An example of a pro-life convert is Dean Lumpkin who called a few years back. Dean was first introduced to us by our distribution packets at MARK TWAIN JR HIGH in Modesto. Soon thereafter he was involved in a debate on abortion and called us for more materials which we mailed him in addition to a large amount of literature which we suggested he give to his peers. Dean told us how effective his distribution was on the students: "MOST OF THEM WERE SAYING PRO-CHOICE AND IT'S A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE. I START WITH THE SMALL POSTER ENTITLED "FREEDOM OF CHOICE?" (a photo of a decapitated baby's head) which I know is most effective. I show the other pieces of literature and finally end up by reading aloud THE DIARY OF AN UNBORN CHILD. Many times they are in tears when I get finished with them and have been completely turned around on abortiion." At Dean's request I mailed him another supply of information packets to distribute to his peers.
Showing The Graphic Pictures
Some pro-lifers shy away from using the graphic pictures of abortions because they don't like "rocking the boat." This tendency in human nature to avoid trouble is A Real Drawback In The Pro-Life Movement!!!
From years of experience in distributing to students, I know how important the abortion pictures are. We live in a world of instant gratification - fast foods, fast cars, instant news, etc. While a good percentage of students read the material - some of them even stand there and read it cover to cover - there is that "instant" type who needs to be given an "Express Message." The abortion pictures are just that - An Express Message!!
The developing baby pictures just don't cover it! I will never forget hearing about the experience of a friend of mine when he spoke at a local high school. He showed the pictures of the developing baby, even described the methods of abortion. During the last few minutes of his talk, he brought out the graphic pictures of abortion. A boy sitting in the rear of the classroom piped up: "So That's What Abortion Is!!!"
We may lose the abortion battle at the courts and the clinics, but we must not lose the battle of education when we have the power to change the minds of our youth simply by taking the time to pass out literature to them!! These same young people will soon be voters, some will be in positions of power, from school authorities, judges, all the way up to congress and the presidency!!!
WHY SPEAKING IN CLASSROOMS IS NOT ENOUGH
Those of us in the pro-life movement who have tried to speak in our public schools know how difficult it is to reach each and every teenager. If we're lucky enough to be asked to speak - sometimes you can cut the hostility with a knife - it's usually to a class of 20 or 30 students. Yet there are 1,000 other students in the same school who must hear our message.
Passing out literature on the sidewalk may not be as dignified as speaking in a classroom. Instead of being politely introduced by a teacher, we are sometimes angrily challenged by a pro-abortion principal Yet nothing worthwhile comes easily. And when we look at the suddenly-enlightened faces of the teenagers as we pass out our literature. . .when we see them discussing it right on the spot, sitting on the lawn together, standing in groups, reading it in pairs as they walk home...when we return to our own homes and receive a barrage of phone reactions . . when we answer calls from pregnant girls who've read our literature and, as a result, have decided not to have abortions...when we add up all these results and weigh them on the scale against the loss of some of our dignity - WHAT'S A LITTLE LOSS OF DIGNITY?
We are reaching more kids in one month by going out on the sidewalks than we did in five years of speaking in dignified, comfortable, well-heated classrooms.
