Copies of this pamphlet available from Humanae Vitae House, Braemar, Scotland, AB35 5YT.Am I fully convinced that abortion is the destruction of an innocent human life which has the same value as my life, my parents' lives? Do I foster and nourish this conviction by reflecting often on the tragic loss of life occurring daily around me? Do I ever allow myself the thought that abortion does not really concern me and that I have "more important" things to do? Do I believe I am responsible for my preborn brothers and sisters, and accountable to God for what I do to save them?
Do I pray daily explicitly for an end to abortion? Do I pray for the babies, the mothers, the abortionists, the legislators, the media, the clergy, and the whole pro-life movement? Do I fast or make other sacrifices I can really feel? Or do I believe the fight against abortion can be easy? Do I try to make it easy and convenient? Do I take shortcuts in my pro-life commitment?
Do I try to come up with new ideas for pro-life work? Do I suggest these ideas to others or just forget about them? Do I give financially to the cause, even when it hurts? Is financial loss on my part to be compared with the life of a child?
Do I have faith that God is the Lord of Life? Do I believe the whole struggle is in His hands? Am I willing to give more time to this cause and cut out other activities which are less urgent than life and death? Do I trust Him? Do I ask His guidance? Do I keep my eyes on Him or do I allow discouragement in by focusing only on the problem and myself?
Am I learning more about the issues surrounding abortion and about the pro-life movement? Do I read good pro-life books? Do I subscribe to at least one pro-life publication so that I can be well-informed on the issue? Do I escape from taking action by thinking that prayer alone is enough? Do I see pro-life work as a work of love for people who are in need, or is it just an "issue" or a "project" to me?
Do I speak up about pro-life? Do I make full use of the opportunities I have, such as wearing pins or using bumper stickers? Do I write letters to the paper or to legislators or to doctors? Or do I allow my lack of self-confidence to paralyze my activity? Do I only do what's comfortable, or do I try to expand my skills? Do I develop my talents, whatever they may be, for the pro-life cause? Are my efforts genuine and generous? Do I take proper care of myself, physically and spiritually, so that I can be more effective in my pro-life work? Do I rest when I need to?
Do I gladly participate in projects that need to be done, even if I don't particularly want to? Do I foster unity in the movement? Do I encourage my fellow pro-lifers? Are all of my efforts guided by charity? Do I allow unhealthy competition between pro-life persons or groups to begin or continue? Do I follow the advice or direction of those who bear responsibility for pro-life projects or groups, so as to make their task easier? Do I seek the advice and input of those more experienced in pro-life work?
Do I try to grow in compassion for women who are tempted to have abortions or who have had them in the past? Do I try to understand their situation and learn more about their needs? Do I help women find alternatives to abortion? Do I inspire hope in women I know who have had abortions? Do I help them find forgiveness and healing?
Am I ready from this day forward to be a better pro-lifer? Am I ready to launch out with new strength, generosity, and determination to bring an end to abortion, without counting the cost to myself? Am I grateful enough for the gift of life to work to give life to others? Do I thank God for the privilege of being part of the pro-life movement?
Father Pavone is the National Director of Priests for Life at PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
Return to Leaflets Index