Show mercy and protect human life at all stages

We are called to show mercy because mercy has been shown to us,” said Pope Francis when he began the Jubilee Year of Mercy. This quote forms the mission of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Respect Life Program, a year-long pro-life program that began at the start of this month. Citing the world’s “throwaway culture that treats human life as disposable,” Cardinal Timothy Dolan called upon the faithful to show mercy and protect human life at all stages: from the child in the womb to those nearing death.
 
With the spectacle surrounding this year’s election, I was a little shocked to see that issues surrounding abortion were not presented until the third debate. In that final debate, in the opening moments, both candidates were called upon to clearly state their views. I’m not sure why I was surprised: the election has consistently spotlighted issues related to healthcare, immigration, climate change and national defense. From the outside, it may appear that these are the only issues that matter to voters.

So, it was with a bit of pride that I recently saw that sidewalk protests against abortion still remain strong. In Missouri, where I currently live while finishing school, there is one remaining abortion clinic: Planned Parenthood in St. Louis. Unfortunately, I pass the location almost every day on my way to campus. On Oct. 16, Planned Parenthood marked its 100th anniversary. On Oct. 15, more than 250 peaceful protesters stood outside of Planned Parenthood in St. Louis to pray and provide pregnancy resource information to those visiting the clinic.

In some ways, it was a sign of hope. As more abortion clinics close around the nation, slowly, the pro-life movement is winning. Slowly, the pro-life movement is showing that respect and mercy for all life is warranted: no one is disposable.

When Pope Francis called for us to show mercy, he also required us to do our part in responding to those who struggle to believe that they belong. No life deserves to be thrown away.

This year, as the Respect Life Program continues to reflect on the dignity of all people, we need to begin deepening our relationships with one another, and live a life that affirms all people.

Too often the pro-life movement is mischaracterized as a movement to end abortion. What a mistake! Those who believe in the value of life recognize and embrace all people and defend all aspects of life, including those with born with disabilities or who acquire disabilities through life experiences.

Those who believe in the dignity of all life reject the culture of death, and those means that lead to abortion, euthanasia and all aspects that lead to the taking of a life.

Seeing the crowd in prayerful protest against 100 years of destruction provided hope. It may take us longer than we imagined, but we will persevere and, ultimately, prevail. We will succeed in showing dignity and mercy to all, despite the increasing obstacles that arise in our society.

The culture of life will overtake the culture of death. As children we are reminded of Aesop’s fable of the “Tortoise and the Hare.” In some ways, we are like the tortoise, plodding along but persevering. After all, slow and steady wins the race.

Heather Bozant Witcher can be reached athbozantwitcher@clarionherald.org.