The value of a life has never been measured more in history than it is now.  But what does this mean to us as Catholics?  As the tenth child out of eleven children, I have always appreciated the God given right of being born. Yet, this right is taken away for thousands of unborn children every day. I am in a state of bewilderment when those that are “pro-choice” voice their opinion for another human being not to have a right to live. Where is the social justice for the unborn? Who takes up for those that cannot speak for themselves?

President Donald J. Trump has been a champion for the unborn. The President continues to deliver the pro-life message throughout the nation. The dedication of his administration in promoting social justice for all Americans has been vigorous. President Trump stands with his promises and commitments in promotion of human rights for everyone, especially those that do not have a voice.

Vice-President Mike Pence visited a pro-life medical facility in Tampa, Florida on August 5th. He went to offer support and care for the women, families and staff during this deeply personal and poignant time in their lives. I believe he is the first Vice-President who has made this commitment to support life, whether it be the young, the old, the sick, or the homeless. 

Now, how would this world have been if Rosa Parks or Susan B. Anthony became a “choice” instead of a “life.” How would the space program be without Katherine Johnson? The famous aviator, Amelia Earhart gave women inspiration. I could go on and on with this list, but what is sad is that I could also go on and on with the “what ifs” on those that were a “choice.”

I am thankful for the Trump-Pence administration for their strong commitment to social issues like criminal justice reform and promoting economic opportunity for all Americans. During his term, President Trump signed the First Step Act into law—the most significant criminal justice reform in decades. The African American community has long suffered from laws that put non-violent offenders locked up for sentences far longer than deserved. He also initiated the Second Chance Program that encouraged hiring of these individuals to enhance the reforms of the First Step Act, while promoting crime-free lives with substantial jobs. The Administration launched a “Ready to Work Initiative” to facilitate the communication between employers and former prisoners to assist in expanding employment opportunities. 

President Trump’s policies have been paramount to our economic revival and were inclusive for all Americans. President Trump is a champion for the well-being of all individuals.. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rates for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans had all reached record lows under President Trump. Over 2 million Americans were lifted out of poverty, with the poverty rates for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans falling to new lows prior to March 2020. President Trump has advanced workforce development to ensure everyone can seize on the opportunities created during the economic boom. His Pledge to America’s workers has prompted companies to pledge employment and education opportunities for nearly 15 million Americans.

With President Trump’s work ethic, there is no question that he will get the economy back on track while we fight COVID-19.  I know that these are trying times due to the pandemic, yet I have confidence that President Trump is the best person to help our country get back to how we were just months ago. He needs your support so he can continue the fight for social justice to all Americans and promote the pro-life message to the world. 

While I have followed the teachings of the church and listened intently with favor and respect about the importance of protecting life, I am confused about the mixed signals I am getting about the upcoming presidential election from fellow Catholics as well as those in leadership. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.  From the first moment of their existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person—among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.”

These statements are perfectly transparent and have no room for debate.  Why are some Catholics taking a liberal approach to this election?  Are the rights of the unborn less of a concern than their thinking of being “politically correct?”  If you are not finding proper guidance from the clergy and leaders, it is ultimately your responsibility to protect the unborn.  It is your voice and vote that is vitally important.  As Christians, it is our ultimate goal to seek eternal life and to help others as well.  What is your ‘choice’?

The decision for Catholics is clear. President Trump is pro-life, while Joe Biden is pro-abortion. We need the Catholic vote to vote for life.

 – Bernadette Cordaro Boyd, Ph.D., F.N.P., is a member of the Catholics for Trump Advisory Board