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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Renee Schafer Horton of AZ 6:44PM August 14, 2009
Karla Stockdall of MO 1:22PM August 14, 2009
K E Peterson of CA 9:11PM August 13, 2009