Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Hero of the Antiabortion Movement
By Dan Gilgoff, God & Country
Could one of the most prominent Democratic families of the 20th century have produced a poster girl for the antiabortion movement? Apparently yes. Check out this statement from the Susan B. Anthony List, an antiabortion group, upon the death today of Eunice Shriver, sister of John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy:
"No one more than Eunice Kennedy Shriver understood better the power held by the most vulnerable in our society," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "She fought for those hidden in the shadows of life, while acknowledging that they teach us far more than we could ever offer them. She was consistent in her championing of every vulnerable human life."
On July 14, 1992, Eunice and Sargent Shriver joined Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and many other influential pro-life leaders in signing a full-page ad in the New York Times protesting the Democratic Party's embrace of the abortion-rights agenda. The ad, titled The New American Compact, called for support of policies that embrace both mother and child. The ad concluded with the following statement:
We can choose to reaffirm our respect for human life. We can choose to extend once again the mantle of protection to all members of the human family, including the unborn. We can choose to provide effective care of mothers and children.
And if we make those choices, America will experience a new birth of freedom, bringing with it a renewed spirit of community, compassion, and caring.
"Eunice Kennedy Shriver's heart for the most vulnerable among us will be deeply missed," said Jane Abraham, General Chairman of the Susan B. Anthony List. "She fought for the dignity inherent in every human life, born and unborn. Her legacy will serve as a life-affirming example to young women everywhere, and for that we are so blessed."
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an early supporter of the Susan B. Anthony List and its mission to advance, mobilize, and represent pro-life women in the political process. She and her husband, Sargent Shriver, also lent their time and talents to the efforts and activities of Democrats for Life of America and Feminists for Life.
Who knew? I haven't seen mention of Shriver's antiabortion activism in today's obituaries.
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Reader Comments
Shriver
Great post, Dan. Thanks for pointing this out. I didn't know this about Mrs. Shriver. Found out about your post in a comment on a blog I wrote about doing the right thing. Thanks for your work.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/godblogging/2009/08/10/do-the-right-thing-or-not/
Loss of Mrs. Shriver
Dearou Senator Kennedy & the Kennedy Family,
Thank you so much for sharing your sister, mother, wife, family member with the rest of the
world. Mrs. Shriver has definitely made a huge difference in my life, my daughter's life,
and millions of others. All our family's prayers & thoughts are with you in this time of
your lives. God Bless All Your Family. Sincerely
Karla Stockdall
The Shrivers
I was so amazed to read about Eunice and Sargent Shriver's stand on Abortion. They truly lived what they believed. Their actions were consistent with their words. I recently read a comment from Maria Shriver about what her father required of them when they came home from College on Summer Break. He wanted them involved in service to others. It would be wonderful to see their legacy of grace and compassion come to the for front as a role model for the Nation. What a hidden blessing.
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