From 40 Days For Life: DAY 21: "Weeding out the unfit"

Deacon John, The mentality that drives abortion is not “choice” or “privacy.” It is control. Abortion survives on the philosophy of might makes right and the idea that the powerful can control the fate of the weak. In her book Woman and the New Race, Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger wrote that birth control “is nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit, of preventing the birth of defectives or of those who will become defectives.” This elitist view strips away the dignity of the human person, especially those deemed as “unfit” or a “defective.” This mentality sheds light on a growing trend, as today is World Down Syndrome Day. The sad truth is that people with Down syndrome are disappearing. With the advent of fetal testing, a diagnosis of Down syndrome has become a death sentence, as the parents of these children are often told the best course of action is abortion – an action they take an estimated 92 percent of the time. A recent report in Iceland says that country’s figure is closer to 100 percent. These stats say the worst about our society. The reality is that those labeled as “unfit” can teach us more about God’s love and our own humanity that many others can. Children with disabilities can take more work, time and sacrifice -- but they are not a burden. This is seen in the joy of children with disabilities and their parents. We discuss their courage and share the devastating impact abortion has on those with disabilities in this podcast episode. It is very moving to see children with disabilities praying at a 40 Days for Life vigil, and it happens often. There is usually a story behind their presence at the abortion facility, because many parents are pressured to abort. When they chose life, that child becomes a witness to God's unconditional love. I have an exciting update about one of my favorite all-time 40 Days for Life stories involving a child with disabilities that I can’t wait to tell you about – but I can’t reveal it just yet! But it’s coming soon. In the meantime, here are a couple of stories about faithful parents who decided it was better to trust God than to trust the experts.

Sacramento, California When the 40 Days for Life team met with Sacramento volunteers on a bus tour stop, they were introduced to a woman who had received troubling news from her doctor. She was told there was between a 40 and 60 percent chance that her baby would be born with Down syndrome or another chromosomal anomaly, or perhaps a heart problem. Faced with such a diagnosis, the doctor started to advise an abortion. The baby’s parents quickly cut him off. They would accept and love whatever child God gave them. That was almost five years ago. These parents attended the 40 Days for Life vigil recently ... with their completely healthy child. The medical diagnosis could have easily been explained from a “glass is half full” perspective – that the baby had a 40 to 60 percent chance of being fine. But based on even a hint of problems, the prospect of abortion was raised almost immediately. Thankfully, these were strong parents with a strong faith!

Baia Mare, Romania One of the 40 Days for Life volunteers met a friend at the vigil who stopped to offer a big hug and a thank you. A year ago, this woman’s sister was pregnant, and the doctors recommended a battery of fetal tests – something that’s become common in what they consider high-risk pregnancies. The tests came back indicating the baby could possibly have Down syndrome or trisomy-18. The almost immediate recommendation from the “experts” was abortion. The mother was admittedly suspicious of the test results, but was nonetheless determined to keep her child no matter what. “She shared the most wonderful news,” the volunteer said. “Her sister has a perfectly healthy baby and has enjoyed every moment. I thank God for the decision she made!” The Baia Mare team member said this story serves as a reminder to women who have doubts, who may panic when told of unexpected problems with their babies. The message is: trust God, choose life.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. -- Ephesians 6:12-13 Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. Thank you for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn D. Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316