While on the topic of graphic images in relation to the issue of abortion, I wanted to share some students’ reactions that, in essence, call for censoring the truth about abortion. Here is what some students had to say in response to showing this video (approx. 3 min) during my presentation.
Sickened me and I found it excessive. – Female
I agree with this young lady, seeing the reality of abortion also sickens me. And, the fact that it happens approximately 300 times a day in Canada is excessive. But, that is likely not what she meant. She likely meant that even having it presented at her school sickened her and the amount of images was excessive.
Simply, if something is so sickening, why do we tolerate it in our country? Would she say the same thing about a 3 minute video showing victims of drinking and driving to show people the consequences from making that choice?
I was disgusted that instead of arguing against abortion with facts, graphic images were used to scare the audience. I wish less graphic images were used. They disturbed me and disgusted me. I wish facts were used to change my mind instead of disgusting videos to scare me. – Gr9 Female
This young lady either only showed up for the three minutes I presented the video, or chooses to ignore the rest (and bulk) of my presentation. Again, I am also disturbed when I see the reality of abortion – it is disturbing that this happens in our country.
Make it less graphic. – Gr9 Female
I am not really sure how the images of abortion can be made “less graphic” – that’s abortion.
Following the video I acknowledge how I always feel sad, angry and disgusted when I see it. And, that many of the students may be feeling the same.
I am sad because this happens to our most innocent human beings and negatively impacts millions of women and families around the world.
I am disgusted that our society has seemingly become comfortable with a choice that takes apart a human being while still alive (because, yes, science tells us that from the moment of fertilization that new being that is created is living – two living things (ie. human beings) can only reproduce another living thing of its own kind).
And, I am angry because so many people don’t seem to care about the harm abortion is doing to preborn humans and their mothers.
Following this, I then encourage those in the audience, that if they are feeling those things, too, to use those emotions and channel them into doing something to positively impact our country – change the status quo on abortion and offer real choices to women facing a crisis pregnancy.
I expect people to react like these students have to seeing the reality of abortion. But does that mean we shouldn’t show the truth about abortion? What is more important – saving someone’s feelings or saving someone’s life? Hiding an injustice to avoid discomfort or showing an injustice to save the victims?
The effectiveness of showing these images cannot be denied – they have saved many lives. To hear more about that check out the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform’s website and specifically their newsletters. Watch this video testifying to the effectiveness of images: