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Pro-life activism is a term for activities, by individuals or groups, intended to influence public policy, or other's opinions, beliefs and behavior, in opposition to abortion and euthanasia. The efforts sometimes involve the dissemination of literature and services, civil disobedience. There have even been cases of violence although it is disapproved of by most pro-life advocacy groups.

Free ultrasound

One type of pro-life activism is giving free ultrasound scans to pregnant women who are considering an abortion. These usually take place at a crisis pregnancy center. The theory behind this practice is the belief that the pregnant woman will decide to carry to term once she views images of the fetus. Fundraisers have taken place to finance these endeavours , and many pro-life activists have predicted that, as progressively higher-quality images become more generally available, the use of ultrasound as a persuasive tool will become more widespread. Fairly recently a well funded effort in this arena took place in Wichita, Kansas, where a clinic that offered free ultrasounds (and "4D Scans") opened next door to George Tiller's abortion clinic. The workers of the pregnancy center have been seen offer women $100 to see an ultrasound before entering the clinic.

The Life Chain

Main article: Life Chain

The "Life Chain" is a public demonstration group that simply stands in a row on sidewalks holding signs with Pro-Life (not always anti-abortion) messages. Historically, the most often used message has been "Abortion Kills Children" but other signs have been produced for use by Life Chainers that include, "Abortion Hurts Women", "God Heal Our Land", "God Bless America", "Jesus Forgives and Heals", "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and "Jesus Loves You". Life Chainers, as an official policy, do not yell or chant slogans and do not block pedestrians or roadways. The Life Chain has a good record of peaceful public demonstrations in accordance with the law. This type of demonstration is extremely common. Many Right to Life chapters hold Life Chain events yearly.

The rescue

A "rescue operation" involves Pro-Life activists standing in front of an abortion clinic in order to prevent anyone from entering. The stated goal of this practice is to force the clinic to shut down for the day. Often, the protesters are removed by law enforcement. Some clinics were protested so heavily in this fashion that they closed down permanently. The rescue was first attempted by Operation Rescue. Ever since former president Bill Clinton signed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act into law, the rescue has rarely been attempted. Some consider it "peaceful civil disobedience" but others fear that the openly confrontational nature of rescue operations may inflame an already touchy situation to violence.

The die-in

The die-in is a variation of a protest by the same name which was first done to protest the Vietnam War. In the pro-life die-in, protesters fall to the ground in the fetal position. Often this is used to gain attention, in order for groups to distribute literature, and engage in conversation with the onlookers. Those on the ground do not move, hand out literature, or talk. Very few groups use this tactic, however Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust frequently use this method.

The truth display

In a "truth display", protesters go to an area intending to display pictures of aborted fetuses. Though this sparks anger and controversy, some pro-life groups believe this is the most effective way of explaining their position. The members of one group based out of Los Angeles, known as Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, have been jailed numerous times for these types of displays which they set up both legally and illegally on university campuses. Pro-Life Action League's Face the Truth displays are another example a "truth display".

A major point of disagreement among pro-lifers is whether displaying pictures of "the abortion holocaust", as they call it, is really necessary. Though many believe in the truthfulness of "truth displays", many feel that it is sufficient to display informative images of perfectly healthy fetuses in order to demonstrate their humanity, not their suffering. Proponents of these "shock tactics" argue that, unless people realize the precise nature of abortion methods/procedures and their tangible results, the pro-life position can never succeed.

This method is extremely common, however many groups do not wish to openly identify themselves with "Truth Displays". Right to Life is one of these groups.

Sidewalk counseling

"Sidewalk counseling" is a form of pro-life activism which is conducted outside of abortion clinics. Activists seek to communicate with those entering the building, or with passersby in general, in an effort to persuade them not to have an abortion or to reconsider their position on the morality of abortion. They do so by trying to engage in conversation, displaying signs, distributing literature, or giving directions to a nearby crisis pregnancy center.

Violence as a form of activism

There have been a few cases of enraged individuals who have committed acts of violence against abortion clinics, such as setting the buildings on fire or assassinating abortion practitioners. Many major pro-life political groups condemn this form of activism, while others make a case for the killing of abortionists as "justifiable homicide", while they do not openly advocate for it. Violence is seldom used in recent times.

See also

• Crisis pregnancy center

References

1. ^ Hill v. Colorado (98-1856) 530 U.S. 703 (2000). Retrieved December 13, 2006.

• Articles to be merged from June 2006
• Pro-life movement
• Activism
• Abortion-related violence in the United States