PRO-LIFE BASICS: How should I talk to my “pro-choice” friends about the fact that the preborn child is a person? They don’t seem to get it.

At American Life League, we are frequently asked this question. Recently, it inspired a good friend, Tom Reynolds, to come up with a short quiz. We modified it a bit and hope it will help you to help others see the error in their thinking.

Ask your friend,“If you are hunting and see movement in the trees but are not absolutely certain what it is (and it could be your hunting buddy), do you have the right to choose to shoot before calling out and making an effort to identify what or who it is?” Your friend must answer yes or no.

Explain to your friend that a human being exists from the moment of his creation, the beginning of his biological development. If your friend persists in claiming there is a “right” to choose abortion, ask him, “Can you say with absolute certainty that choosing abortion does not result in killing a human being?” Of course, the only honest answer is no.

Then ask your friend,“Since you cannot, do you have the right to choose to kill a human being?” Your friend must answer yes or no.

Now ask your friend to compare his answers. And tell him to be careful. It is very easy to rationalize in cases like this. As you and I know, rationalizing can create tragedy. History proves it:

In its 1857 Dred Scott decision, the Supreme Court ruled that blacks were not persons under the law and therefore could be treated as property! The justices rationalized. So did millions of other Americans. Who would defend that position today? Would you?

The Nazis declared that the Jews, as well as many Christians and others, were not persons! Even though it was a lie, millions of Germans agreed. They rationalized and defended genocide. Who would defend that position today? Would you?

Would you defend a hunter who knew something was moving in the trees and shot to kill, even though he did not know if it was a human being and made no effort to find out? If not, how can you defend abortion? Now you know the truth—even if you wish you didn’t. So, you are now morally responsible for your decisions regarding abortion.