Mixed Signals

From the desk of Father Frank Pavone:

The next section of the book, Father talks about how we can change the way we talk about the unborn in order to create a greater sense of "personhood." (my word) If we can come out of thinking about the child as "coming," as "expected" and start thinking of that child as "already here," then we can change the language we use about a pregnant woman.

If I haven't confused you already, let me explain. Father Pavone wants our message to be that the unborn child is already here. So instead of saying that a couple has "one on the way," say things like "she is carrying a child."

He also says that as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant, the couple should choose a name. Obviously pick one boy and one girl name, but a name should be chosen right away because that baby is a person. I think about my son being born and we didn't name him for HOURS after he was born. We just couldn't agree on a boy's name, so we didn't pick one. I guess we were in that mindset of not a baby worth naming until he was "here," when in fact, he was already "here."

Just doing these small things can help us as pro-lifers to cultivate a culture of life. To cultivate a culture of accepting life when life actually begins. To cultivate a culture of respect for the baby and for the mother. Changing the way we have been taught is not easy, but it can be done.

If anyone has any other suggestions for how we can change our verbage so we don't give "mixed signals" please do so in your comments. Thanks so much!!