Some years back, I worked for a non-profit organization. When people asked where, I would say “Pro-life.” The typical response would be “Ah, talaga? Sa Insurance? (Referring to Pru Life UK).” And then I proceed to tell them where I work and what it’s all about.

I am now asked what exactly is Pro-life? Perhaps the best definition comes from a non-profit organization where I worked for and stated in prolife.org.ph, “Pro-life Philippines is a non-profit organization concerned with issues on the inherent value and dignity of human life. Pro-life Philippines functions as a national body coordinating pro-life groups, providing education and documentation of life issues, and raising the consciousness of the Filipino people on respect and responsibility for human life. It is also an advocacy and legislative lobby group that advances the principles and policies consistent with the pro-life and family cause.” Founded in 1975 by Sr. Pilar Verzosa, RGS, her advocacy on promoting a culture of life does go a long way. From building maternity homes to lobbying in the congress, to championing the cause of the Pro-life movement by a Presidential decree by then President Cory Aquino proclaiming February as Pro-life month, the Pro-life movement has truly weathered storms and victories.

Furthermore, from “Evangelium Vitae”, the Encyclical Letter on the Value and Inviolability of Human Life by His Holiness Pope John Paul II last March 25, 1995, he stated, “THE GOSPEL OF LIFE is at the heart of Jesus' message.” He highlighted the story of Cain and Abel in Chapter 1 of his Encyclical and made sense to the Church’s teaching on valuing the human life. Most striking is the question, “What have you done?” (Genesis 4:10) which seems to be asked from us today. And to which Cain answered, “"Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9) is a perverse idea of freedom, according to Pope John Paul and which is sadly the case in this day and age.

It is quite wordy, but when it comes down to one thing, the Pro-life movement is really about protecting the value and dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. To which everyone is challenged to respond. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

For more information, log on to http://prolife.org.ph/ and be ready to defend life.