I feel like this shouldn’t be hard. And yet, I get it because I know emotions around this issue tend to run high (and understandably so).
If you’re someone who goes to abortion facilities to reach out to women in crisis in an effort to save preborn children, please … I cannot say this enough: Your success is predicated on being a normal, approachable person.
What I mean by that is that THIS moment is when people-skills matter. In spades.
No one wants to talk to someone yelling at them.
No one wants to talk to someone shoving an angry or ugly sign in their face.
No one wants to talk to someone in the middle of getting arrested.
Women want to talk with SAFE people. They won’t typically change their minds until they’re in a space to do that.
It doesn’t mean you don’t say tougher things at one point — but for Heaven’s sake, smile first; introduce yourself; and go at it first with how you can really help solve her perceived crisis. There’s a reason she’s there: financial strain, family issues, career/school worries, etc. … so what resources do you have to really help??
(Because yes, the research shows that she’s in crisis mode, and what can pull her out of it is you first showing you care about her situation — it’s the only place you’ll have a real chance to show her abortion isn’t the solution and is even wrong.)
Don’t have much time to talk? Then smile, say your name, and give her a professional card/pamphlet/gift bag that explains help available at the local pregnancy center (see optionline.org for a good one near the abortion facility) and note that she can talk to you at any time; that you’ll be praying for her, and real help and hope is waiting for her. I’ve seen MANY women turn around with this simple outreach.
In fact, we at Sidewalk Advocates for Life have helped more than 23,000 women choose life, and many of those resulted from quick exchanges!
Want more info on how to do this well and fast? Visit sidewalkadvocates.org to learn more about our training program. We’d love to help you become an effective Advocate for moms and their children. And if someone in your life is facing an unexpected pregnancy and you need more advice, drop us a line at info@sidewalkadvocates.org, and we’re glad to help!