Defense of the Unborn

A volatile issue, to say the least, is the defense of the unborn.  Two sides vie to make their point.  Pope Francis has written in The Joy of the Gospel: "Frequently, as a way of ridiculing the church's effort to defend their lives, attempts are make to present her position as ideological, obscurantist, and conservative.  Yet this defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and ever other human right.  It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development....Reason alone is sufficient to recognize the inviolable value of each singly human life, but if we also look at the issue from the standpoint of faith, 'every violation of the personal dignity of the human being cries out in vengeance to God and is an offense against the creator of the of the individual'" (Christifideles Laici 37)
To keep a balance we need that compassion and attitude of Jesus who realized that all are capable of sin, but forgiveness is offered to all.  This prayer from Campus Ministry at the University of Notre Dame might help us find that balance:
Eternal God, Source of all life, you have created us in your own divine image. By the power of the Holy Spirit, your Son became flesh and revealed to us the sanctity of all human life. Grant, we implore you:

Protect all unborn children;
Guide and support all expectant parents;
Comfort the aged, the sick, and the dying;
Strengthen prisoners, especially those awaiting execution, and their victims;
And bring peace to our world, torn apart by war, terrorism, and countless other acts of violence against life.

May our community bear witness to a seamless culture of life and so value the dignity and worth of every human being, from conception until natural death. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Bro. Rene