We asked, you answered: How do you speak up in pro-choice spaces?
Part of Secular Pro-Life’s mission is making space for non-traditional pro-lifers. Speaking against abortion as a human rights violation is not a religious belief, nor is having a religion a prerequisite for being anti-abortion. Still, non-traditional pro-lifers, especially atheists, may feel overwhelmed at the thought of speaking up about their views in pro-choice circles.
Taking this dilemma to social media, SPL asked followers:
Jacob LeBlanc: If you have goodwill built up with your friends and you have moral certainty in your beliefs, then it’s usually not a problem to have different views.
Nora Ludden: Don’t try to get to the bottom of everything in one conversation. Try to stay emotionally regulated. A calm tone of voice goes a long way. Look for places where you agree and point them out. No name calling or ascribing motive. Ask lots of questions, particularly about points where you disagree. Listen.
@SoloParaLeer11: 1. Always rely on scientific evidence. They only have opinions. 2. Be prepared for insults. Since they cannot beat science, they will start offending personally.
Ann Marie: Car or water bottle (or both) bumper sticker. Keep it subtle (not like I did) and they will ask questions… Trust me!
[Note: You can get SPL stickers here!]
John Dube: I would think if his or her atheism were well known, that would be advantageous in mitigating the common “don’t push your religion on others” objection.
I tend to start gradually with issues we may be able to agree on:
Women should not be pressured or coerced.
The mother’s life should be a priority.
There should be robust support for the expectant mother, newborn child, and needs for several years after birth.
Protecting human life is important [and] we would want to be careful about how we define personhood.
Tim Fennell: As a pro-life atheist, I have no need to explain my opinions although I do offer a simple explanation if asked—I don’t know when human life begins & see no good in ending one without reasonable cause which, for me, does not include personal convenience.
Sara FG: Stick with the science and experts. If even liberal Harvard Med can acknowledge abortion ends a life, it shouldn’t be so difficult for everyone else.
[Note: While this connection is not always so simply made, you can learn more about how a majority of experts agree that human life starts at conception over here.]
Angela Swanson: Ease in. I am not an atheist but am in secular circles, so I like to broach the subject as if I’m the devil’s advocate, or share basic scientific facts like, “Yeah a fetus has its own unique DNA from the mother.” Pepper in some science and it will be hard to argue against in person unless someone in the group takes it very personally.
@ChozangNoyb: Be prepared to lose her friends. But is worth it – she will gain new ones.
Also, try to focus on the precise points in question, and avoid unnecessarily harsh speech as far as possible.
Barbara Stephen: Be humble, kind, respectful and unassuming. Listen to understand. If they value and respect you as a human being they will welcome diverse views and appreciate that you’ve made them think and either challenge their ideas or help them find ways to reinforce them. If they are bigoted jerks they will drop you like a hot potato and you’ll have to find new friends. Which is frustrating but also brings clarity about the sorts of humans you want to associate with, which can be very freeing.
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