Letters to the Editor

Dear Joe,

I first realized the full tragedy of abortion when I realized that no one I knew appeared to be concerned. Clergy I knew didn’t preach against it.

I was really motivated to do something about abortion when I began to hear from anti-abortionists by mail. You seemed to express yourself better than others and seemed better organized. The sorrow of abortion touches me most when I see people I love who have no inkling that sex should take place within marriage, and therefore accept abortion. What I appreciate most about the Pro-Life Action League is your persistence and your capacity to realize how important your work is.

Sincerely,

Jean Groves, Nashua, NH

Dear Joe,

I first realized the full tragedy of abortion when my mom was handing out little paperback books with photos of chopped up babies in garbage cans. Prior to our marriage, my husband wrote a pro-abortion paper. He was set straight through debates—and through our son’s heartbeat at my first prenatal visit.

My best friend in high school had an abortion, at her Catholic mother’s request. She was raped on a cruise her senior year. She has since married and divorced an abusive, drug-addicted husband who put her in the hospital.

Thank you for your hard work and giving your whole life and family for these babies. I am raising soldiers to help you. I have four children who have memorized the Baltimore Catechism and can interpret it. They also pray outside Planned Parenthood amidst ugly, snarling women who come out to insult us. I also teach natural family planning (NFP) to help change people’s hearts to become all-embracing of family life and children.

I run a daycare and my tithing from that all goes to you frontline people. Keep it up. I’m training reinforcements!

Sincerely,

Daphne Sutton, Pine Village, IN

Dear Joe,

I first realized the full tragedy of abortion when I decided to follow Christ. I reexamined all social issues, and abortion screamed for action and commitment. I most admire the Pro-Life Action League because of your Christ-directed spirit coupled with God’s gift for boldness.

Sincerely,

Mr. and Mrs. Robin Richey, Greensburg, IN

Dear Mr. Scheidler,

I was present for a very sad experience as a third year medical student. A baby was born at 20 weeks due to an incompetent cervix (the mother had previously experienced seven miscarriages). The OB residents were supposed to get a piece of tissue from the heart and thigh to study it to determine if there was any genetic reason why this was happening. However, the baby was still sighing, and the residents decided to temporarily leave before cutting into the baby. They left the baby on a cold countertop to die. They acted so cold, as if this baby wasn’t really a person.

I spoke to the mom and asked her if she wanted to baptize the baby, but she refused. However, I went ahead and baptized baby Barbara on December 2, 1997. Her last moments were with dignity, and I at least wrapped her up so she wouldn’t be so cold.

I became a sidewalk counselor, and that is when my eyes really lit up to the massive corruption of abortion. What I appreciate most about the Pro-Life Action League is the leadership to help others to do good. Alone, we often feel helpless, but supported by your organization, there is power in numbers.

I know God is smiling in heaven when He thinks of you and your staff! You will only understand the immense good you have done when you get to heaven. You have started a legacy that will never end, and I know that our children and their children will continue to stand up for life. For this great endeavor, I am forever grateful to you and your family for all the persecution you have endured.

Thank you so much,

Grettel Donahue, M.D., Arlington Heights, IL

Action News welcomes your letters to the editor. We print as many as we can fit into each print edition of Action News. E-mail your letter or send to the address at the bottom of this page.

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Dear Joe,

I am an 80-year old woman. My grandmother had fourteen children, but raised only six of them. The other eight lived from six months to three years. Someone asked her why she had all those children, only to bury them. She replied, “We French-Canadians believe that every baptized infant that dies is a jewel. Six jewels make a crown waiting for the mother. When I die, I will have six children at my bedside, a crown with two extra jewels waiting for me in Heaven, and no babies hanging on my conscience.”

The sorrow of abortion touched me personally because three of my children had the innate disease cystic fibrosis (CF). They died at 8, 23, and 26 years of age. Many people thought I was crazy for having them. But I also had six that didn’t have CF. Those who had it suffered a lot, but they also laughed a lot and lived a lot. They were all artistically talented—and they loved life! Also, the six that didn’t have CF learned to be more understanding and more empathetic.

God bless you all,

Emma Schmitt, Roseville, MI

Dear Joe,

I was first motivated to do something about abortion when I learned some members of my parish were going to a local abortuary to pray the rosary, and I was to gradually become involved with that and holding a “Stop Abortion Now” sign.

I have seen firsthand how the contraceptive mentality has led to people being indifferent to abortion, how friends or family have approached me to confess their own involvement in abortion and the pain and consequences those decisions have borne upon themselves and those around them. My presence at the local abortion mill shows me how hard many hearts are and how so many participate in this horror as others ignore it.

The Pro-Life Action League has an undying commitment to remind America that the true face of “freedom of choice” means the death of an innocent child. Their perseverance and witness are an inspiration to me.

Sincerely,

Albert and Leila Stecklein, Bethesda, MD

Dear Joe and Ann,

My motivation to be part of the pro-life movement has come from the inspiring letters both of you write and your complete dedication to the cause and the sacrifices you have made.

I do believe God has a plan for each of us and we need to be open to it. Joe, your tough decision not to be ordained was part of that plan, and God gave you the grace and the inspiration to do these many years of life-saving work.

Your long battle with NOW and your success with the Supreme Court 8-1 decision are results of your untiring commitment to the cause. Devastating was the story of finding a barrel of aborted babies and the joy of learning that Cardinal Bernardin conducted a funeral and a decent burial for them. So many heartwarming stories along with the sad ones.

May God bless you abundantly,

Ruth Scheidler, Terre Haute, IN

The barrel of aborted babies Ruth refers to was discovered in 1988. See League history story—Editor.

Dear Mr. Scheidler,

I cannot express in words the deep admiration I have for your never yielding to the enemies of God’s little ones. You have suffered so very much even as the innocent victims suffer from their cruel, inhumane deaths.

I do pray fervently each day for an end to this abomination while praying at the same time for mercy for our country and the real conversion of the abortionists. I do pray also for continued grace and strength for you and all the pro-life people. I am sure our God is exceedingly pleased with you and will continue to be there to support and bless you.

God bless you,

Sister Alberta Jurewicz, Brooklyn, NY

Dear Joe,

I first realized the full tragedy of abortion when you spoke at an Illinois Citizens for Life dinner over ten years ago. My husband was always pro-life, and would get sad when speakers at church would talk about abortion. It didn’t affect me at all. In fact, I didn’t realize that I was “pro-choice” and indifferent.

For my husband’s birthday, I took him to ICL’s dinner and it happened that you, Joe, were the speaker. I didn’t walk out of there that night pro-life, but your talk definitely changed me and in less than a month I began to be involved in pro-life activities. God has used me much but as of late He has called me to be pro-life by being a mother of ten children. I have very poor health and with my current pregnancy my contribution has become the sacrifice of enduring and the sacrifice of not being able to “be on the lines” working.

You are a hero to me. You have so many gifts and use them all for God’s glory in speaking and defending the unborn—and our Faith. It makes me sad that I can’t help. I have to be satisfied that God is using me in His own way. Thank you for all your work and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

Krista Calvino, Downers Grove, IL

Though Krista cannot be on the front lines, her sons George and Nathan joined the Truth Tour this summer. See Generations for Life news for a picture of Nathan and details on his contribution.—Editor

Action News welcomes your letters to the editor. We print as many as we can fit into each print edition of Action News. E-mail your letter or send to the address at the bottom of this page.

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