Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity – October 18, 2022, history, significance
Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity takes place every year on the third Tuesday of October, falling on October 18 this year. It’s a day for us to remain silent in remembrance of the children who have lost their voices as a result of abortion.
HISTORY OF PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY
Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity began in 2004 by Bryan Kemper. According to his account, a student of McNeese State University posed the question, “What can I do to work with other students around the country, in solidarity, to help end abortion?” A lightbulb went on in Kemper’s head and the idea occurred to him to rally students to not only stand in solidarity with others, but also with the lives that are lost to abortion every day.
On this day, students and other interested parties are encouraged to wear red duct tape with the word “life” written on it and remain silent in solidarity with aborted children. In order to explain the objective of the day without breaking silence, participants distribute flyers explaining why they are silent and what the pro-life day is all about.
The idea to use duct tape came about when Kemper was speaking at an event and some young people, whom he later discovered were supporters of pro-life organization Bound4LIFE, walked in with duct tape over their mouths.
Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity is sponsored by the Stand True organization, a non-profit also founded by Bryan Kemper that stands against abortion. Today, the day is celebrated by thousands of students of all ages across America.
PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY TIMELINE
1987
March for the Unborn
During a blizzard, 10,000 pro-life supporters march through Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.
1995
Roe v. Wade
Norma McCorvey of the famous Roe v. Wade court case quits her job at an abortion clinic and becomes a pro-life advocate.
2004
Pro-Life Day
The Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity is established.
2014
The Silent Protest
Pro-life protesters, with red duct tape over their mouths, take a stand in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
HOW TO OBSERVE PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY
Do some research
Use this day to perform your own research about the pro-life movement in order to learn more.
Start a conversation
Conversations are important to boost communication between both sides of an argument. Have intelligent discussions with others.
Take a stand
On social media, use the hashtag #ProlifeDayofSilentSolidarity to create awareness.
5 STARTLING FACTS ABOUT PREGNANCY
Premature births
Studies reveal that a fetus can survive outside the womb at 22 weeks.
Breast milk may come early
Pregnant women can start producing breast milk from as early as 14 weeks into the pregnancy.
Blood volume increases
The blood volume of a woman increases by 30% to 50% during pregnancy to provide more oxygen for the child.
Babies can recognize voices
A baby can recognize its mother’s voice during the third trimester.
Increase in heart size
Women’s hearts actually increase in size during pregnancy.
WHY PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY IS IMPORTANT
Meaningful conversations
This day gives us an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about a topic that’s often avoided.
A day of silence
Protests are often characterized by loud chants and physical demonstrations. Maintaining silence is a powerful way to make a statement without a single word.
Voices for the unheard
This day is a chance to honor and speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
