SO MANY BOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME.
Popular bumpersticker.
Introduction.
Anyone considering joining the fight against abortion, infanticide,
and euthanasia must be armed with knowledge about these issues,
because pro-life activists will constantly encounter opposition and
questions wherever they go: From co-workers, relatives, friends, and
even from fellow churchgoers.
Any pro-life activist can obtain a library of information at moderate
expense which will provide just about all of the information he or she
needs to operate effectively.
There are generally three excellent sources of abortion-related books
in every city: The library, the local National Right to Life Committee
affiliate office (you can find the number in your White Pages or in
Chapter 20, "Pro-Life Organizations"), and, oddly enough, used
bookstores in your area. Many used bookstores have a rapid turnover on
their life-issue related books, and both pro-life and pro-abortion books
are usually available, mostly used and at greatly reduced prices.
Categories of Information.
The following categories of books are usually easily available from
the above sources. One or two volumes from each category will make an
excellent library that is invaluable to any pro-life activist,
regardless of experience level.
More up-to-date information is available in the many national and
local periodicals issued by pro-life groups all over the country, and it
is vital for activists to subscribe to those that concern them. A list
of many of the better national periodicals is contained in Chapter 23.
CATEGORIES OF BOOKS ON THE LIFE ISSUES
General Principles and Philosophy
•Primers on the life issues
•Principles of Christian living
•Anti-life philosophy and thought
•History of the anti-life movements
•Legal issues regarding the life issues
•Statistics and demographic data
•Reference
•Strategy and tactics
•Politics
Specific Life Issues
•Animal rights
•Capital punishment
•Contraception
•Communism/Atheism/Marxism/Socialism
•Environmental issues
•Euthanasia/Infanticide
•Homosexuality
•Human reproduction
•"Just war" theory
•"New Age" philosophy
•Overpopulation
•Pornography
Some books are generalized 'primers' which are especially useful for
the beginning pro-life activist. They address a broad range of issues
and possess little depth.
Other books have little range but great depth, because they examine a
narrow topic in great detail. These books are more useful for research
by the scholar or veteran pro-life activist who has narrowed his or her
field(s) of interest considerably.
Book Reviews.
The Pro-Life Activist's Encyclopedia provides three sources of
book reviews for the pro-life researcher's use;
(1) The Encyclopedia consists of 140 chapters in three
volumes. Most chapters that deal with the life issues end with reviews
of several books that address each topic in detail.
(2) Appendix B of Volume III, "Tips for Further
Research," contains a comprehensive list of books that deal with
very narrow research-related topics such as medical and legal
information.
(3) Some books are designed as introductory texts or 'primers' on
the topics of contraception, abortion, infanticide, euthanasia,
homosexuality and other issues. These books cover many aspects of the
life issues and make excellent generalized reference texts for the
pro-life activist, regardless of his or her experience level. The
remainder of this chapter consists of reviews of an assortment of more
than fifty of these primers.
REVIEWS OF PRO-LIFE PRIMERS: Abortion and Euthanasia
Randy Alcorn. Pro Life Answers to Pro Choice Arguments.
Multnomah Press, 10209 SE Division Street, Portland, Oregon 97226. 1992,
300 pages. A truly excellent book that covers all of the salient points
of rebuttal to 39 standard pro-abort slogans. There are five parts to
the book, by clusters of slogans: Arguments concerning life, humanity,
and personhood; arguments concerning rights and fairness; arguments
concerning social issues; arguments concerning health and safety;
arguments concerning the "hard cases;" and arguments against
the character of prolifers.
John O. Anderson with Doug Brendel. Cry of the Innocents:
Abortion and the Race Towards Judgment.
South Plainfield, New Jersey: Bridge Publishing. 1984, 185 pages.
Scriptural background on sin in America and the parallels between our
society and the Israel of Hosea's time make this book frightening and
motivating reading. Pastor Anderson also has a "Cry of the
Innocents" videotape, and he is available for presentations. Write
to John O. Anderson, Post Office Box 152, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601.
John Ankerberg and John Weldon. When Does Life Begin?: And 39
Other Tough Questions About Abortion.
Brentwood, Tennessee: Wolgemuth & Hyatt Publishers, 1989, 252
pages. This book is one of the best primers the pro-life movement has,
because it contains everything that a new activist needs to know. It has
four logically laid-out sections: (1) the basic question on when human
life begins; (2) answering pro-abort slogans; (3) a Biblical and
theological analysis of abortion, and (4) what Christians and churches
can do to stop the American Holocaust.
James Bopp, Jr. Human Life and Health Care Ethics.
National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund, 1985. 320 pages.
Reviewed by Thomas Marzen on pages 6 and 11 of the October 24, 1985 National
Right to Life News. A thorough review of the fundamental issues
revolving about providing or withholding medical treatment.
T.J. Bosgra. Abortion, the Bible and the Church.
Hawaii Right to Life Educational Foundation, Post Office Box 10129,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816. Although somewhat out of date by this time, this
book is still timely in that it discusses what the Bible says about
abortion and lists the actual quotes from statements made by 150 major
churches on the subject of abortion.
Gale Brennen. Alone.
1984, 32 pages, hardbound. Order from ALONE, Post Office Box 102,
Elm Grove, Wisconsin 53122. The heartbreaking story of a young boy whose
mother aborts his younger sibling and then attempts to justify her
decision in the name of "openness." The numerous photographs
accurately portray the charged emotions of the family members as the
young boy asks questions that his parents can't answer, such as
"Why didn't you abort me?" This book is reviewed on
page 8 of the August 22, 1985 National Right to Life News.
William Brennan. The Abortion Holocaust: Today's Final Solution.
1983, 237 pages. Order from Landmark Press, Post Office Box 13547,
1461 Dunn Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63138, or Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun
Life, Thaxton, Virginia 24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898, or American
Life Lobby, Post Office Box 490, Stafford, Virginia 22554. Reviewed by
David H. Andrusko on page 6 of the March 10, 1983 issue of National
Right to Life News and on page 34 of the April 1984 ALL About
Issues. This book is an incredibly detailed presentation of the
hundreds of parallels between the Nazi holocaust of World War II and the
one going on in the United States right now. Traces the development of
the holocausts from years before they 'went public' to their final
horrible configurations. The best available documentation of the more
than 225 intimate parallels between the original Holocaust and the one
now being perpetrated in our country. A 'must read' for pure interest
and fascinating facts.
Father James Tunstead Burtchaell (editor). Abortion Parlay.
Andrews and McNeel, Inc, 1981. 352 pages. Reviewed by Effie A. Quay
on page 8 of the February 8, 1982 issue of National Right to Life
News. Proceedings of the abortion conference at Notre Dame
University in October 1979. This conference did not address the core
issues of abortion, but rather attempted to 'reconcile' opposing
viewpoints regarding ancillary topics.
Father James Tunstead Burtchaell. Rachel Weeping: The Case
Against Abortion.
New York: Harper & Row, 1982. 381 pages. Five essays, marked
with crystal-clear reasoning and fully documented, addressing several
major arguments against abortion, including the Holocaust analogy, the
slavery analogy, and point-by-point rebuttals of pro-abortion slogans.
Of particular interest is the first essay, which uses pro-abortion
sources to show how damaging abortion is to women.
Martin Chervin. Born Unborn.
Order from Theater Without Walls, Post Office Box 661236, Los
Angeles, California 90066. A dramatic description of the horrors of
abortion from the points of view of the baby, the mother, and society.
Daughters of St. Paul. Pro-Life Catechism.
98 pages, St. Paul Editions. An invaluable reference for Catholics,
this book summarizes Church teaching on various life-related issues.
Arranged in a question-and-answer format with answers drawn from
official church documents.
John Jefferson Davis. Abortion and the Christian: What Every
Believer Should Know.
Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, Box 817, Phillipsburg,
New Jersey 08865. 1984, 125 pages. This book answers the basic questions
of abortion for the Christian: when does life begin, what does Scripture
say about prenatal killing, if abortion is ever justified, the dangers
of abortion, and what the Christian can do about the current situation.
Donald DeMarco, Ph.D. Abortion in Perspective.
Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174. Telephone: (703) 586-4898. An analysis of the empty philosophy
behind all of the pro-abortion rhetoric. This book allows the activist
to understand where the pro-aborts are "coming from," and thus
allows a more effective and reasoned response.
Eugene F. Diamond, M.D. This Curette for Hire.
Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898. The author discusses the deterioration
of medical ethics and the critical role of the doctor in all anti-life
activities: abortion, fetal experimentation, sterilization, euthanasia,
infanticide, sex therapy, and more.
Richard Exley. Abortion: Pro-Life By Conviction, Pro-Choice By
Default.
Honor Books, Post Office 55388, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74155. 1989, 114
pages. A good primer, very eloquently written on the foundations of the
abortion debate: Rights, the beginnings of life, child abuse, rape and
incest, post-abortion syndrome, the "coathanger myth," and
profiles of several pro-life heroes.
Bernard J. Ficarra, M.D. Abortion Analyzed.
Old Town, Maine: Health Educators Publications. 1989, 226 pages.
Reviewed by William F. Colliton, Jr., M.D, on page 46 of the April 1990
issue of ALL About Issues. A very good primer on the basic
medical, legal, scientific, social, theological, political, and
bioethical aspects of abortion, with one serious flaw; the author opens
up the door to the use of abortifacients by equating the time of
ensoulment with implantation, not fertilization.
Paul B. Fowler. Abortion: Toward an Evangelical Consensus.
Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1987. 222 pages. The author
traces the roots and social forces that decimated the Christian
consensus against abortion before Roe v. Wade, and argues against
the statement that the unborn are only 'potential persons.' The best
part of the book is a comprehensive examination of what Scripture says
about life, death, and the unborn. Mr. Fowler also challenges all
Christians to do what they can to end the abortion holocaust.
Stephen Freind. God's Children.
New York: Morrow, 1987. 538 pages. Reviewed by Diane Parente on page
9 of the July 2, 1987 National Right to Life News. A fascinating
fiction written by a Pennsylvania legislator that includes a detailed
behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process, mixed in with an
exciting story line.
Jonathan and Jeanette Gainsbrugh. The Christian Resource
Directory.
The Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey 07675. 1988,
500 pages. This book lists over 20,000 books, films, magazines, and
ministries that cover more than 400 topics in every area of activism
that Christians could possibly be interested in. These include abortion,
atheists, child abuse, Communists, cults, Dungeons and Dragons,
feminism, home schooling, homosexuals, humanists, Christian magazines,
Nazis, New Agers, pornography, Satanists, suicide, teenagers, unwed
mothers, and witchcraft. The Gainsbrughs can be contacted at
Worldshakers for Christ, Post Office Box P-1, Felton, California 95018,
telephone: (408) 438-5683.
Richard L. Ganz (editor). Thou Shalt Not Kill: The Christian
Case Against Abortion.
New York: Arlington House Publishers. 1978, 200 pages. Seven
distinguished pro-life authors, including Surgeon General C. Everett
Koop, Susan Foh, and Harold O.J. Brown, examine the various fundamental
aspects of abortion: Medical, psychological, Biblical, historical,
legal, moral, and with regards to women's liberation. A good primer in
the fundamental issues.
Thomas A Glessner. Achieving an Abortion-Free America By 2001.
Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1990, 281 pages. The director of
the Christian Action Council traces the history of the destruction of
protection for the unborn in this country and outlines a political and
legislative strategy for rebuilding it. The book has good emphasis on
attacking and defunding Planned Parenthood. Appendix D is Marvin
Olasky's very useful analysis of the abortophile public relations
campaign against crisis pregnancy centers.
John L. Grady, M.D. Abortion: Yes or No?
Paperback. Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton,
Virginia 24174. Telephone: (703) 586-4898. This short book, which has
sold almost two million copies, gives a short and straightforward
summary of the case against abortion. Ideal for discussion with an
open-minded pro-abort (if such exists).
Greenhaven Press. Abortion: Opposing Viewpoints.
Greenhaven Press Opposing Viewpoints Series, Post Office Box 289009, San
Diego, California 92128-9009. 1986, 214 pages. Reviewed by John P.
Murray on page 11 of the November 6, 1986 National Right to Life News.
Very readable collection of essays on the fundamental issues surrounding
abortion. Excellent for preparation by pro-life debaters. The questions
asked are: "When Does Life Begin?;" Should Abortion Remain a
Personal Choice?;" "Is Abortion Immoral?;" "Can
Abortion Be Justified?;" "Should Abortion Remain Legal?:"
and "Are Extremist Tactics Justified in the Abortion Debate?"
Authors include Joe Scheidler, Kristin Luker, Cardinal John O'Connor,
and Melinda Delahoyde. A catalog is available from the above address and
can be obtained by calling 1-(800) 231-5163.
Germain Grisez and Joseph Boyle. Life and Death and Liberty and
Justice.
Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1979. Reviewed by
Richard Stith on pages 185 to 189 of the Summer 1979 issue of the International
Review of Natural Family Planning. An extraordinarily detailed and
broad examination of all of the primary areas of contention in the
euthanasia battle. Considered by most to be a 'must read' for serious
anti-euthanasia activists.
Jeff Lane Hansley (editor). The Zero People: Essays on Life.
Servant Books, 1983. 310 pages. Reviewed by Douglas Johnson on page
9 of the November 24, 1983 issue of National Right to Life News.
An anthology of 26 essays on the life issues, most of which are
extracted from the Human Life Review. This book is useful to all
pro-life activists, no matter what their experience level, because the
accomplished writers bring together all of the life issues, explain
them, and show how they are inextricably intertwined.
Thomas W. Hilgers, M.D., and Dennis J. Horan, editors. Abortion
and Social Justice.
1973. Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174. Telephone: (703) 586-4898. This book covers the general medical,
legal and social aspects of the abortion holocaust, and is also a good
'primer' for the beginning pro-life activist or a memory refresher for
the veteran.
Thomas W. Hilgers, M.D., Dennis J. Horan, and David Mall
(editors). New Perspectives on Human Abortion.
Frederick, Maryland: Aletheia Books, University Publications of
America, 1981. A superb compilation of essays by the most experienced
pro-lifers in the land, dealing with virtually all of the basic issues
involved in taking human life. An excellent primer for any pro-life
activist. Articles include "Abortion Related Maternal Mortality: An
In-Depth Analysis," on pages 69 to 91, and "An Objective Model
for Estimating Criminal Abortions and its Implications for Public
Policy," on pages 164 to 181.
Dennis J. Horan and Melinda Delahoyde (editors). Infanticide
and the Handicapped Newborn.
Brigham Young University Press, 1982, 127 pages. Reviewed by David
Andrusko on page 15 of the March 24, 1983 issue of National Right to
Life News and by Charles E. Rice on page 22 of the April 1983 ALL
About Issues. An excellent collection of nine essays by Dennis
Horan, Jerome LeJeune, M.D., C. Everett Koop, Eugene F. Diamond, M.D.,
and others.
Dennis J. Horan, Edward R. Grant, and Paige C. Cunningham. Abortion
and the Constitution: Reversing Roe v. Wade Through the Courts.
Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 1987, 374. This
collection of papers on the background and history of abortion, Roe
v. Wade, and strategies for attacking the Abortion Decisions,
is often used by pro-life attorneys and makes relatively easy reading
for the lay activist. This is the book to read for an understanding of
the judicial underpinnings of abortion in our country.
Robert E. and Mary Rosera Joyce. Let Us Be Born.
Franciscan Herald Books, 1434 West 51st Street, Chicago, Illinois
60609. 1970, 98 pages. Although this book is twenty years old, it proves
once again that the basics of the abortion issue never really change.
The book could have been published yesterday. It is an easy-reading
primer on the general arguments on both sides of the issue during the
pre-Roe era. These arguments must inevitably remain the same in
the post-Roe era.
Thomas G. Klasen. A Pro-Life Manifesto.
Westchester, Illinois: Crossway Books, Good News Publishers, 1988.
160 pages. Reviewed by John Hinshaw in the March 1989 issue of Fidelity
Magazine. Mr. Klasen asserts that the pro-life movement is laboring
under false assumptions and using less than optimal strategies. Although
some of his assumptions are weak, he rightly demands that the Movement
use the power of aborted women and to console them in its campaign to
stop abortion. He proposes a series of "mourning centers" in
large cities where women could go to mourn their dead and unborn babies.
We must recognize the silent victims of the American Holocaust before we
can heal as individuals and as a nation.
Eike-Henner W. Kluge. The Practice of Death.
London: Yale University Press. 1975, 250 pages. The author ties
together in a general manner the philosophy and tactics of all of the
pro-death movements: abortion, infanticide, suicide, euthanasia, and 'senicide.'
Peter Kreeft. The Unaborted Socrates: A Dramatic Debate on the
Issues Surrounding Abortion.
Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898. Reviewed by Richard Doerflinger on
page 5 of the November 24, 1983 issue of National Right to Life News.
This book shows that all arguments for and against abortion are reduced
to one primary position: That the unborn are or are not persons. It is
also a valuable debating tool in that it shows pro-lifers how to master
the Socratic method of clarifying issues and their underlying themes
through logic and directed questioning.
J.R. Lucas. Weeping In Ramah.
1987. Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898. A fictional account of how life would
be in the future if the anti-life forces gain complete control of
society (this book is the pro-life answer to the pro-abort fiction The
Handmaid's Tale). Describes how the nationally-based pro-life groups
have been neutralized and how a small but determined pro-life
underground risk and lose their lives in their struggle to save babies. This
is prophecy unless we can mobilize!
David Mall. In Good Conscience: Abortion and Moral Theory.
Kairos Books, 1982. 166 pages, hardbound, paperback. Reviewed by Wanda
Franz, Ph.D., on page 20 of the January 6, 1983 issue of National
Right to Life News, and by Steven Baer on page 10 of the November
24, 1983 issue of the same publication. This excellent book demonstrates
the absolute correctness of the pro-life position and demonstrates the
destruction that must inevitably occur in a society preoccupied with
death.
David Mall and Walter F. Watts, M.D. (editors). The
Psychological Aspects of Abortion.
Sponsored by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch
School of Medicine, Loyola University. 1979: University Publications of
America, Inc, Washington, DC. 156 pages. Order from: Life Issues
Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia 24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898.
This collection of studies covers post-abortion psychosis, abortion and
the consequent abuse of siblings, the psychic causes of the abortion
mentality, and how abortion depersonalizes both the individual and
society in general. Written in layman's language, easily readable, and
filled with good and indisputable information.
Father Paul Marx, OSB. And Now ... Euthanasia
(Second revised edition). Human Life International, 7845-E Airpark
Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879. Telephone: (301) 670-7884. 1985, 106
pages. This little book, directed at the general reader, offers an
up-to-date assessment of the euthanasia situation in the United States
and other countries. The basic history of euthanasia, the tactics of the
pro-killing people, and the role of the courts are examined. Essential
basic reading for the beginning anti-euthanasia activist.
Father Vincent P. Miceli. The Roots of Violence.
229 pages. Order from Our Lady's Book Service, Nazareth Homestead,
R.D. 1, Box 258, Constable, New York 12926, telephone: 1-800-263-8160.
This book explains the roots of the violence that is flooding our
society today. It examines in detail our general apostasy from the word
of God, and our society's resulting allegiance to the corrupt morals and
secular values of the world.
Bernard M. Nathanson, M.D. The Abortion Papers: Inside the
Abortion Mentality.
Idea Books, Post Office Box 4010, Madison, Wisconsin 53711. 1985,
192 pages. Reviewed by Nancy Koster on page 6 of the November 24, 1983
issue of National Right to Life News. A former prolific
abortionist exposes the anti-Catholic bigotry of the pro-abortion
movement, discusses the role of the blatantly biased media in obtaining
abortion on demand, and explores what the science of fetology has
revealed about the unborn child. This enjoyable book is written in
George Will's wry and acerbic style. Dr. Nathanson is one of the
co-founders of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL).
Chapter 3, "Catholics," pages 177 to 209, describes in detail
how NARAL used blatant anti-Catholic bigotry to push liberalized
abortion laws and undermine the teachings of the Church. Other examples
of NARAL skulduggery abound in this book. For example, NARAL asserted to
the state of Massachusetts that pro-life groups have no right to endorse
pro-life candidates, even if the groups are not tax-exempt. In the
ensuing lawsuit, Federal Election Commission v. Massachusetts
Citizens for Life, Inc., the right to distribute such literature was
upheld. This is typical of the harassment lawsuits brought by NARAL and
others when any pro-life efforts are in progress. Pro-aborts almost
never spend money themselves, but get a government entity to go after
pro-life activists. Also see Chapter 1, "Abortion and the
Media," pages 7 to 109, and Chapter 2, "Fetology for
Pro-Life," pages 111 to 175. Chapter 2 consists of a detailed and
interesting history of fetology in the United States.
Joan Lowery Nixon. Before You Were Born.
Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, Indiana, 46750. 28 pages, 1980. This
is an excellent pro-life book that is basic enough to read to small
children.
John T. Noonan, Jr. A Private Choice: Abortion in America.
New York: The Free Press, 1979. Reviewed by Joseph M. Boyle in the
Summer 1980 issue of the International Review of Natural Family
Planning, pages 173 to 175. This is perhaps the finest 'primer' book
on abortion that has ever been issued. It thoroughly and clearly covers
all of the basic arguments and aspects of the abortion debate in a
general manner, and could serve as a 'framework' for further study by
pro-life activists of any experience level.
Catherine and William Odell. The First Human Right: A Pro-Life
Primer.
1983, 92 pages. Order from Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza,
Huntington, Indiana 46750, telephone: 1-800-348-2440. Reviewed by Mary
Kay Culp on page 8 of the November 24, 1983 issue of National Right
to Life News.
Father John Powell. Abortion: The Silent Holocaust.
Allen, Texas: Argus Communications, 1981. 183 pages. Father Powell
uses his familiar theme of God's unconditional love to build a strong
case against abortion, and offers a challenge to Christians: "[On
the] Day of Divine Judgment ... these questions will be asked by the
Lord of Life: Were you there? Did you see? Did you care?"
Uncompromising, yet sensitive enough to affect the thinking of an
open-minded pro-abort.
President Ronald Reagan. Abortion and the Conscience of the
Nation.
Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. 1984. Reviewed by
Chilton Williamson, Jr. on page 58 of the August 24, 1984 issue of National
Review. This is the first book written by a sitting President in
decades, but it was pointedly ignored by the media and by the major
publishing houses. It ranges over the generalities of abortion and
concludes with incisive afterwords by C. Everett Koop and Malcolm
Muggeridge.
Professor Charles E. Rice. Beyond Abortion: The Theory and
Practice of the Secular State.
Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1979. 159 pages. Order from Keep
the Faith, 810 Belmont Avenue, Post Office Box 8261, North Haledon, New
Jersey 07508, telephone: (201) 423-5395. Reviewed by Donna Steichen in
the Spring 1980 issue of the International Review of Natural Family
Planning, pages 72 to 74. An examination of the underpinnings and
workings of this secular state and how they inevitably lead to loss of
faith, abortion, and euthanasia. A very good examination of the
anti-life philosophies and how they originate and self-perpetuate in a
society that turns away from God. Professor Rice shows us that there can
be no real turning away from anti-life practices like abortion,
infanticide, and other euthanasia, unless we acknowledge God as our
master.
Professor Charles E. Rice. 50 Questions on Abortion,
Euthanasia, and Related Issues.
Order from: Life Issues Bookshelf, Sun Life, Thaxton, Virginia
24174, telephone: (703) 586-4898. This book examines the tactics and
approaches used by the pro-life movement to fight abortion and
euthanasia, and the various sources and causes of conflict between
individuals and organizations within the Movement. Every activist and
pro-life group should use this book as an aid to examining their
attitudes toward the issues and toward their fellow activists.
Professor Charles E. Rice. No Exceptions: A Pro-Life Imperative.
Tyholland Press, Box 212, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556. 1990, 131 pages. A
truly outstanding examination of the basic pro-life moral arguments
against abortion. Pro-life direct and support activities are also
described in some detail. Recommended for all new pro-life activists,
and those veterans who want to redefine and sharpen their debating
skills.
Right to Life Educational Trust Fund. RTL publishes a set of nine
booklets by Carl Landwehr that outline an effective, unified strategy
for stopping abortion in your town. The titles of the booklets, all of
which are clearly written and are full of valuable information,
accurately describe their contents. You may order these booklets
separately or as a group from:
National Right to Life Educational Trust
Fund
419 7th Street, NW, Suite 402
Washington, D.C. 20044
or from:
Life Issues Bookshelf
Sun Life
Thaxton, Virginia 24174
Telephone: (703) 586-4898.
(a) "Right to Life Grassroots
Organizing." Thorough but simple guide for the organizing of
new pro-life groups or the revival of old groups. Dedicated to the
principle that success comes from organizing properly.
(b) "I'm Pro-Life, But What Can I
Do?" A basic primer that shows how everyone has talents that
the pro-life movement can use.
(c) "Understanding the Pro-Life
Movement and Grassroots Strategy." How to use the many
indigenous resources available in your community to accomplish pro-life
goals without going to a lot of expense.
(d) "Changing Attitudes on Abortion:
Pro-Life Education that Works." How to use the media,
advertising, publicity, and displays to reach large numbers of people
with the pro-life message.
(e) "Pro-Life Legislation: How to
Win!" How to get pro-life legislators into office at the local
and state level.
(f) "Keep the Pro-Life Issue Alive:
Use Media Events." How to stage newsworthy events in order to
keep the American Holocaust in the eye of the American public.
(g) "Involving Your Church in the
Right to Life Issue." How to involve your congregation and,
even more importantly, your pastor in pro-life activism.
(h) "Successful Fund Raising." How
to raise large amounts of money for pro-life activities by putting on
events that catch people's interest.
(i) "Motivating Your Group." How
to select the proper people for the proper jobs. Certain personalities
do best when given particular tasks.
A.R. Saqueton, M.D. In Defense of Life.
ARS Publishing Company, 1981. 232 pages. Reviewed by Felicia Goeken on
page 9 of the May 10, 1982 issue of National Right to Life News
and page 11 of the July 8, 1982 issue of the same publication. The
'Right to Die,' Living Wills, terminal conditions, and many other
aspects of euthanasia are contained in this primer-type work.
Joe Scheidler. Closed: 99 Ways to Stop Abortion.
350 pages, sewn softcover. Order from Ignatius Press, 15 Oakland
Avenue, Harrison, New York 10528, or from Keep the Faith, 810 Belmont
Avenue, Post Office Box 8261, North Haledon, New Jersey 07508,
telephone: (201) 423-5395. This book, written by the head of Chicago's
Pro-Life Action League, is useful for the street activist. It doesn't
map out a complete local or area strategy, but is instead a
conglomeration of tactics that may be used in specific situations.
Stephen Schwarz. The Moral Question of Abortion.
Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1990. Reviewed by Dr. William A.
Marra on page 53 of the Winter 1991 ALL About Issues. A searching
examination of the slogans posed by the pro-abortion movement. Highly
recommended.
R.C. Sproul. Abortion: A Rational Look At An Emotional Issue.
A tutorial class on the basic issues surrounding abortion. Video
series, audio series, paperback book, and additional study guides are
available. Order from Ligonier Ministries, Post Office Box 7500,
Orlando, Florida 32854. Order by telephone at 1-800-435-4343.
Father Rosario Thomas. The Philosophy of Life: The Pope and the
Right to Life.
Pro Fratribus Press, Post Office Box 223, Warren, New Hampshire
03279. 1989, 278 pages. Despite the title, this neat little book will be
of great interest to all Christians. There are topics covered in this
primer that are found in few other similar works: The media and
abortion, the basic philosophy and theology of life, women and
motherhood, natural family planning (NFP), euthanasia, and abortion and
peace. All of these are logically covered and well-presented, but the
reading can get a little 'thick' sometimes. Definitely a book that even
an experienced activist will find challenging.
Sun Tzu. The Art of War.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1973. This classic book was
written more than 3,500 years ago, but it remains the absolute last word
on basic strategy and tactics.
Fredric Wertham, M.D. A Sign for Cain: An Exploration of Human
Violence.
New York: Warner Publishers, 1973, 375 pages. Although it does not
directly address abortion, this excellent book explores the roots,
motivations, and expressions of human violence against other humans.
Additionally, Dr. Wertham looks at the mechanics of violence in all of
its forms. Abortion and euthanasia fit nicely into this picture.
K.D. Whitehead. Respectable Killing: The New Abortion
Imperative.
1972, 294 pages. Order from Catholics United for the Faith, 222
North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801. Such is the abortion issue
that the central arguments never change. This book examines the central
themes of both sides in a readable manner.
Dr. and Mrs. John C. Willke. Abortion: Questions and Answers.
1990, 315 pages. This book costs about three dollars and can be
obtained from most Right to Life chapters or from the Right to Life
Educational Foundation or from the Hayes Publishing Company, 6304
Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224. Telephone: (513) 681-7559. This
book is the most complete generally-circulated, well-documented
compendium of abortion statistics and history ever written, and is an
invaluable tool for debaters. It is also available in Spanish (MANUAL
Sobre el ABORTO).
Ellen Wilson. An Even Dozen.
New York: Human Life Press, 1982. 181 pages. Reviewed by Nancy
Koster on page 8 of the December 9, 1982 National Right to Life News.
A series of lucid and informative essays on the primary issues of our
time, including homosexuality, abortion, and the separation of Church
and state.
Lori Van Winden. The Case Against Abortion.
144 pages. Order from Liguori Publications, One Liguori Drive,
Liguori, Missouri 63057-9999, telephone: (314) 464-2500. Reviewed in the
National Right to Life News, January 22, 1989, page 19. Outlines
in detail pro-life rebuttals to the twelve most popular pro-abort
slogans and shows how these slogans are flawed in logic, scientific
fact, and morals. Includes a pro-life primer on the basics: fetal
development and abortion techniques and harmful effects.
Wolf Wolfenberger. The New Genocide of Handicapped and
Afflicted People.
Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Training Institute. 1987,
114 pages. Reviewed by Julie Grimstad on page 46 of the May 1990 ALL
About Issues. This little volume deals with the progressive
expansion of "deathmaking" and its ties to the anti-life
mentality.
Curt Young. The Least of These: What Everyone Should Know About
Abortion.
Chicago: Moody Press, 1984. 225 pages. A good basic primer on the
history and origins of the pro-abortion movement, the philosophy of the
pro-life movement, and methods of abortion, among other important
topics.
Other Sources.
As the pro-life activist becomes more specialized in his or her
interests, local resources may not be sufficient for proper research or
reading. National groups, including those listed in Chapter 20,
"Pro-Life Organizations," and distributors, listed in Chapter
21, "Pro-Life Publicity," have literally thousands of books
and cassette tapes available for sale or loan. Some of these groups also
sell such items as sidewalk counselor literature, VHS tapes, pro-life
T-shirts and sweatshirts, billboards, and other publicity items. The
pro-life activist can find anything he needs with the help of these
groups and publishers.
Chapter 23, "Pro-Life Periodicals," includes the addresses
and telephone numbers of organizations that distribute specifically
pro-life items, and also includes the addresses of numerous publishing
houses that sell such materials.
© American Life League BBS - 1-703-659-7111
This is a chapter of the Pro-Life Activist's Encyclopedia,
published by American Life League
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