Spring has sprung! As I watch all the whirly birds fly off our trees in the breeze…they are free to land as they choose…potentially to bring forth the life of another tree, get blown off the porch onto another surface or get sucked up in the next mowing…that’s their life reality.
As I ponder the holistic wellness approach to the pro-life and pro-choice debate…it seems it should involve broader aspects of holistic well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of this life. This perspective aims to find common ground and promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole regarding our human experience.
The term “pro-life” has traditionally been associated with opposition to abortion, advocating for the protection of unborn life. However, expanding the pro-life philosophy to encompass more aspects of our human experience provides a more inclusive and compassionate approach… emphasizing the value and dignity of all lives, advocating for policies and practices that support the well-being and rights of every individual.
Expanding pro-life principles to health care means advocating for universal access to quality health services for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This includes preventive care, maternal and child health, mental health services, and treatment for chronic conditions. Ensuring that marginalized communities, such as people of color, low-income individuals, and rural populations, have equitable access to health care is essential to a holistic pro-life ethic.
A broadened pro-life perspective respects women’s autonomy in making reproductive choices while also ensuring they have access to necessary (often life-saving) comprehensive reproductive health services. Child birth can be a high-risk challenge for many. This includes contraception, prenatal and postnatal care, and support for those choosing to parent. Providing education and resources empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive wellness options.
In addition, a truly pro-life stance recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of LGBTQ individuals. This means advocating for equal rights, protections, and opportunities, ensuring that LGBTQ people can live freely and openly without fear of discrimination or violence. Pro-life in this context involves supporting policies that protect against hate crimes, ensure marriage equality, and prohibit discrimination in employment and housing, etc.
LGBTQ individuals often face higher rates of mental health issues due to societal stigma and discrimination. A pro-life approach supports access to affirming mental health services, including counseling and support groups that are sensitive to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ people. Promoting acceptance and understanding within families, schools, and communities is also crucial to reducing mental health disparities and fostering a supportive environment.
A pro-life stance that extends to social justice advocates for policies that address the root causes of poverty and economic inequality. This includes supporting living wages, affordable housing, access to quality education, and social safety nets such as food assistance and unemployment benefits. Ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives requires addressing systemic barriers to economic security.
Protecting the dignity of voting access for those in all communities is comprehensive pro-life ethics…protecting our democratic freedoms!
A pro-life approach to environmental issues recognizes that the health of our planet directly impacts human life. Advocating for policies that address climate change, reduce pollution, and protect natural resources is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for all generations. Supporting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation efforts are critical components of this approach.
Ensuring that all communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, have access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions is a key aspect of a holistic pro-life philosophy.
Pro-life values support access to quality education for all individuals, recognizing that education is a fundamental right that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. This includes advocating for equitable funding for schools, access to higher education, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Valuing the lives of teachers and educators by ensuring they have the resources, support, and fair compensation needed to provide high-quality education is also a critical aspect of this approach.
Expanding the pro-life philosophy to encompass a broader range of human experiences means advocating for the dignity, rights, and well-being of all individuals throughout their lives. By adopting a holistic pro-life ethic, we can work towards a society that truly values and supports every human life, creating a more just and compassionate world for all.
So as we whirl through our life experience(s) and expand our concept of pro-life, let’s convert our judgements into loving kindness to others, including ourselves
Spiritual Meditation: Humanity doesn’t lead us to the truth, it is the truth. – Daily Medicine