by Kathy Kelly, Director, Democrats for Life of Maryland
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On June 26th, I joined several members of Democrats for Life of Maryland (DFL of MD) from Montgomery County and Prince George's County to provide a pro-life counter-presence outside of the NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland's 40th Anniversary Party at Zinnia Beer and Wine Garden in Silver Spring. Several Maryland gubernatorial candidates either attended this NARAL event or had their campaigns featured at tables there. I stood with the other Democrats for Life members out front, at the intersection of Colesville Road and Dale Drive, and we held up a Democrats for Life of America banner, Pro-Life for the Whole Life Signs, and long photo scrolls featuring large views of a 20-week developing baby in the womb.
We had plenty of reasons to provide a pro-life presence that day: escalating Medicaid abortion statistics in Maryland (which more than doubled between 2010 and 2019); severe injuries to two women at the CARE late-term abortion facility in Bethesda during May 2020; and an overly close relationship between NARAL and many Maryland politicians. We received supportive honks, waves, thumbs-ups, and words from passers-by for our presence — a reminder that our politicians should not be so tied in with NARAL. Maryland politicians have both Democratic and Republican constituents who are pro-life; I believe that it is time for more balance in these politicians' views in regard to abortion.
There were several posts by pro-choice politicians or abortion-supporting groups on Facebook pages after attending the event, including Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando in support of Wes Moore. Members of DFL of MD took the time to comment below those posts, to share some information about the event that their followers might not have. Along with alerting these politicians’ followers of our protest, our members also told Wes Moore about the Politico poll that shows a plurality of Democratic women supports the Hyde Amendment. We also thanked Council Member Jawando for his support of county libraries and their services to children, but we invited him to also protect preborn children by supporting Democrats for Life.
We must make it a regular habit to invite politicians and groups who may not have exposure to the Consistent Life Ethic to learn about our perspective, whether in-person at events such as those described above or through social media channels.