By Isabella Wagner
Before an audience of her peers at an all girls high school in Park Slope, St. Saviour H.S. freshman Isabella Wagner delivered the following speech:
When does life begin? We all wonder which exact moment defines the start of life.
In the Roman Catholic Church, we believe that God is the one who can create life in just an instant.
Because God creates every living being, he knows everything about each one of us. He knows our favorite color, our favorite band, every emotion we feel and so many more of our quirks and qualities.
He is also the only one who can end life. No one else can take it upon themselves to do such an act. Every human being should have the opportunity to lead a successful and joyous life.
Pope Francis once said: “The right to life is the first among human rights.”
In our modern world, this God-given right is taken away from beings who cannot answer for themselves and those who have barely taken their first breath. Pro-Life is the belief that all life is sacred and deserves to be protected. No matter which gender, age, or race you are affiliated with, your life matters. You matter!
Life is all about making decisions. Throughout our time on earth, we will make many choices. You will contemplate cutting your hair into a bob, but then realize that it might not be the best haircut for you. You will decide what college you want to attend, for some sooner than others. You will choose which flavor of ice cream you want to order after trying three different kinds. As you know, some decisions that we make as young women aren’t as important as others. A decision that is significant is how your life can affect someone else’s.
Pro-Life doesn’t just have to be about unborn children.
Being Pro-Life also refers to treating others as we would like to be treated and the world around us with respect. All life is sacred and deserves to be preserved. Go out of your way to make other people’s lives better. Maybe hold the door open for someone in your apartment building. Tell a funny story to your best friend when she is having an off day. Make the world a better place. Try recycling or conserve water. These are little ways for you to change the world; to bring life back into our modern society.
Pro-Life is something very dear to me. Some of my family members and friends wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for their parents’ decision to support Pro-Life.
I believe that life is beautiful and deserves the utmost respect. It is only given to those who truly deserve it, almost like a prize, the greatest prize that could ever be bestowed upon someone.
Life is something that cannot be replaced, so cherish it.
The character Ferris Bueller in the famous 1980s film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” once said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”
You have to take the life that God has given you and use it to become your true identity. Give your posterity that same opportunity and support Pro-Life.
