Public Action
With public action, you serve as a witness to the community. Life Chain is an educational event for the public, and evidence that the pro-life community is peaceful and compassionate. In addition to the basic message that Abortion Kills Children, other signs declare that Abortion Hurts Women, the Pill and IUD also Kill Children, and Adoption is a Loving Option. The sign “Pregnant? Need Help 800-712-HELP ” lets the public know that we want to help women not condemn them.
Another public event is a Rally for Life. While it is a witness to the community to see a parade in the streets and a crowd gather to support life, it is also a learning opportunity to check out the information offered by the many pro-life organizations who have tables. There is the National Rally for Life in Washington D.C.. the West Coast Rally in San Francisco, which are both on a Saturday near Jan 22, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Many state level rallies are also held, such as the Texas Rally in Austin at a similar date. Look for buses organized by church groups and bring a friend! (The diocese of Galveston-Houston posts a list of all the buses available in the area.)
Another way to witness is to pray or do sidewalk advocacy outside an abortion facility, where both clients and the public can see. 40 Days for Life has 2 campaigns/year to pray for 40 Days, and others come regularly year round. Prayer is powerful, and if signs such as “We can Help You” or “Free Ultrasounds Available” that is a clear message to clients that there is help and options available. Sponsors have the participants sign a Statement of Peace to ensure proper behavior.
Sidewalk advocates go even further to approach cars and offer information or “goodie bags” to those entering. If someone is interested in learning more, they can perhaps pull into a nearby parking lot or even meet somewhere nearby for coffee, to have more time to talk.
40 Days for Life and the Alliance Defending Freedom have together produced A Legal Guide for Sidewalk Counselors, which is very helpful in knowing what your rights are on the sidewalk. (Click on Ministry or scroll down to that section of the page.)