Pro-Life equals Pro-Human Development

By Sean DeWitt

Coming out of the last election, the issue of life has become the pivot point for many Christian voters—a point of reference to polarize candidates. This great distinction is mostly based around the issue of abortion. In some cases, the division has made the pro-lifers seem more like anti-abortionists than people with a true respect for life.

But reading the Pope’s new encyclical, Caritas In Veritate, one is reminded of the scope of the respect for life movement. Benedict says:

One of the most striking aspects of development in the present day is the important question of respect for life, which cannot in any way be detached from questions concerning the development of peoples. [28]

The Pope reminds us that pro-life means pro-human, pro-people, and pro-community. The issue of life intricately connects conception, life (without poverty), natural death, and criminal justice. Though the Pope writes in great detail about the issue of abortion and contraception, citing the spread of an anti-birth mentality, Benedict keeps life in the context of human development. As he says:

Openness to life is at the centre of true development…The acceptance of life strengthens moral fibre and makes people capable of mutual help. By cultivating openness to life…they [wealthy or developed peoples] can promote virtuous action within the perspective of production that is morally sound and marked by solidarity, respecting the fundamental right to life of every people and every individual. [28]

Catholic Charities prides itself on furthering the development of people, their families, and their communities. We do this by fighting poverty on all fronts through direct service, community collaboration and advocacy of social justice. Here at Catholic Charities we respect the life of every individual and do our best to protect and honor the dignity of every person we serve.