Is the display of unsolicited, graphic images in public helpful in pro-life education?

Carroll Rees, a long-time supporter of the pro-life movement, argues that such displays are a hindrance rather than a help. In our next issue of LifeCanada News , Rosemary Connell of "Show The Truth" defends the use of such displays.

Many groups, each with a particular focus make up the pro-life movement. What we have in common is the goal to promote greater respect for human life and we all do this from our own unique perspective. Some groups reach out to pregnant women in need, extending care to both the woman and her unborn child. Some groups focus on educational initiatives, others on political lobbying and activism. But in each case we strive to achieve the same goal-we hope that our varied efforts will complement each other and will eventually lead to society's recognition that the basic right to life should be extended to everyone, including the unborn child.

Pro-life groups regularly meet at conferences to educate ourselves on the current issues so that we will remain up-to-date with the latest research and information. We share ideas and initiatives with one another. This is a healthy practice which allows us to learn from each other, and it helps align our strategies for the greatest impact. Perhaps we should add one more component in this exercise at this time- we need to assess the pros and cons of our efforts to ensure that we are, in fact, moving towards our shared goal.

One strategy which merits another look is the "Show the Truth" tours. From my perspective, these tours do not seem to be advancing our educational efforts in Ottawa . Actually, the "Show the Truth" tours seem to be making it more difficult to reach out to members of our community. This observation may be difficult for some people to accept.

As an active member of the pro-life movement for the past 21 years, I am writing this article out of a genuine concern that we, as a movement, be as effective as possible. It is important to raise this issue now as "Show the Truth" recently became an issue for us in Ottawa . Graphic photos were displayed in Ottawa on downtown streets and busy intersections without any prior warning even to those of us who work in the pro-life movement. Action Life is a well established group in the city and has provided educational pro-life services for the past 30 years; consequently, we were contacted by people exposed to the display and we had to deal with the fallout.

For those not aware of what happened, in May and again in June, large graphic pictures of dismembered, aborted babies were displayed on Ottawa streets. On Friday, May 10, 2002 , pro-lifers from many Canadian cities and towns travelled to Ottawa to participate in Campaign Life Coalition's National March for Life. For the past four years, citizens have taken part in a peaceful march of solidarity in support of the right to life for all Canadians, born and unborn. This year, we were shocked when, without warning, we were confronted by the disturbingly graphic pictures of late term abortions being held up by members of the "Show the Truth" team. Many families with young children were present which meant that unwittingly their children were exposed to this horrifying display and some were very upset. One young teacher told me that this type of display was the reason that many teachers are wary about inviting Action Life speakers to address the life issues in their classroom. It is my understanding that Campaign Life Coalition had neither invited nor given permission to members of "Show the Truth" to present their display during the March for Life 2002.

A few weeks later the "Show the Truth" pictures showed up once again in Ottawa . As executive director of Action Life, I received phone calls from people who were upset having seen the graphic pictures at Bronson Avenue and at the intersection of Baseline Road and Woodroffe Avenue . One morning a mother had driven by with her three year old child and saw the display on their way to daycare. The mother was very upset because her innocent child had been exposed to this material. Many of you may be thinking that those who were disturbed by the graphic pictures were probably pro-abortion and objected to the display because of their "bias." This is not so. They are faithful supporters of the pro-life movement and were distraught that we were resorting to such shocking tactics to make a point.

I am concerned that the "Show the Truth" displays may actually be harming the pro-life movement by seriously offending persons who might otherwise be open to hearing our message, by alienating committed pro-lifers who do not wish to be associated with such tactics, and by angering parents because their children are being exposed to explicit information which they are not mature enough to handle. The pro-life movement needs to step back and courageously evaluate the effect of this approach.

Personally, as a mother, I am troubled by the thought that unsolicited, graphic displays in the presence of young children may be inappropriate and insensitive. This "in your face" attitude is not respectful of other people. Even more worrisome is the possible reaction of a woman who has had an abortion and is struggling emotionally. Will this type of display help her deal with the emotional anguish she may be experiencing? Will it contribute to emotional healing or will it catapult her into a state of despair where she sees only the evil of her action without the loving hand of forgiveness and mercy being extended?

Over the years we have placed much emphasis on building relationships with local families, schools and churches to encourage their cooperation with pro-life activities in our area. I believe that educational opportunities are lost to us at every level with the "Show the Truth" approach. In fact, Action Life speakers have found that most teachers, pastors, and youth leaders are increasingly reluctant to allow pro-life educational presentations in their schools and churches. The reasons are always the same-they are concerned that the information will not be presented with sensitivity and, most importantly, that the audience will be subjected to graphically disturbing images. It requires years of liaison to earn public trust, and just one negative experience can destroy that hard-earned trust.

Some may argue that these images are being displayed by one specific organization and will have no impact on the work of other pro-life groups. That is not so. No one organization is an island. What one group does inevitably impacts on all the others.

The pro-life movement plays a very important role in society. We promote respect for human life by presenting the facts about pre-natal development, by teaching the truth about abortion, and by reaching out to women in crisis pregnancies and those suffering from the emotional trauma of abortion. We try to keep society accountable by ensuring that the humanity and protection of the unborn child are included in the social and political debate on abortion and women's rights. We must not stop providing these valuable services, but we must always reach out with love and respect.

As pro-lifers, we need to evaluate and measure the overall impact on the pro-life movement should we decide to encourage the promotion of "Show the Truth" displays in our cities. Together, we need to determine the best way we can educate, not shock, embrace and assist, not traumatize. We must build, not burn, our bridges of outreach.?

Carroll Rees is a long-time supporter of the pro-life movement and lives in Aylmer, Qúebec.

Note: The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Action Life.

Readers are encouraged to share their own opinions on this issue by sending letters to the editor at bjmcadorey@aol.com. A selection of responses will be printed in future issues of LifeCanada News .