Monthly Archives: December 2015

Saving Mothers and Unborn Babies from Violence

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By Maria Gallagher, Legislative Director
gallagher@paprolife.org

I was reading a health insurance newsletter when an alarming statistic caught my eye: according to a study, each year–each year!–324,000 pregnant women are battered by their intimate partners. That means more than a half million people are at risk, when you consider that each of those women is carrying a vulnerable baby.

SadwomanAdd to that the fact that the number one cause of traumatic death for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth is murder. Of those women killed, a sizable percentage are murdered by their intimate partners.

Abused women are also more likely to suffer from depression, pregnancy complications, and substance abuse. Also, keep in mind that statistics show that 60 percent of abortions are coerced. In many of those cases, the abuser may do the coercing, threatening a woman with violence, loss of shelter, or loss of income if she does not agree to abort her child.

Domestic violence poses a profound threat to preborn children. In many cases, the violence in the home can lead women straight to an abortion facility.

This is one of the reasons pregnancy support centers are so valuable. They can serve as first responders, attending to the needs of a battered pregnant woman. They can help empower a woman so that she leaves her violent situation, thereby protecting both herself and her preborn baby.

If you suspect a pregnant woman you know is being abused, it is important that you provide her with support, a listening ear, and make her aware that she has options to get to a place of safety. For some tips on how to talk to a woman in such a situation, click here.

And for the nearest pregnancy help center in Pennsylvania, click here.

Domestic violence is undeniably a contributing factor to abortions in this country. When we empower pregnant women to seek freedom from abuse, we provide a critical lifeline to both mother and child. There are many reasons the heartbreaking tragedy of abortion remains legal in this country. Domestic violence is one of them.

Baby who defied the odds and lived sends a touching Christmas card to the world

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In the spirit of Christmas, one Florida family is sharing a special message of hope and life with the world.

Brandon and Brittany Buell posted a series of Christmas photos on social media this week to celebrate their son Jaxon’s first holiday at home.

jaxon8Jaxon, who is just a year old, almost never had the chance to sit on Santa Claus’s lap or send a Christmas card. Before he was born, doctors diagnosed him with an incurable brain malformation and advised his parents to abort him.

The Buells refused, but they said they later faced criticism for their decision to choose life for their son.

LifeNews.com shares more about Jaxon’s miraculous story:

A few days ago, the family posted photos of Jaxon around their Christmas tree on social media. One photo shows Jaxon with a special message written on a giant Christmas card. It reads, “I wanted to send a Christmas card to the entire world from me, my mama & my dada. Thank you for supporting me! From my family to yours … Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!! #JaxonStrong”

On Sunday, Jaxon “had one of the best days of his life” when he met Santa Claus for the first time, his father told Fox 29 News. The family also watched the movie “Rudolph.”

“More big milestones for our little guy!” his father said.

Jaxon, who celebrated his first birthday this summer, is beginning to walk and speak, the Buells told the news station. He can say “Momma”, “Daddy” and “I love you.”

“Jaxon has already shown how strong, smart and special he is, accomplishing feats that doctors doubted he’d ever be able to do, shows improvements each and every day, and just reached a miraculous milestone in celebrating his first birthday,” his family shared on Facebook. “Ultimately, Jaxon will need a miracle long-term.”

The family said Jaxon still needs prayers for his continued medical treatments.

This precious little boy’s story holds the warmth of hope and love that are so common around the holidays. His story and his parents’ decision to choose life is something to celebrate all year long.