Respect Life Month

10-15-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

As the Church celebrates Respect Life Month in October, I draw your attention to some recent news about the sad death of a pregnant woman’s unborn baby who was struck by a stray bullet while the mother was riding on a public bus in Holyoke about two weeks ago. The mother, eight months pregnant, was rushed to the hospital. She survived, but despite efforts to save the unborn baby, the baby died.

Besides the tragedy itself, I was struck by how it is being handled by the District Attorney. One of the suspects involved in the shooting was apprehended and charged with murder. Holyoke Mayor, Joshua Garcia, was in tears at a press conference as he reacted to this horrible loss of life. That reaction and the charge of murder of the unborn child seems to me to be an acknowledgement that a human life was taken – despite the fact that the child had not yet been born. In an effort to save the unborn child, doctors delivered it early, but to no avail. I wonder how people who are pro-choice feel about this? Yes, on one level, anytime a senseless shooting hurts people, it is tragic. However, charging someone with murder for the death of an unborn child is remarkable given that Massachusetts does not charge with murder women who choose to “terminate their pregnancy,” with the rationale that a mother legally has a right to decide what she does with her body. So, in essence, it all falls to whether the mother wants to have her unborn child.

It’s ironic that the proponents of “freedom of choice” on this issue are unwilling to speak about the many untold negative consequences – especially on women themselves. Mother Teresa shared this insight, which is worth reflecting upon: “Abortion is profoundly anti -woman. Three-quarters of its victims are women: half the babies and all the mothers.” Please pray for women facing a difficult or unexpected pregnancy, that they may receive the material resources and personal accompaniment they need so that they may never feel forced to choose between their future and the life of their child.

God bless you!

Fr. Bob