The Signs (Posters) of the Truth of Abortion

December 18, 2007

Yesterday I have participated in a very lively discussion at Jill Stanek’s blog. As the discussion progressed, there was an opportunity to touch on something I have planned to write on my blog in the past. It was in respect to posters so often carried by pro-life protesters. The ones that depict mutilated babies. I really wanted to elaborate more on the subject, however I think my own blog will be more appropriate place to do so.

Right from the start I have to disclose that I am absolutely against such signs being displayed in front of an abortion clinic. These signs can potentially do more harm than good. I think the best way to offer you my point of view would be to address two major arguments why some in pro life movement think these signs should be brought to abortion clinics.

Seeing these posters a woman may change her mind. Sure, some women may change their mind seeing such poster. The argument can also be made that these posters can reinforce her decision to abort.
The posters tell the truth. No argument here. But the truth about what? To me these posters depict nothing but evil. Women walking into the clinic need God. Some can argue that these posters portray Christ’s suffering. However there are 2000+ years of tradition of Christian art and we should not dismiss that tradition. If we were to examine Christian art and iconography and how it depicts the suffering of Christ, we can notice one particular trace. All these icons and images, while depicting Christ suffering foreshadow also his glory and resurrection- thus offering hope of forgiveness to us. The posters of mutilated babies depict only death and evil, there is no hope in those images nor do they speak of forgiveness. Not every one is ready to face the truth. Here I am thinking more about women and men who have had previous abortions. They still may be in denial and may not be ready to face the truth. I personally believe that denial can be looked at as God’s gift, and we have no right to rob them of that gift. If God leads these women and men on the path to healing, the denial will eventually come down. But it would be so on God’s terms and not ours.

Even if you look at these posters and pictures of mutilated babies as an educational material, we should be very careful about the setting and timing when showing them. We can not predict with absolute certainty what reaction these pictures can trigger. Some may realize the atrocity of abortion and submit themselves to God’s mercy and forgiveness. While others may look at these pictures as an affirmation that there is no hope for them. Making my argument on Jill’s blog, I received following comment : “I haven’t heard of one person committing suicide over a gruesome picture”. I hope this to be true as well, but if only dead can speak I think all of us can be in for a big surprise.

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