We asked, you answered: How could the pro-life movement be more accessible?
Pro-lifers are stereotyped as older religious (Christian) conservative straight white men. Much of this stereotype is reinforced externally by pro-choicers as well as major cultural institutions (e.g. media, Hollywood). Often pro-choicers try to draw rigid tribal lines and use them to sidestep actual debate (“no uterus, no opinion,” “stop pushing your religion on everyone,” etc).
But some of this stereotype is reinforced internally by the pro-life movement itself: pro-life organizations and events are frequently tailored to a very Christian conservative audience. This structure can be a barrier to entry for other potential pro-life activists.
We’d like the pro-life movement to welcome, equip, and empower as many pro-lifers as possible, from all walks of life.
In mid-July we launched our survey of non-traditional pro-lifers. Among other questions, we asked people to “Describe some ways, if any, that the pro-life movement could be more accessible to you.” Below is a selection of answers.
I wish there were more ways to get involved in rural areas. I live in a very small town in northwest Colorado and I find I feel disconnected a lot.
Erica Davidson, politically independent bisexual atheist woman
We need more spaces that are not tied to either of the two main political parties.
SM, young politically moderate Catholic woman
I don’t see any hope for our movement while being pro-life is still largely seen as a Republican position in a two-party system.
Greg S., very liberal Mormon Asian man
More TikToks for sharing concise info!
Ashlyn K., young politically independent atheist woman
I would like to hear more scientific and secular arguments against abortions. Making it a “church”- speaking about God, holy books etc. – makes us atheists left out. I also wish there were less anti-LGBT+ activism in the movement and that the anti-LGBT+ people kept that activism in a different group/organization.
Anonymous, very liberal Asian atheist woman
Serve vegan food at events that involve food.
JH, politically independent asexual Protestant woman
Pro-life groups should be more neutral about theology and welcome participants regardless of theology.
Everett DePangher, somewhat conservative agnostic man
Be more open to social programs. Pregnant people overwhelmingly choose to abort because they lack resources and feel that they cannot provide for a developing child.
Kami Box-Martinez, young slightly liberal bisexual New Age practictioner
Focus on the task at hand. If you’re hosting a pro-life event, focus on pro-life issues. Also, be more willing to work with people who don’t agree with you on every little thing. If we’re here to end abortion, why do you care that I have a female fiancée (especially since she’s pro-life too)?
Anonymous, young* politically moderate bisexual agnostic woman
I wish both pro-life leaders and your average pro-lifer didn’t conflate Democrat/liberal/queer/POC with being pro-choice.
Michelle Buenrostro, young slightly liberal bisexual Latina atheist
Stop making LGBT people with compassion for the unborn feel unwelcome not only in pro-abortion “progressive” movements, but in the pro-life movement as well.
ES, young somewhat liberal agnostic lesbian
Be more accepting of other political views that don’t concern abortion.
Alexandra K., slightly liberal Latina Catholic
The organizations should be open to communicate and do collaborations with smaller independent groups of pro-lifers. That could help amplify our voices and our reach.
Anonymous, young somewhat liberal gay Latino Catholic
*For this post, “young” describes anyone under age 30.
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