January 4, 2024
There’s no question that abortion will be on the ballot in 2024. Not only will there be several different ballot initiatives in states seeking to expand abortion, but the Democrats will also likely make this a focus of their election strategy. As such, it’s important to know how to talk about the pro-life issue as it enters the crosshairs for the 2024 news cycle.
READ: Abortion IS on the Ballot: The Top Pro-Life Ballot Initiatives for 2024
Let’s discuss some tips and tricks on how you can speak eloquently and factually when defending life in this new year, whether that be in discussions with to skeptics and hostile audiences or people who are truly seeking understanding.
Speak Plainly to the Realities of Abortion & The Need to Defend Life
First and foremost, defending Life at Conception is the pro-science position. According to The American College of Pediatricians: “Human life begins at conception—fertilization. At fertilization, the human being emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism, a member of the species Homo sapiens, needing only the proper environment in order to grow and develop.”
Beyond science, there’s a clear philosophical basis for protecting life. Simply put, a person’s humanity shouldn’t depend upon someone else’s judgment. The strength of the pro-life movement has been this unwavering conviction from people of both parties and of many faiths, stretching across national boundaries.
Stick to the Facts & Avoid the Quagmire
There are unfortunately hostile actors out there who want to undermine the pro-life movement – and there’s no easier way to do that than to catch the Pro-Life Generation in a mistake. This is especially true when speaking to the media – which is why careful, diligent preparation is key to avoid being tripped up. That means taking time to check out the various resources on our Students for Life of America website, and knowing some key data points to speak to. For example:
- According to data collected by a 2023 Pro-Life Gen YouGov-Vinea Poll, 80% of Americans oppose-late term abortions.
- The majority (65%) of those who label themselves pro-choice oppose late term abortions, according to that same study.
- 64% of women getting abortions report that they were coerced or pressured.
- Though there is no National Abortion Reporting Law, the CDC estimates from data volunteered by abortionists that more than 9 in 10 abortions take place by three months (12 weeks) of pregnancy – 93.5%.
Lobby for Heartbeat Protections, at MINIMUM
You may have seen Students for Life Action pushing hard against the 15-weeks compromise as SFLAction President Kristan Hawkins penned an op-ed in The Washington Times saying that “we cannot make peace with a little abortion.”
Such a compromise would allow more than 9 out of 10 abortions to continue with full legal support, but polling by YouGov/Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement has shown that heartbeat abortion protection limits poll at basically the same levels with voters. A separate OnMessage poll in 2022 found that there was only a one-point difference between support for a limit when a baby’s heartbeat is detected (around six weeks) or at almost four months of pregnancy (15 weeks.)
So why not choose the option that saves more lives? After all, we didn’t fight against Roe for 50 years to wind up with abortion laws more radical than some European nations.
Share Your Why
Beyond the scientific and philosophical reasoning, there is also the fact that these are ultimately human lives; both the preborn lives we seek to save, as well as the mothers facing difficult choices who need support. People will be moved by knowing what motivated the defenders of life to choose that in the first place. Was it a personal story or something from your family history? Or is it related to your faith and spiritual life? Or a passion for medical ethics? It could be anything – but what motivates you is something that many will love to hear.
And the passion and sincerity of those convictions, or the power of that story, may be the thing that changes a mind and even saves a life.
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