The shocking paradox of being pro-life

Currently speaking, the pro-life individual is the most strange and wonderful creature crawling on the face of this earth. He is controversial – wildly, ridiculously controversial, in fact. But the controversy that swirls and flaps around him exists over the fact that he holds one of humanity’s least controversial opinions – that life is good and death is bad. In a world where one must wring with all his might the overused rag of evil for a drop of shock or offense; in a world where crucifixes are suspended in urine, pornography adorns any item in need of selling, and comedy becomes fouler and fouler simply in order to shock the bourgeoisie, all the pro-lifer must do is mention – quietly, calmly – that one shouldn’t kill babies. Uproar ensues. It is as if a riot were started by a man mentioning that the sky is blue. But I suppose this isn’t anything new. The anti-slavery movement was considered – not merely wrong – but vulgar, boorish and rude. In an evil world, virtue is shocking.

The reverse of this fact can be applied to the pro-choice movement. In an evil world, evil is boring. Thus, the pro-choice movement could be largely summed up as a boring movement, a description made more than apparent by their tedious repetition of 30 year slogans, their general weakening of stance, their embarrassing efforts to be hip and with-it, and – though perhaps I’ve had a limited view – the fact that they seem so darn old. I mean really, the counter-protest at the March for Life amounted to 5 or 6 grandmas with ‘Keep Abortion Legal’ signs.

Likewise, a paradox presents itself in the very being of the pro-life individual – he is the Happiest Loser in the world. The pro-life movement – though you wouldn’t know it from the fearful and panicky reactions of the pro-choice – is a reaction against a loss. A defeat. After all, there was no major pro-life movement before Roe v. Wade, and why on earth would there be? Who, 70 years ago, would’ve started a movement seeking to protect the innocent lives of infants anymore that someone now might start a movement protecting the innocent lives of dishwashers?  The pro-lifer is in the marvelously paradoxical position of being incredibly joyful in this defeat. Think on the March For Life, held on the day when abortion was declared legal in this country. Is it a solem vigil? A frustrated venting? No, it is one of the most beautiful gatherings of young people the world has ever seen. The joy and peace and excitement found there is, well, you’ll just have to watch the video I made.

The reason this oddity is present is simple: Hope. The pro-life movement is rooted in the belief that no matter how dark the night is the dawn always breaks. It is grounded in the irrational, ridiculous expectation that good will triumph over evil. And thus the pro-lifer is a potent paradox of sorrow and joy, a man who can commiserate his defeat with song and laughter.

And again, the pro-choice movement represents the exact opposite. It is odd, to say the least, that the group that has emerged victorious is so freaking bitter. The complete lack of joy, hope or even simple pleasantry is enough to make the American population yawn and throw their lot elsewhere. And elsewhere they’ve thrown indeed, as recent statistics have shown.

The pro-life individual is a shocking paradox. And, when it all comes down to it, what else is there to be? What is more inspiring than the man courageous in the face of death, faithful in times of temptation, strong when all else fails, hopeful when all else despairs, and shining stubbornly bright when all else fades to its miserable, boring shade of grey? Truly, it is awesome; being pro-life.