Is this pro-life or pro-choice?

[mountee]

Or is it that society has made it acceptable, preferable to hide from speaking openly and earnestly to one another in even the most mundane circumstances?

We soften our words, seek creative ways to slip verbally past the unpleasant. Even good friends are afraid of speaking openly to one another, so they don’t. “Does this make me look fat?” “Like my new car?” “I’m going to quit school.” “We’re having a baby! But neither of us are ready for marriage.” “I’m thinking about having an abortion.”

I agree.

 

[Crown_of_Stars]

Can you please be a little more specific? Are you talking about sidewalk counseling at a clinic? or 1-1 counseling at a crisis pregnancy center

Neither. The woman is a friend, and it’s just been between the two of us. She is very young, married, Catholic, but afraid, but that is all I feel comfortable delving into, for privacy reasons.

As for the other responses to this thread…that was the reason I asked. Because I wasn’t sure if it did sound pro-choice, which I certainly am not. As for the reference to wondering who I am looking to “respect,” I just meant looking for a way to sound more tactful, without sounding “preachy,” which can make people start to become defensive against you. That was what I meant. I resented that I sounded pro-abortion. I hate abortion, it’s evil, and I wish it would be outlawed, but it would still happen, just as it did before, only illegally again. It will never be outlawed. More and more wrong things are becoming frighteningly acceptable, and even beyond that, seemingly idolized.

No. I am definitely AGAINST…firmly AGAINST…this grave evil.

 

[robertmidwest]

Neither. The woman is a friend, and it’s just been between the two of us. She is very young, married, Catholic, but afraid, but that is all I feel comfortable delving into, for privacy reasons.

As for the other responses to this thread…that was the reason I asked. Because I wasn’t sure if it did sound pro-choice, which I certainly am not. As for the reference to wondering who I am looking to “respect,” I just meant looking for a way to sound more tactful, without sounding “preachy,” which can make people start to become defensive against you. That was what I meant. I resented that I sounded pro-abortion. I hate abortion, it’s evil, and I wish it would be outlawed, but it would still happen, just as it did before, only illegally again. It will never be outlawed. More and more wrong things are becoming frighteningly acceptable, and even beyond that, seemingly idolized.

No. I am definitely AGAINST…firmly AGAINST…this grave evil.

That is where I thought you were coming from.

Keep the focus on the gift that all life is. Let her know that you are interested in the best for her baby. Stay away from the whole “it’s my body” argument as much as possible. If you are cornered in that area say something like “I understand that it is legal and I respect the rule of law” then redirect the conversation to the value of her baby. Don’t tell her you have all the answers (because you don’t) but you will give her all the support you can (and there are other to help her too).

 

[Selah_KY]

To say to a woman who is afraid and not knowing if she should have an abortion… “I would never tell a woman she can’t have an abortion. She has to make that decision for herself.” The reason I am asking is that I am considering saying this, to, maybe, sound a little more respectful. What are your thoughts? Is saying this more pro-life, or does it gravitate toward pro-choice? Thanks.

These words aren’t pro-life or pro-choice on their own - what matter is what you say before them. BUT, since you are asking ahead of time, I do think there are better ways to keep the dialog open.

Keep the focus on the gift that all life is. Let her know that you are interested in the best for her baby. Stay away from the whole “it’s my body” argument as much as possible. If you are cornered in that area say something like “I understand that it is legal and I respect the rule of law” then redirect the conversation to the value of her baby. Don’t tell her you have all the answers (because you don’t) but you will give her all the support you can (and there are other to help her too).

Instead say, “Being a mom is scary, I’m here to help you, Mom. Don’t have an abortion. There are people who care about you and your baby. I care about you and your baby.”

And then be ready with resources such as a crisis pregnancy center. Many women report that when they reached out to people they WANTED someone to tell them not to do it, but when all their friends told them “it’s up to you…” they interpreted it as people not caring enough about them to step in and say “don’t do it”.

This.

 

[Zoltan_Cobalt]

To say to a woman who is afraid and not knowing if she should have an abortion… “I would never tell a woman she can’t have an abortion. She has to make that decision for herself.” The reason I am asking is that I am considering saying this, to, maybe, sound a little more respectful. What are your thoughts? Is saying this more pro-life, or does it gravitate toward pro-choice? Thanks.

Katheryn…

Before you do this be advised that the Catholic Church is very serious about such things,

From the Catsechism:
2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life.

Therefore, if you are above the age of reason and you offer encouragement…you are automatically excommunicated.

Think twice…

 

[Tigg]

To say to a woman who is afraid and not knowing if she should have an abortion… “I would never tell a woman she can’t have an abortion. She has to make that decision for herself.” The reason I am asking is that I am considering saying this, to, maybe, sound a little more respectful. What are your thoughts? Is saying this more pro-life, or does it gravitate toward pro-choice? Thanks.

It is a spiritual work of mercy to instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful and admonish the sinner. Honey-coating the truth to make it more palatable or affirming grave and wrongful acts in any way is never an option and the faithful have an obligation to uphold the truth of the matter even if not well received. As has already been suggested you can lend encouragement and support toward just and rightful options.