Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

The aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade has seemingly brought forth a renewed passion for argument among those on both the pro-life and the pro-choice sides of the abortion debate.

While those who respect the sanctity of all human lives rejoiced in this minor victory, feminists throughout the world reared their heads and let out a scream that echoed through social media, conversation and civilised society.

I’m sure that you can relate. I’ve witnessed tables of friends go quiet when the not-so-forbidden topic comes up, only to break into arguments moments later. I’ve seen social media posts where my Australian friends have invited any and all American women they know to come and seek refuge in Australia, where they can receive all the abortions they desire.

I’ve seen friends abandon each other over abortion-related disagreements — something I’m sure many of us have personally experienced. It seems that many pro-choicers find it impossible to tolerate interaction or even discussion with those who are pro-life.

Recently, I was able to witness my first pro-choice protest since moving to Perth. Our good friends at the Coalition for the Defence of Human Life had organised a mini-conference at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Kelmscott, with guest speakers including Nick Goiran MLC.

The event encouraged listeners to ask and have answered questions on the sanctity of human life, links between abortion and pornography and pro-life work in the political arena. Truly an event with noble intentions.

Right now, however, I’m here to present one of the key takeaways I left with after this event — the differences in attitudes and actions between pro-lifers and pro-choicers.

As a first-timer at an event like this, I observed both the Catholics and protestors with a keen eye and I assure you that I write only what I saw.

Behind the fence, within the Church grounds, stood a small group of men holding crucifixes and rosaries, while the rest of those in attendance sat listening to guest speakers in the parish hall. A small poster reading “Christ is King” was paraded close to the fence behind which protestors were gathered.

In the time I was there, I heard not one call of abuse nor a single cry of anger directed from the pro-life contingent to those opposed to us. Though none of us is perfect, the quiet solidarity of those Catholics and other Christians was a manifestation of Christ’s influence in their lives and demonstrates the restraint and self-control Christians are called upon to exercise.

The masked-up, brightly coloured crowd on the street provided a less savoury (albeit much more entertaining) display. Personally, this is the first time I have experienced a group of about 30 people shouting, “**** you!” while maintaining eye contact with me. The moment I pointed my camera towards a member of the crowd, I was met with rude gestures and a grin.

Here was a group of people who were proud to display this sort of behaviour. Their chants never ceased, merging from “my body my choice” to “black lives matter” to “not the Church, not the state …”. Obscenities were scribbled in chalk on the sidewalk. Cars were hit with angry fists. Police were called.

While I censure the aggressive actions of this group of young, university-educated revolutionaries, I am unwilling to condemn them as people. They need our prayers.

I’m here merely to present an observation — one that can be backed up by video footage and photos from the day. Those presenting a pro-life stance were silent but strong; those advocating for “choice” acted irreverently and had little respect for those with differing viewpoints.

So much for the left’s tolerance. Yet, after such an experience, I feel it is with growing confidence that we should stand with those on the side of life, no matter the cost in reputation or friendships.

This is an issue that transcends us in every way, and it is our moral obligation to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

___

Grace Maher is doing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology at the University of Western Australia. She volunteers with the National Civic Council in Perth.
Originally published in News Weekly. Photo by Tessa Rampersad/Unsplash.