Any true Downton Abbey fan knew exactly what Thomas was referring to when he whispered the words, “Her ladyship’s soap,” in Mr. Bates’s ear at the end of season three. The conniving Ms. O’Brien, under the assumption her ladyship, the pregnant Mrs. Lady Grantham, was seeking a new maid, kicked a bar of soap by the latter’s tub in season one, causing her ladyship to slip and lose the child that was to become Downton’s next heir. It is now an iconic scene from one of the world’s most popular and decorated TV shows. But, it’s more than a plot twist. It is a moment pro life advocates can use to defend the unborn.
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It dawned on me when a few of my liberal-leaning friends and I were talking about Ms. O’Brien’s unforgivable act. “She’s horrible!” “I know - she killed her baby!” At first I joined in on the shouting, but then I realized something. My friends – my pro abortion friends – called it a “baby.” Not a “clump of cells.” Not a “choice.” A living, breathing, developing baby. The questions started nagging at me, So they believe it’s already a baby in the womb? A human being? Then, the most important consideration of all: If they believe it’s a baby, how could they justify a mother killing it in any situation? It was too good of an opportunity to miss, so I confronted one of my friends with these vital questions the following day. She was noticeably caught off guard and had to seriously consider her beliefs before answering.
Interested to see how other pro choice advocates reacted to Lady Grantham’s miscarriage, I searched for the most liberal site I could find.Sure enough, The Huffington Post, one of the most left-leaning news outlets on the web, referredto Lady Grantham’s loss as a male “child.” HuffPohas published a numberof pro choice writers celebratingRoe v. Wade and abortion rights in general, so I found it interesting the site acknowledged Downton’s would-be heir as a developing human being and not a “choice” to be overshadowed by a woman’s right to her body.
My liberal friend, like many pro choice feminists, may argue Lady Grantham and her family clearly wanted the baby to be born, whereas more difficult situations such as economic hardship or rape could merit an abortion. But, I argue, if it’s truly a baby, how can you justify killing it in any situation? How can they react in horror to O’Brien causing an intentional miscarriage, yet rationalize ending a baby’s life through elective abortion?
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When talking to your liberal friends or acquaintances about babies, even in reference to pop culture, pay attention to the language your friends use when referring to pregnant women and their unborn children. Challenge them if their words contradict their pro abortion views. You may catch them off guard and encourage them to question their beliefs.
Use the bar of soap method to speak for the unborn. It may just help you gain a clean conscience.