December 17, 2015 (LifeSiteNews) — Peterborough Pro-Life's bench-ad on Water Street just south of Trent University and across from Tim Hortons was trashed on Tuesday night, December 8. This is the third time this bench has been vandalized. The first time, the vandals spray-painted the contact telephone number for the help line. The second time, the culprits gouged out the eyes of the baby in the picture. This latest attack left the message on the sign blacked out by the words “Pro choice'. Some words were also painted over leaving the statement, “Take my Life”. Vandalism is itself a crime but I wonder if this might even be considered a hate crime.
The bench is directed toward women who are contemplating abortion to end the life of their unborn little one. Featured is the picture of a young baby with its hand extended toward a caption: “Take my hand not my life”. The sign also provides a national '800' number answered by the Crisis Pregnancy Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They can help the mother to find emergency support facilities in the municipality from where she is calling.
We want to deliver a message of help and hope to women who are in a crisis pregnancy dilemma. Is this an attempt to deny the freedom to present the message of our 'choice'? Vandalism, which attempts to discriminate against help for women is reprehensible. There must be many 'pro-choice' advocates who cringe at what has been done here to apparently present the message of their 'choice'.
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Through the help line these women will be presented with options to abortion as well as the possibility of receiving financial aid and/or continuing education, should any of these be a concern. Professional counselling is also made available and who in a crisis pregnancy would not welcome this opportunity. Why would anyone not want a person in need to have the opportunity to experience this possibility?
The vandals and anyone who supports this type of activity might consider an alternate approach. There is abundant research available dealing with the immediate and long lasting effects of abortion on both the mother and father as well as upon siblings of the aborted baby. Silent No More, is one of many organisations which help those who are suffering from the aftermath of an abortion. On Saturday, December 12th., the National Post had an excellent article dealing with the 25 year post abortion ordeal of a women who finally experienced relief through forgiveness. The psychological scars of losing a child through abortion can be more devastating and long lasting than the physical ones. Why should anyone be denied the chance to avoid such long lasting grief?
Another approach would be to speak with members of a pro-life group in the area. It might even be stimulating for both sides to sponsor a debate on the topic, possibly hosted by an area media outlet. Open, respectful discussion will do more to gain respect for your position then resorting to the criminal act of vandalism.