Learn How to Overcome Fear and Discouragement

in sharing the pro-life view.

Promoting respect for life is a form of evangelization. We want to convey that every life is valuable, whether handicapped or healthy, born or in the womb. They have value and deserve respect because they were made by God in His image. Of course, whether people believe in God or not, it is nearly universally accepted that it is wrong to kill an innocent human being. Whatever the circumstances of their conception, or whatever problems may come from their existence, God chose to create this life, and He loves them. We love both mother and child and want to help both to get through whatever problems are presented, with the best possible outcome.

After nearly fifty years of nationally legal abortion, our culture has changed. Rather than viewing abortion as a last, extreme (and usually illegal) resort in the face of dire circumstances, abortion is now often viewed as a natural choice to end a pregnancy – end the life of a child –for any reason. Advocating for respect for life in all circumstances will now often meet with resistance. The objection to pro-life views (which has been happening for years) has only increased since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

While objections to pro-life views are present in many environments, it is particularly evident at universities. In one survey (2023-2025) at two large midwestern universities, 88% of students reported that they expressed more progressive views than they truly held, because of academic and social pressure. More than 80 percent of surveyed students reported submitting classwork misrepresenting their true beliefs (to avoid poor grades resulting from disagreement with the professor’s stance). (1) Students for Life of America (SFLA) reported over 100 free speech violations in 2023.(2) Free speech violations from students ranged from destruction of chalk messages and flyers to “heckler’s vetoes” shutting down pro-life presentations by disrupting the event. University administrators have denied founding or funding pro-life groups, and limited tables to a small, remote section of the campus (in order to avoid conflict, rather than working to preserve free-speech rights).

The pro-choice view is endorsed by mainstream media with choice of words such as “reproductive rights” and lack of coverage for large pro-life events. This biased reporting further perpetuates the assumption that most Americans are in favor of legal abortion, to allow women their “right to choose.” So, it is natural that pro-life individuals may be reluctant to bring up the subject or even admit to being pro-life for fear of rejection or ridicule.

So how do we get past that reluctance and engage in conversations that help people accept the pro-life view? Our culture will not be changed by legal action, but by changing minds, one at a time. As the culture changes, the laws of our country will change with the democratic process.

Pray for God to help you overcome your fears, and to guide your speech.
Don’t assume defeat. Many people have accepted the pro-choice slogans without really thinking it through. But if they are helped to really look at what abortion is, such as seeing a video of abortion procedures, or just openly listening to pro-life arguments, many people will readily change their mind, or at least go away with something to think about. The facts and the logic are on our side.
Don’t be discouraged if people do ridicule your position or change the subject. Some have their minds made up and are resistant to change, some may be uncomfortable with a controversial topic, especially in a group. Even if they are listening, it may take several conversations to change someone’s mind.
Also keep in mind that some of these individuals may have been involved in an abortion themselves and want to maintain their belief that they haven’t done anything wrong. You might make a comment like: “It’s sad that so many women are either coerced to abort or just think they are making a good decision, but then later they really suffer after the abortion.” (See the Elliot Institute for more information on post-abortion experiences. You might also add “I was glad to hear about abortion recovery programs to help post-abortion women find healing.”
Learn how to be most effective in your conversations. People with lots of experience, especially on college campuses, have learned what works and what doesn’t work. Christian Voices for Life has some information in this area, but there is much more available from Equal Rights Institute. Live Action also has brief answers to pro-choice arguments. It is important to know the value of listening, staying calm and non-confrontational, finding common ground, and getting to the real question. See our Apologetics page.
How to get started

- When a news reporter uses a term like “reproductive rights” make a comment such as “That sounds like they’re talking about the right to reproduce, but it’s really just a more attractive way to describe the ‘right’ to have an abortion.” Doing this in your own family might begin a discussion of the issue.
- After a large pro-life event, or lengthy coverage of another event, comment on the lack of coverage of pro-life events. “About 150,000 people attended the 2022 National Right to Life March (3), but they had only a small amount of coverage and news reporters estimated only “thousands” or “tens of thousands” of attendees.”
- Just ask a friend or co-worker where they stand on the abortion issue.
  – If they are pro-life, ask if they know about the Option Line, or have ever watched the abortion procedure videos. You might also ask if they are involved in any kind of work to further the cause, and share what you are doing, or an opportunity you have heard about.
  – If they are pro-choice, calmly ask why they think abortion should be legal, and listen to their point of view. Perhaps ask if they are willing to discuss it. Try to find common ground, and see Live Action or ERI for answers to pro-choice arguments. You might also ask if they have ever learned about fetal development. Life Action has a beautiful video, “Baby Olivia”, illustrating human development inside the womb. Abortion procedure videos are a good way to show them what abortion actually does.
- Try to find a friend in your church or neighborhood who is also pro-life. See our Action page for individuals, and discuss together what you might do to try to prevent abortions in your community.

Please pray about how God is calling you to help more women in your community to avoid the terrible mistake of choosing abortion.

“I’d rather stand with God and be condemned by the world, than stand with the world and be condemned by God. – Denzel Washington

“God doesn’t require us to succeed, he only requires that you try.” Mother Teresa

Christian Voices for Life, 2025.