Footprints is the official newsletter of the University of Notre Dame Right to Life Club.
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Footprints: Notre Dame Right to Life vol. 5, issue 3 FOOTPRINTS Reflecting on Project Mom Abby Statham, ’13, reflects on her commission’s work this year Project Mom is a commission within the Notre Dame Right to Life club. Every semester, we team up with the Women's Care Center of South Bend to provide a baby shower for pregnant women who are receiving free prenatal assistance from the center. It runs entirely on donations from students, clubs, and the University, and anyone who wants to attend may do so. We try as by Christopher Damian On November 1, the Center for Ethics and Culture (CEC) held its fifth semi-annual Bread of Life Dinner, featuring Mary O'Callaghan, PhD, as its main speaker. Students gathered in the Morris Inn to hear her talk, titled: "Prenatal Diagnosis: Embracing Center for Ethics and Culture Hosts Bread of Life Dinner Issue 3, 31 Dec 2011 2 6 7 “Unknown,” a short story by sophomore Liz Everett, was chosen as the Fall 2011 Pro-Life Essay Contest winner. Featured on page 2. Members of Notre Dame Right to Life visit Hannah and Friends for a dance party. On page 6 This Fall, Notre Dame hosted a variety of pro-life events. For a list of some of those events, go to page 7. “Don’t ever underestimate the beauty and power of the witness you give in your pro-life work.” Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia Continued on page 3 and Supporting a Culture of Life." More than fifty students gathered at tables for the event, each with a faculty or staff member. Participating faculty and staff included CEC assistant director Angela Pfister, CEC director and philosophy professor David Solomon, political science professors Continued on page 4
Transcript
Footprints: Notre Dame Right to Life
vol. 5, issue 3
FOOTPRINTS Reflecting on Project Mom
Abby Statham, ’13, reflects on her commission’s work this year
Project Mom is a commission within the Notre Dame Right to Life club. Every semester, we team up with the Women's Care Center of South Bend to provide a baby shower for pregnant women who
are receiving free prenatal assistance from the center. It runs entirely on donations from students, clubs, and the University, and anyone who wants to attend may do so. We try as
by Christopher Damian
On November 1, the Center for Ethics and Culture (CEC) held its fifth semi-annual Bread of Life Dinner, featuring Mary O'Callaghan, PhD, as its main speaker. Students gathered in the Morris Inn to hear her talk, titled: "Prenatal Diagnosis: Embracing
Center for Ethics and Culture Hosts Bread of Life Dinner
Issue 3, 31 Dec 2011
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“Unknown,” a short story by sophomore Liz Everett, was chosen as the Fall 2011 Pro-Life Essay Contest winner. Featured on page 2.
Members of Notre Dame Right to Life visit Hannah and Friends for a dance party. On page 6
This Fall, Notre Dame hosted a variety of pro-life events. For a list of some of those events, go to page 7.
“Don’t ever underestimate the beauty and power of the witness you give in your pro-life
work.” Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia Continued on page 3
and Supporting a Culture of Life." More than fifty students gathered at tables for the event, each with a faculty or staff member. Participating faculty and staff included CEC assistant director Angela Pfister, CEC director and philosophy professor David Solomon, political science professors Continued on page 4
Footprints: Notre Dame Right to Life vol. 5, issue 3
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Unknown: A short story The following essay was written by Elizabeth Everett, Notre Dame 2014, and chosen as the Fall 2011 Notre Dame Right to Life Pro-Life Essay Contest winner.
I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember. She doesn’t know I’m alive. I long for her to hold me in her arms, to let me know I’m all she lives for, but days go by and she never acknowledges me, seems to be unaware of my existence. Of my presence.
I am learning so many things here, partaking in so many experiences, but whenever I catch a hint of her sweet, melodic voice, my world seems to stop. For now, I am content with my occupation as an unseen observer. But sooner or later, she will have to come to terms with me. I am hopeful, yet fearful, for that day.
* * *
Amy slammed the car door shut and jogged up to the big wooden door, fumbling around in her bag for the set of keys. A beautiful spring day, the sky as blue as a robin’s egg. The petite garden in front of her was yet to bloom; the bulbs had not yet dared to poke their heads above the soil. A glimmer of red caught her eye –– a small, wild blossom slowly starting to creep its way toward the sun. Amy smiled as she crossed the threshold of her dorm. Closing the heavy door, she phoned Mark, her significant other of two years.
“Hey, honey, I’m not feeling too well so let’s postpone dinner ‘til next Saturday. ’Kay, talk to you later, love you, bye.”
* * *
Saturday night Amy stood dressing, tucking her long hair behind her ears. She stood on tiptoes to reach the lamp switch on her bureau, shaking her head ruefully as she did so, wishing for the umpteenth time she could add on a few more inches. She stepped outside and saw two butterflies in a tizzy, fluttering around, looking for nectar from nonexistent flowers. Amy looked over at the tiny blossom; she really should water it, but not tonight. No, tonight she had more important things on her mind.
That night at dinner Mark held her hand and reassured her. They talked a long while. What could they possibly do? They had one option. Only one.
“Honey, you know that, right?” Mark’s anxious face, his hazel eyes peering into her own.
Silence.
“I just want what’s best for you. I can’t –– we can’t –– deal with this right now. Think of school, our future...”
And so she gave in, because she didn’t want to lose him.
That morning Amy dressed slowly. She pictured Mark’s earnest expression, his lips telling her it was no great thing. She repeated this to herself, and was resolved before the last button was done. The bright smile that faced her in Continued on the next page
Footprints: Notre Dame Right to Life vol. 5, issue 3
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hard as we can to make an environment just like the one that their friends and family might throw for them, were they able to: homemade food, traditional baby shower games and prizes, and, of course, the mothers are highlighted and celebrated. Most mothers come with their own mothers, and some bring their fathers, partners, or friends. We try to make the event special for them, supporting them and giving them childcare necessities and some nice, special items in the form of baby shower gifts.
This semester, we received enough donations to host five mothers at the shower. We were even able to buy them car seats, bottles, and pacifiers, which are regarded as
superfluous items on our list. One of the most appreciated gifts, though, were handmade blankets crocheted by members of the club. For many of the mothers, this was the first time that they realized that, yes, the child in her womb will someday come out and that, yes, his feet will be small enough to fit those tiny little booties. It was very moving to watch them and see how happy they were and know that, though they were not aware of it, I had worked hard to make a substantial positive difference in their lives.
One of the most moving reactions was that of a mother, who I will call “Amanda,” and her mother. At the beginning of the shower, Amanda seemed to try to play it cool, as though the shower was no big deal. During the gift opening, though, when
Reflecting, continued from page 1 she saw the tiny pink booties, she started to cry. At that point her mother came up and stood next to her. Beaming down at her daughter, she said, “I know that you will be a wonderful mother. I am so proud of you!” After the party, Amanda came up to me and told me how much she appreciated the help that we gave her. “You know, I want you to be there when my baby is born. I want you to come to the hospital and see her.” We exchanged phone numbers, and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child that I, along with my co-commissioner, put so much effort into providing for.
For more information about Project Mom, including contacts, pictures, and a Target Registry for the spring, visit chooselife.nd.edu and click “Project Mom” under the “Events & Activities” tab.
the mirror confirmed his words. A sigh of relief escaped her lips.
* * *
I don’t know what is happening. All I know is I’ll never see her face, or hear her lovely voice. The voice that I imagined would whisper sweetly in my ear grows harsher as she severs our ties forever. If she would only pause for a moment, she would realize my love is not a burden. But to her this is nothing.
* * *
Two hours later, Amy pulled up to her dorm, its majestic turrets casting shadows on the manicured lawn. A light breeze began to meander and the azure sky seemed to darken for an instant. A solitary petal flew into her face, whirled around her in the wind, an embrace of unknown, unrequited love. She brushed it impatiently away and tread quickly and quietly along the worn, old cobblestone path. She didn’t even notice her flower had been choked by the weeds."
Continued from the previous page
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government decided to give all pregnant women free prenatal testing. Thus, children with Down Syndrome were targeted for abortions. In the first year, only 60 babies with Down Syndrome were born in the country. That
number decreased by one-half the following year. Denmark is
hoping to celebrate the last birth of a Down Syndrome
child by the year 2030.
Dr. O'Callaghan described such targeted abortions as "destruction of a class of people," describing this societal goal to end Down Syndrome as resembling the goals of racist and sexist regimes. She suggested two different strategies for prenatal diagnosis. First, we must insist that prenatal diagnosis, like all medical diagnosis, be for the good of mankind. Offering the French Catholic pediatrician and geneticist Jérôme Lejeune as an example, she highlighted the importance of research in seeking a cure to disabilities, such as Down Syndrome.
Secondly, she discussed the importance of addressing fundamental questions of personhood and suffering. Stating that a list of symptoms offered after prenatal diagnoses can "strip the humanity" from the child, she proposed a task greater than research. Physicians must convey the sense of personhood in the child. Speaking of her own son, Tommy, who suffers from Down Syndrome, Dr. O'Callaghan said, "Nothing in this diagnosis comes
Daniel Philpott and Phillip Muñoz, history professor Fr. Bill Miscamble, and philosophy professor John O’Callaghan, and his wife, Mary O’Callaghan, the speaker for the event.
Focusing on recent developments in prenatal diagnosis, Dr. O'Callaghan discussed both dangers and opportunities for good associated with this new technology. She stressed that "any type of medical diagnosis should be a life issue." Unfortunately, there is currently a 90% abortion rate in the United States for unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Dr. O'Callaghan focused on three recent developments. First, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advocated a recommendation in January of 2007 that "all pregnant women, regardless of their age, should be offered screening for Down syndrome." Secondly, new healthcare legislation is advocating such screening in the US, raising concerns about the development of a national screening program. Third, Sequenom, a biotechnology firm, has developed a non-invasive blood test that could be administered to all pregnant women to diagnose Down Syndrome in the first trimester.
Dr. O'Callaghan described Denmark as an example of the dangers of such testing. In 2004, Denmark's
“Nothing in this diagnosis comes to the heart of the beautiful baby boy that is
my son.”
Continued from page 1
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to the heart of the beautiful baby boy that is my son." Rather than advocating the current "spreadsheet approach," she stressed that the "side promoting human nature and dignity must trump everything." Materials should include pictures and stories of children with disabilities and their families, and families whose unborn children are diagnosed with disabilities should be partnered with families who have experienced similar situations. We must show the value in our relationships with our children, for "it is where we relate to others where our worth is most clearly seen."
She ended by quoting Evangelium Vitae: "Here it is a matter of God's own love, of which parents are co-workers and as it were interpreters when they transmit life and raise it according to his fatherly plan. This is the love that becomes selflessness, receptiveness and gift. Within the family each member is accepted, respected and honored precisely because he or she is a person; and if any family member is in greater
need, the care which he or she receives is all the more intense and attentive."
After the talk, students and faculty engaged in discussion over dinner. Following dinner, Dr. O'Callaghan answered questions. Each participant received a copy of Blessed Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae.
Dr. Mary O'Callaghan is the co-founder of InForming Life, "a non-profit organization dedicated to providing accurate information and support to parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome and to helping them bring their babies to term". For more information about InForming Life, email [email protected]. She is also involved in Perinatal Hospice, "a clearinghouse of information about perinatal hospice and palliative care." For more information about Perinatal Hospice, visit perinatalhospice.org. For more information about the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture or the Fund to Protect Human Life, visit ethicscenter.nd.edu.
We are Pro-Life. We are ND. Visit chooselife.nd.edu and click
“Videos” under the “Pictures” tab to see videos of students talking about what it’s like to be pro-life at Our
Lady’s University.
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by Matt Povlock Pro-lifers not only defend life-they
celebrate it! On Saturday, November 12, five members of Right to Life visited Hannah and Friends to celebrate life by spending a few hours tearing up the dance floor. Hannah and Friends is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs. In addition to offering numerous educational and recreational programs, H&F hosts monthly dance parties that give their program participants the chance to “cut a rug” to their favorite tunes. The dance party at H&F was organized by Right to Life’s newly developed service commission. This commission offers club members the chance to exercise their commitment to defending and celebrating life through service to others in the South Bend area. The group is specifically focused on working with members of the special needs community, elderly citizens, and women in challenging pregnancy situations. A few of the places where pro-lifers are currently serving these groups include Hannah and Friends, the Women’s Care Center, and Hannah’s House. One of the five members who visited Hannah and Friends was Right to Life president, Samantha Stempky. To her, this type of outreach embodies the mission of the club. “Going to Hannah's House was fantastic - who doesn't love a good dance party?” stated Samantha. “The kids are so genuine and full of joy. And the more time you spend with them, the more you realize that
they're exactly like any other kid - excited to hang out with their friends and make some new ones, while having a good time! This type of outreach is crucial for pro-lifers because it puts a face to our work. These beautiful kids are often targets for abortion - why? - because they have some unexpected challenges. But we all have challenges! Theirs are just a little more uncommon. We all have different talents to bring forth for the fight for life, but the most valuable thing we can offer is ourselves. We have to live the pro-life message, not just work for it. And I believe one of the best ways we can give thanks to God is by appreciating His many blessings - especially the kids at Hannah & Friends.”
The essence of what it means to be pro-life is manifested in love of others, especially the most vulnerable among us. This outreach concretely expresses the club’s mission and values, and Right to Life is excited to expand the number of service opportunities in the near future.
Dancing for Life: Right to Life members visit Hannah and Friends
Registration is now available for the 2012 March for Life. Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, and Holy Cross students, faculty, and staff can register online at chooselife.nd.edu.
Footprints: Notre Dame Right to Life
vol. 5, issue 3
Footprints
Notre Dame Right to Life University of Notre Dame, 305 LaFortune
“As our nation continues to struggle with the morality and legality of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and related issues, we must seek
steps to witness to the sanctity of life.” Rev. John I. Jenkins, September 2009
November 10-12: The Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture held its annual Fall Conference based on the theme: “Radical Emancipation: Confronting the Challenge of Secularism.” As part of the conference, more than twenty speakers presented on various life issues.
November 15: RTL hosted its fall all-club meeting, at which members discussed an article by Paul Swope entitled, “Abortion: A Failure to Communicate.”
December 5: Following the monthly Mass for Life, celebrated by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the Notre Dame University Faculty for Life (UFL) invited Right to Life members to a reception to meet some of the many pro-life faculty and staff at Notre Dame. For more information about the UFL, visit ufl.nd.edu.
December 6: Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan presented the introductory lecture for Notre Dame’s “Project on Human Dignity,” sponsored by the Office of University Life Initiatives and the Institute for Church Life. His lecture was titled: “Modern Questions, Ancient Answers? Defining and Defending Human Dignity in Our Time.”
More Life-Affirming Events
Want more information about Notre Dame Right to Life? For more
information, pictures, events, donations, videos, pregnancy resources, and more, visit
