Pro-life men need to get involved

The pro-abortion movement likes to present abortion as a women’s issue only. Supposedly, because the mother is carrying the baby, she is the only person impacted by the abortion. But this claim is incorrect: fathers who lose their babies are deeply affected by abortion. A 2023 study found that more than 7 in 10 men reported negative effects on themselves from a partner’s abortion. The issue impacts both women and men. More importantly, it impacts unborn babies who need others to defend them. Men, therefore, have a role to play in the pro-life movement.

Despite the common caricature of pro-lifers as a bunch of angry old men, the reality is that the movement is spearheaded by women. While this is wonderful to see, it is a shame that so many men have accepted the pro-abortion logic “My body, my choice." Of course, abortion affects not only the mother’s body, but also that of the baby. Abortion is plainly a human rights abuse. It is not acceptable to respond to any other human rights abuse by saying, “It doesn’t impact me personally." We would rightly condemn anyone who said, “I’m personally opposed to slavery, but it would be wrong to stop others from owning slaves." No one can hide behind an inherent characteristic (like a person's sex) to avoid speaking up against any injustice. All people must stand up to oppose the injustice of abortion.

To be absolutely clear, men who do speak out to protect unborn life will face significant backlash, particularly accusations of sexism and wanting to control women. I have certainly heard my share of these criticisms. Personal relationships may become strained. However, as with supporting any worthwhile cause, one must consider whether the strained relationships and personal attacks outweigh the impact of abortion on society. Obviously, any repercussions from being vocally pro-life are dwarfed by the tragedy of abortion. If half of the population is cowed into silenced, it will be much harder to make pro-life progress and the defenseless will suffer. There can be no excuse for staying silent.

Abortion is a stain on our society; the devaluation of the most vulnerable is barbaric. Men must not accept the premise that we don’t have a right to speak on the issue; indeed, we have a responsibility to do so.