Editor’s note. This appears in the most recent edition of National Right to Life News. Please share this story and the entire 43 page issue with your pro-life family and friends.
Editor’s note. National Right to Life had the pleasure of interviewing Emily Martin, the film-maker and winner of the 2020 National Right to Life Video Contest, and Katrin Young, the subject of her video. You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/39WXBCbD-EQ
NRLC: Where did the idea for this video come from?
Emily: After seeing a video testimony at church, I realized how impactful a personal abortion story can be.
Katrin: I had told Teresa Strack, who was the President of Montgomery County Right to Life, that I would be willing to share my story with anyone, anytime.
NRLC: How did you get interested in the right to life movement?
Emily: My parents have taught me about Christianity my whole life. As a Christian, I understand that every person is created in the image of God. It hurts me to see so many women being coached and supported to believe that their baby is not a person. So I wanted to get involved to hopefully help influence women to make a decision for life.
Katrin: I wanted the opportunity to come alongside other women struggling with the fear of unplanned pregnancy. I want to let them know that they are not alone and to warn women of the regret that comes with an abortion decision. I also want people who are pro-life to understand that mercy, love, and grace are absolutely necessary when dealing with the abortion issue. God’s forgiveness is offered to everyone for all sin.
NRLC: What message do you hope the video conveys?
Emily: I hope this video conveys the impact of the decision for abortion. That it is not something that will ever be forgotten. The mother will live with the decision for the rest of her life. I know there are many women like Katrin who have been through the same thing. I hope it will inspire women to share their stories, and help others avoid the lifelong hardships of choosing abortion.
Katrin: I hope that the words I spoke convey that while it may be frightening to face an unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. God sees you, God loves you, and will not abandon you- even if you make decisions for your life that you end up regretting.
NRLC: What do you hope people your age understand about the right to life argument?
Emily: I can’t begin to imagine the fear and uncertainty that comes with an unplanned pregnancy. But whether or not it’s planned, the human being that results has every right to live as their parents do. My hope is that people will see the truth and give the opportunity of life to that little human inside. Life is a precious gift from God, and should never ever be considered optional.
NRLC: What was your reaction to hearing Katrin’s story for the first time?
Emily: It was the first time I had ever heard someone tell the story of their choice for abortion. Her sorrowful regret had a strong impact on me and made me realize how destructive abortion is to the mother. I really respect her courage to tell her story knowing that some people will judge her for her decision.
NRLC: How do you see yourself involved in the right-to-life movement in 5 or 10 years?
Emily: Protecting the life of the unborn is very important to me. God has given me a passion for film production, and I hope to be able to use all that he provides to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. Video testimony and documentary stories are powerful resources to inform people and reveal the truth about this lifelong decision.
NRLC: Katrin, In the video, you share some words to women who find themselves in a situation similar to the one you found yourself in when you were younger. Can you elaborate on the importance of accepting the feeling of not being abandoned and not being “meant to be used and discarded?” What should we do or say for women we know facing difficult pregnancies?
Katrin: Abortion feeds on fear. A woman who thinks about abortion is scared–this baby will change her life. Who will be her support system? Who will be there for her if she decides to keep this baby? Who will help? Where is the dad in this picture? For so many women- once pregnancy happens–the man flees, leaving her feeling that she was only good for one thing. Now that a sexual relationship has turned into a baby, life got too serious too quickly. Now not only is she scared, but also feeling used, discarded, and abandoned.
What we can say for women facing difficult pregnancies is, “I’m here to help, I’m here to love you, and see you through this.” Lead her to resources like pregnancy centers, where she can see an ultrasound of her baby, get counseling to talk through her fears, receive items for her baby, and take parenting classes. For those of us who have been through it ourselves, we can come alongside and understand what she’s going through.
An important thing to remember, if a woman facing a difficult pregnancy decides to get an abortion, we can love her anyway. We all make mistakes, and Christ chose to die for us while we were still sinners. For a woman to feel truly loved, she needs to see Christ’s love in action and receive the gift of His love for herself.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
