Over the past few months, we have handed out hundreds of lawn signs and window decals across Canada. With these, we want to share some practical suggestions on how to handle conversations that might come up now that you have taken a public stand for life.
Often we feel nervous about displaying lawn signs, or having a decal on the back of our vehicle. It is definitely a bold move, but boldness is very much what is needed to engage the culture and change hearts and minds. We’ve put together a few talking points you can use in quick conversations, as well as provided links to more detailed answers for harder questions that might come up.
Scenario 1: Someone comments on the sign with curiosity
You: I recently learned that Canada is the only country in the world that has no abortion laws. Did you know abortion is legal through all 9 months of pregnancy in Canada? Most people didn’t know that, and these signs are meant to educate people and get us thinking about whether we’re ok with that. I think unborn babies deserve protection at some point before they’re born – what are your thoughts on abortion?
Scenario 2: Hostile but unspecific reaction to the sign
You: I’m sorry my sign is making you upset. Can you help me understand what you’re upset about? Is it because we have no abortion laws? Or because you like that there are no laws because you don’t think unborn babies should have any protection before birth?
If you remember only one thing when someone asks about the sign, it should be this: ask questions. The sign asks a question, and we ask you to do the same. We want to get a conversation going that leaves them pondering even after leaving the discussion. Do not feel embarrassed or apologetic about your position – simply state it plainly and ask for their thoughts. This takes the pressure off you to know exactly what to say to convince them, and makes them think about their own reaction.
For more specific questions, you’re going to want more specific answers. So if someone says, “What about all the unwanted babies who will grow up in abusive homes?” or “What about cases of severe fetal abnormalities?”, you’ll be ready to defend the value of life and ask the right questions to get them thinking.
Elsewhere on our website you can find clear answers to 12 of the most common questions asked in the abortion debate, including those mentioned above. We also have a series of video answers near the bottom of this webpage to FAQs about our International Standards Law, the initiative we are actively promoting in hopes of seeing a bill introduced in Parliament in the near future.
With these more detailed answers, it’s also great to end with a simple question, such as, “What do you think about that?” or “Does that help you understand my position?”
If you would like further clarification, or have a question about something not covered in our FAQs, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are passionate about sharing the message of life’s value with Canadians, and know we cannot do it alone. Thank you for your willingness to engage with your community – you make a difference by taking a stand!