By Judie Brown
Some women view abortion as a “key part of women’s liberty, equality, and economic security.” In fact, some women carry their advocacy of aborting their own children to extremes, as witnessed during the recent confirmation hearings for now Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
But what about women who, according to a recent study published in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, suffer emotional distress following an abortion? Does the feminist movement care about them or their deeply disturbing symptoms of “regret, shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, compromised self-appraisals, and self-destructive behaviors”?
We have not seen evidence that abortion advocates do care. In fact, we have witnessed the denial that such suffering after abortion exists at all.
Furthermore, what about women who suffer physically or even die because of botched abortions? Who speaks for them and defends their right to be treated in a way that will not result in this tragedy?
Those who advocate for abortion surely are not the ones to defend against such brutality. Quite the contrary.
When, for example, US District Judge Greg Stivers ruled that abortion facilities in Kentucky were not required to have ambulance transfer or transport available for women harmed by abortion, it was the pro-aborts—including Planned Parenthood—who celebrated. That is not pro-woman!
Women were once revered because they are capable of bearing children, of being devoted wives and mothers, and of loving in a nurturing way that is specific to their womanhood. These are not lofty, unachievable, unrealistic traits, yet in today’s culture they are rarely discussed, let alone promoted and encouraged.
As pro-life advocates who care about preborn babies, born children, and their mothers, we believe it is long past time for women of all ages, regardless of their past experiences with abortion and/or abortion advocacy, to consider the real possibility that there is a better way.
There is one special woman who shines her light on that way every day in every way. This woman is like no other.
Her name is Mary, and she is the mother of God’s son, Jesus Christ. Mary, the Blessed Virgin, is the perfect role model for women of all ages. Among her many virtues are her humility, her obedience to God’s will, and her unwavering love for her Son and for each of us. Through her example, any woman of any age can be transformed, if only she desires to be truly sincere in her quest to imitate Mary, no matter her role in life.
Womanhood and motherhood are closely linked, of course, and on that subject, Saint John Paul II taught that “Motherhood always establishes a unique and unrepeatable relationship between two people: between mother and child and between child and mother. Even when the same woman is the mother of many children, her personal relationship with each one of them is of the very essence of motherhood.” And as he wrote in his wonderful Letter to Women, “Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world’s understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.”
Mary’s example can inspire every woman, whether she aspires to motherhood or not. In today’s identity-crazed culture, every woman should be motivated to be the best woman that she can be. Mary shows the way.
Today’s women need THE WOMAN. Women need Mary.
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Please join me tomorrow evening live at 9 EST at American Life League’s Facebook page to pray the Rosary for the babies, for women—especially those who have aborted a child or who are considering it—and for our nation. We will pray for miracles and expect them to occur!