To the Editor:

“To be or not to be, …”, that is the question many have entertained as they have received, performed, and sanctioned more than 60 million abortions since Roe v. Wade in 1973. January marks the anniversary of this court ruling that has impacted our humanity in a similar fashion as Shakespeare’s 16th century work, Hamlet: It defines our culture and outlines the footsteps of generations in the past, present, and future. To be or not to be defined by legalized murder: Abortion.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated January 22nd as National Sanctity of Life Day. “To be or not to be,” echoes in my mind as my thoughts settle on the significance of this month dedicated to the Sanctity of Life. To be or not to be cognizant of what it means to value a life. To be or not to be mindful of the song a heart beats at merely 21 days gestation. To be or not to be aware of the abstract and unique fingerprints of a forming fetus that one day will fill his or her lungs with the air of our precious world. To be or not to be encouraging to the pregnant mother that does not know how she will take care of an unplanned baby. To be or not to be the voice that speaks with love and helps to cancel the death sentence abortion brings. To be or not to be fearless in the face of those that do not consider abortion murder.

To be or not to be the one that blames the rapist of the crime of rape and see the resulting baby and his or her mother as the victim, neither deserving death by murder. To be or not to be a comforter for the one that has had an abortion and regrets it every day. To be or not to be the one that lets the regretter know that God is a forgiving God full of grace and mercy. To be or not to be a sharer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that boldly declares God’s love; a love that loves unconditionally!

“To be or not to be, that is the question: …” Who will you be? What will you decide?

A life is sacred. I challenge you to consider doing your own work and learn more about the Sanctity of Life movement. Being Pro-Choice is not a choice when it comes to abortion because it ends in death, literally: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically for the baby and sometimes the mother. Choose LIFE.

There are other options available instead of abortion. If you need help, if you have questions, please reach out to the Family Resource Center of Ahoskie (FRCOA). They have caring advocates that can provide supplies for baby and mom, a listening and supportive advocate to speak with, skill building resources, and much more.

The FRCOA is located at 217 Church St. W, Ahoskie. Stop by the center, call (252-862-4777), or email (frcofahoskie@gmail.com) them to find out how you can receive support or become an advocate.

Amber Smith

Advisory Committee

Family Resource Center of Ahoskie