Day Twenty - Men and the Pro-Life Movement
Today's Reflection:
by Rain Mariz
“No uterus, no opinion.”
So often is this quote thrown at men who try to speak up for the lives of the unborn. The common lie in the modern pro-choice culture is that men should stay far away from the topic of abortion, as it is one that does not concern them. After all, in their point of view, men aren’t the ones who undergo pregnancy and abortions, so why bother? However, men should be involved in the topic of abortion and they are truly needed in the pro-life movement today.
Firstly, the “no uterus, no opinion” argument is illogical when speaking about abortions. While women’s bodies are indeed created to support and nurture life, men need to be involved for the unborn child to come into being. After all, men are partly responsible for reproduction. With the life of their child at risk by abortion, shouldn’t they have a say in the matter? Abortion affects men, too. And since many unborn boys are killed through abortion, men should definitely be a voice for them. But it is possible to go deeper into the role of men in the pro-life movement.
To do this, we can look to the true nature of men and this means going back to the beginning. In Genesis 2:15 it says, “Yahweh God took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and take care of it.” In the context of Genesis, the translation of “cultivate” is “avad.” This Hebrew word means work in the form of service, basically to serve. The translation of “take care” is “shamar.” This Hebrew word means to watch, guard, and protect. God’s mission for men is to be the protector. Their nature is of defender and it is within them to serve. The design of a man’s body reveals this truth, as men usually have more muscle mass and broader shape than women do. But they are called to live out their mission in everything they do. What are they supposed to protect? They are the defenders of life and of women. Pope John Paull II said, “It is the duty of every man to uphold the dignity of every woman.” Abortion does not respect the nature of women nor does it respect the dignity of human life. And this is why men must take a stand. This is the pro-life nature of masculinity, of the nature of men. Without life to protect, their mission is left unfulfilled.
So, men can and should be part of the pro-life movement. It is important to remember that abortion is a human rights issue–the right of the unborn child. It is up to everyone, men and women, to stand up for their right to life. Today, we can pray for men to fulfill their calling and defend life from the earliest stages.
The Good Samaritan Pro-Life Prayer
“A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him” (Lk. 10:31-34)
Lord Jesus,
You teach us in Your parables
How to be like You
In our compassion for others.
We grieve, Lord,
At the failure of the priest and the Levite
To help the victim on the road.
Perhaps they thought it too dangerous to stop
Lest the robbers attack them too.
Perhaps they asked,
“If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”
Lord, give us today
The heart and mind of the Samaritan,
Who did not think of himself,
But rather asked,
“If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
Lord, make us Good Samaritans to the unborn.
Take away the fear many have to speak up for them
Or to intervene to stop their violent deaths.
Too many fear losing friends, popularity, power,
Position, prestige, or access.
Politicians fear losing votes,
Businesses fear losing money,
Pastors fear losing members of the congregation.
Lord, once and for all,
Free Your people from these selfish fears,
And move us to sacrifice ourselves
For our youngest brothers and sisters,
The children in the womb.
We ask this of You who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer published by Priests for Life.