VSHL volunteers RoseAnne Brisson, Cathy Harris, Mary Murphy, and John and Mary Petchel joined me to kick off the 2004 education fair season by manning a booth in the Education Tent at the Chesapeake Jubilee May 21, 22, and 23.

Attracted by the irresistible Touch of Life Models (four lifelike models of a 12, 20, 26 and 30 week unborn baby) inquisitive Hampton Roads residents and tourists stopped by the VSHL booth to get a closer view, hold the models, and select some pro-life literature to take with them.

Our credibility received an added boost from an unexpected volunteer, a registered nurse in the booth next to ours. After overhearing visitors to our booth repeatedly inquire, “Does a 12-week baby really look like this?” she told us that as recently as two weeks ago she had held a 12-week fetus in the palm of her hand. Spellbound, she had watched the little one’s heart beat and had seen him move his tiny arms and legs during the final moments of his life. Sadly, the little one had implanted in his mother’s fallopian tube causing his life to be so brief. Yes, a 12-week unborn baby looks like a baby. The nurse graciously consented to share her rare experience over and over again during the course of the evening with visitors to our booth who very much appreciated her input.

At the Jubilee, our volunteers learned that much education is needed. For instance, when told that abortion is legal for all nine months of pregnancy, most people respond with utter disbelief and very few know that the unborn child can feel pain. By distributing documented information and brochures and meeting people face to face at fairs and events across the Commonwealth, knowledgeable supporters of the right to life continue to be added to our ranks

by Catherine Driscoll

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, June 2004