Live Action founder and president Lila Rose recently spoke with Anthony Bradley, a professor, writer, and Distinguished Research Fellow at The Acton Institute. The two discussed the racist and eugenic history of the abortion movement, how the pro-life movement can better help pregnant women and young families, and the important role of fathers in family life.
Bradley shared that he was spurred to become more active in the pro-life movement after seeing the effects of abortion in the Black community. Upon researching the eugenics movement for a class, he learned that Margaret Sanger started Planned Parenthood with the goal of targeting Black communities. That impact and the prevalence of high abortion rates in Black communities continues today.
He believes there are two main issues leading so many women, especially those in the Black community, to choose abortion. The first is the decline of marriage rates and the second is the emphasis on the idea that abortion is “necessary” for women. Many women face insecurities in economic stability, housing, and employment, and they’re told that the only solution to these problems is to kill their preborn children. Instead of abortion being offered as a solution, these mothers should be given real help to lift them above these areas of insecurity so they can raise their children.
To that end, Bradley says the pro-life movement can do more to help the women who are being targeted by abortion, especially Black women. For instance, while pregnancy resource centers provide help and support to pregnant mothers and young children, he believes pro-lifers need to think more broadly about the kinds of help they can offer. He suggests creating job training programs, better education opportunities, and offering programs that give women sustainable housing can all help them feel more equipped to bring their children into the world.
Bradley also shared his belief that if those in the pro-life movement are going to truly fight for the preborn, they have to let go of some of their comforts. One tangible way he sees people helping is by opening up their homes to pregnant women or young families in need. He believes this calling would be especially ideal for empty nesters, noting that there are many homes in America today with empty bedrooms. Filling those rooms with young families in need is a wonderful opportunity for service that could set a family up for flourishing and thriving for multiple generations.
Bradley and Rose also spoke about the chronic issue of fatherlessness in society today.
“We need to put men in a position where they see fatherhood as an aspiration,” he told Rose, adding that young men need to be encouraged and even coached in their role as fathers. Many men today need to see fatherhood as something to aspire to, not something to run from.
Unfortunately, the role of fathers has been increasingly diminished as men are viewed as expected to contribute a paycheck and little else. Despite this idea, studies have shown that a father’s presence in the home and his engagement with his children can make a dramatic difference in their lives. “Connection is so important,” he emphasized.
As Rose and Bradley ended their conversation, Bradley offered one more call-to-action for the pro-life movement. “We have to roll up our sleeves… and love our neighbors really, really well,” he said. “That’s the way we’re going to make real progress on this issue.”
