Protecting all life: The pro-life value after birth

How far does the pro-life movement reach? Does it end after the baby is born, does it continue from “womb to tomb” as many say or is there a middle ground?

Ever since Roe v Wade was overturned in June 2022, pro-abortionists have shifted the argument to a different approach in attempts to launch new attacks against both Christians and pro-lifers. They claim that pro-lifers do not care about the baby’s life after birth, citing the increased chances for poverty, the lack of a good education and mental health problems after birth. Additionally, even the Washington Post claims that pro-life up until birth is too generous of a claim. So, if these claims are true, where do pro-lifers fall short, if at all?

First, we must consider what the true intentions and motivations behind the pro-life movement are. According to Focus on the Family, pro-lifers are those who hold that all life is valuable, whether a preborn baby, a newborn, an elderly person or an individual with special needs — their life matters. The movement is generally centered around Psalm 139:13-14, which says, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

So, in short, do pro-lifers care about the child after the baby is born? Yes. However, putting their words into action is another critical issue.

Arguably, being pro-life means that one should invest in every human rights issue out there, right? This would include cancer research, substance abuse help, organizations for assisting those with disabilities, meals to be sent to starving children in less fortunate countries, mental health care or programs that tend to widows and orphans, just to name a few.

While each pro-lifer would likely agree that each issue above is important, as all life is, it is not possible to financially support each issue or volunteer time to each cause. That is why the central point of the pro-life movement is fighting primarily for the rights of the unborn. This is done to ensure that babies receive rights and are born alive.

Take the Alzheimer’s Association, for example. According to Forbes, they are on the list of the top 50 charities in the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association does not treat or even fund research for those struggling with cancer. According to their website, they fund over 1,100 active projects in 56 countries spanning six continents totaling over $405 million dollars. Not one dollar goes to cancer research.

Do they care about those dying from this disease? Certainly. They care for all people to be living healthy, pain free lives. But why do they not fund cancer research? The answer is simple. Organizations are stronger when they narrow in and focus on one key issue. This goes the same for pro-life organizations. This is why it is unlikely to find a tab on a leading pro-life organizations’ website calling to end world hunger. Although they certainly care, they focus their efforts on the right to life for the unborn.

However, this is not to excuse a lack of effort on our part to serve those in need around the world. All life matters and should be treated as such. This cannot be said without noting the incredible efforts that pro-lifers make across the country in helping mothers and families in need.

According to the Lozier Institute and Susan B. Anthony List, there are 2,750 pregnancy centers in the United States that have provided over $350 million dollars in care to single mothers, material support and health care contributions to families across the country in the past year. They provide many services and go the extra mile tending for these families as the hands and feet of Christ. They also provide ultrasounds, parenting education programs, diapers, wipes, formula, clothing and other forms of support, which completely debunk the claim that no care is provided to the child after birth.

Zielke is an opinion writer.