March for Life Founder says No Exceptions, No Compromise

The pro-life (movement) must have no exceptions. You don't kill the mother to save the baby and you don't kill the baby to save the mother.

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ARLINGTON, Va. (Arlington Catholic Herald) - The award was established in 1975 as the Brent Society Award for Distinguished Service by then Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. The award honors those who "served their fellow man without regard to social, political or economic stress, while courageously promoting the fundamental dignity and rights of mankind in the name of the Lord."

Past recipients include Supreme Court Justice Anton Scalia and former president of George Mason University Dr. George W. Johnson. The award name was changed this year to honor former Arlington Bishop Welsh who passed away in February.

Nellie Gray was introduced by Dr. Brian Clowes, research director for Human Life International, who referred to her as a member of the "greatest generation" for her service with the Women's Air Corps in World War II. Clowes said that Gray was the "most persistent pro-life person I know."

Gray became involved in the March for Life quite serendipitously. After the Jan. 23, 1973, Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, several of her friends wanted to stage a march to protest the Supreme Court decision.

"We need a place to meet, can we use your house?" they asked. She agreed.

They needed an address for a police permit.

"Can we use your address?" they asked again. Again she agreed.

Their persistence paid off because eventually she became president of the March for Life.

"You need to be careful who you invite into your dining room," she laughed.

During her hour-long speech, Gray railed against those who want to compromise a total pro-life position. She warned against finding a middle ground because she believes there is no middle ground when it comes to abortion.

"The pro-life (movement) must have no exceptions," she told the audience. "You don't kill the mother to save the baby and you don't kill the baby to save the mother."

Gray said the movement must accept the "life principles" drafted in 1974 and incorporated in the movement's charter. They must be accepted by your total mind, heart and soul, she said. The nine principles were framed purposely in a positive tone and reflect the tenor of the U.S. Declaration of Independence beginning with, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all human beings are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among which is the right to life."

The ninth principle urges the adoption of a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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Gray concluded her talk by saying that abortion is persecution and "we pray for the light."

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Republished by Catholic Online with permission of the Arlington Catholic Herald , the official publication of the Diocese of Arlington, Va. (www.catholicherald.com).