Martyrs
In such a great conflict, there are certainly some casualties and thus there exist martyrs for each of the movements. In the case of radical pro-life organizations such as the Army of God, those who are arrested and/or put to death for their violent actions are revered as heroes for the cause. The Army of God refers to figures such as Jennings and Roeder as “American heroes” for their actions that resulted in the death of abortion doctors and staff. Even Operation Rescue who prides itself on their use of peaceful, legal tactics to achieve their means honor those who have been arrested due to their involvement in protests by posting videos onto their website.
For the pro-choice movement, martyrs are seen as the doctors and clinic staff who have fallen victim to violent attacks at the hands of pro-life groups. People such as Dr. George Tiller and Dr. John Britton are spoken highly of and remembered for their bravery and dedication to the cause. NARAL, a pro-choice organization, released this statement on the fifth anniversary of George Tiller’s death:
“Today, we honor his bravery and life’s work along with eight other doctors and clinic workers who have died in the line of duty since 1993.”[2]
Due to the controversial nature of the issue, it appears as if the conflict between pro-choice and pro-life organizations will not cease anytime soon. Each side has its strong beliefs and viewpoints and does not seem to be faltering throughout the changing times. The pro-life movement finds its basis and foundation in religion and scriptures, which is unchanging; the pro-choice movement places emphasis on the authority of the women and their right to their bodies. Unless each movement radically changes from their current stance, the two sides will stay pitted against each other and it is very possible that violence will continue to ensue in the conflict.
[2] Gordon, Samantha. "NARAL Pro-Choice America Remembers Dr. George Tiller on the 5th Anniversary of his Death." May 30, 2014. http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/media/press-releases/2014/pr05302014_tiller.html. Accessed April 21, 2015.
