lifestyle is “at risk” then the life at stake doesn’t matter, and that convenience is more “essential” than the child in the womb. My prayer is that if we’ve learned anything from this pandemic, it is that our actions do count. We can make a difference if we will act, and valuing life shouldn’t be dictated by political parties or solely discussed within the confines of a religious debate. Just as practicing social distancing, and wearing personal protective equipment, helps slow the spread of a deadly virus, your actions within the community can save the lives of unborn children, and empower their parents to make better choices, live healthier lives, and look forward to the future with hope.

How? Organizations like New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, Foundation House Ministries, Bethany Christian Services, Tennessee Right to Life, and others already have systems in place to fight the pandemic of abortion, and you can help them in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations so you can begin to do your part in slowing the progression of a disease that has ravaged this country for more than 40 years.

About The Author

Beth Henderson is a lifelong resident of Cleveland and has been on staff at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center for 7 years. She currently serves as director of operations, and is a certified Life Affirming Specialist. She has been married to her husband Philip for 26 years and they have two daughters, Jamie and Jessie.