What do you risk to stand up for life?
Posted by Danielle Bean
in News
on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 4:23 PM
Did you read the news about Michael McMonagle, a 55 year old American who staged a pro-life protest in Tiananmen Square?
With the one-child policy that encourages abortions, couples can now have more than one child—if they pay a fine. For many families, that can be more than a year’s salary.
“In some parts of China, 10,000 yuan [or about $1,400] is the price of life,” said McMonagle, cofounder of Generation Life, which advocates chastity for young people.
McMonagle said he was trying to raise money to channel to Chinese women who can’t afford the fines but don’t want abortions.
The protesters were taken to the police station and threatened with jail time before being sent back to Philadelphia. They believe they were treated “lightly” only because the world was watching.
I am such a wimp. Back in college, I once wore a “Pro-Life” t-shirt to a party where I knew it wouldn’t be well received. I also once organized a campus display of hundreds of white crosses to represent the number of abortions that take place in one hour in the United States. What’s most embarrassing is how uncomfortable even these small kinds of protests make me.
Naturally, the location of McGonagle’s protest calls to mind the brutality of China’s past response to public protest. I am not sure I would be willing to risk Chinese jail time (or worse) in order to draw international attention to the plight of Chinese women and their babies. But I am awfully glad people like McMonagle are.
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Filed under abortion, china, pro-life, protests
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Comments
1. Posted by Bridgette Grady
[website] on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 7:18 PM (EST):
I so relate to this post! Mainly, the “being a wimp” part. When I think of how easily (and loudly) some people defend the “not pro-life” side, I am sad that I am not more active in my defense of life. My mother is my hero. She is 65 years old and prays the rosary in front of the only abortion clinic left in her town. She has prayed through hours of really awful recordings that the clinic plays through a loud speaker to keep her away (often, she is the only person there - we live a plane ride away). She could become so angry, but she prays for the people inside the clinic as well. She is truly pro every life. I pray my rosaries to be more like her.
2. Posted by Lindy
[website] on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 7:44 PM (EST):
We are all called to stand up for life in different ways. Danielle (and others), don’t sell yourself short. You make a huge public statement and defense of life everyday as live your family life. Your simple trips to the grocery store or public library with 8 kids in tow (or even on a light day with a portion of your family) are a testimony to life and a visible protest to the culture of death. While you may not be risking jail time, I’m sure you’ve endured your fair share of comments, scorn, etc. More importantly though, you are raising soldiers for Christ. Your example today may very likely lead them to be the hero future writers blog about.
3. Posted by Mary Alexander
[website] on Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 3:49 AM (EST):
I love Mike McGonagle. I remember Randy Terry once saying if I ever become Catholic it will be b/c of Mike McGonagle and since he’s Catholic now I hope he gets some credit.
To the commenter whose Mom says the Rosary in front of the abortion clinic, a clinic owner once said, “One protester in front of the clinic will slow my business down by half.”
Very powerful witness.
Mary
4. Posted by Elisabeth Laskowski on Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 11:54 AM (EST):
Yay to Mike! I am so proud of you!! 
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