Paving the Way: Sidewalk Counselors Give Energy to Pro Life Movement

Saturdays are marked on sidewalk counselors’ calendars because it’s one of three days for scheduled abortions in DC. A few dozen people showed up this past Saturday, freshly inspired from the pro life training session the night before. From 9 a.m. to noon, a brave group of college students and young working professionals, along with a few caring grandparents, prayed and gently approached the young women walking into Planned Parenthood in hopes of convincing them to save their unborn children.

The counselors came prepared. Some were experienced and for others it was their first time on the sidewalk, but judging from their boldness in walking up to young women on their way into the abortion clinic, it seemed like they’d all been providing therapy for years. I was able to hear a few of their pitches, noticing they varied in content, but all made sure to refer to each woman’s unborn child as a baby. “Can I tell you there are better options for you and your baby?” “Have you thought of what you would name your baby?” “Did you know you would be a good mom if you gave your baby life?”

They knew what to say, because they knew what Planned Parenthood was telling these girls. A few of the myths the pro abortion organization likes to spout as fact, as revealed to me by a few of the pro life counselors, are these: The growing baby is just a “blob of tissue.” Parenting is too hard: “Yeah, you can have the baby I guess, if you want to wing it.” Adoption is cruel: “What kind of mom would you be to give your child away?” And my personal favorite: “If you want to be a good mother, you better abort so you can be a good mother to your future children.” So, for much of the morning in front of the clinic, the sidewalk counselors were tasked with not only making the case for life, but trying to debunk these lies.

Most of the young pregnant mothers ignored the counselors, some shooed them away, and a select irate few shouted profanities at them. I witnessed rejection and jeers from passersby as well. One jogger felt the need to yell, “Pitiful s***!” as he ran past the praying counselors. Not exactly one’s idea of a fun morning.

But, the counselors kept doing what they do best – talking and praying.

Eventually someone started listening, for by the end of the morning, one of the counselors confirmed that thanks to their efforts, a baby was saved. Yes, it may be just one out of the 53 million who have been murdered in the womb since the 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, but every life is precious. He or she is sure to bless many people along the way. Even downhearted George Bailey eventually realized how much his one life could affect so many others for the better. The mother with a change of heart on Saturday is giving her child the same chance. And it’s thanks to the sidewalk counselors and their faith.

We need more of these brave souls who save souls.

I applaud their courage. But, more importantly, I commend their cause. The pro life movement is blessed to have these counselors as voices for the unborn.