Where Was I?

On January 23, 1973, the report came out in the newspapers that the Supreme Court had made it illegal to prosecute for killing unborn babies. Where was I? I was celebrating my 12th birthday, opening presents, feasting on cake and ice cream, oblivious to what was happening in my country and world.

During my high school years, I can recall heated conversations in the school cafeteria between my Catholic and non-Catholic friends about the morality of abortion. My best friend was adamantly opposed, my other friends were adamantly in favor. Where was I? Sitting quietly, eating my lunch, not able to make up my mind and take a side.

In college, my roommate became pregnant and scheduled an abortion. Where was I? I was driving the car to the abortion mill and waiting to bring her home. This same friend later fought cervical cancer, and was never able to have children.

In the working world in Vermont, I read reports of people in town chaining themselves to something or other in front of the abortion clinic. Where was I? Chuckling with my fellow employees over their foolishness.

After becoming a Christian in 1997, I heard about pregnancy care centers and the work that they do. Where was I? I was among those who gave a little bit here and there to assuage my conscience. I didn’t think too much about it. Certainly I wouldn’t want to be one of those fanatics outside a clinic.

On a Thursday in late November, 2006, I heard of someone who is faithful to stand outside an abortion mill in Florida every week to try to save lives. The "doctor" there is notorious for doing third trimester abortions in his five offices across the state. Where was I? I drove by, and saw that they are killing babies right across the street from the County Courthouse and the State’s Attorney’s Office! I also saw a woman being helped to a car after having her baby killed. The truth finally hit home with me. Babies are dying, and where am I?

I found out that the lonely looking building next to the abortion mill is a crisis pregnancy center. It is closed every Thursday. The problem is, they don’t have enough volunteers to keep the building open more than three days a week. Pregnancy centers across the country face the same problem - not enough volunteers, not enough funds. Lord willing, that center will soon also be open on Thursdays, even though counseling scared young moms is way out of my comfort zone.

Babies are dying. I need to be there. I’ve waited far too long. Who will be there with me?