The VSHL Northern Virginia chapter is sponsoring the Helen M. Donovan Memorial Scholarship Pro-Life Essay Contest, which is open to high school seniors in Northern Virginia. The essay title is to be Roe v. Wade – Thirty Years Later. The first place award is $1,000 and second place award is $500.

The 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion, is the divisive social issue of this era. It is considered by many to be the most dehumanizing judgment since the Dred Scott decision.

The essay should explore why the terms “morally corrupt, legally flawed” apply to this decision. It should address how scientific and medical advances, as well as ethical and social consequences of the last thirty years, will affect the future off Roe v. Wade. The essay must be at least 500 words, be double-spaced and have one-inch margins. It must be postmarked by December 8, 2003 and mailed to VSHL Northern Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 22681, Alexandria, VA 22304. A VSHL committee will judge each essay. Winners will be notified in January.

The contest is named in honor of long-time VSHL member Helen Donovan, a wife, mother, nurse and tireless champion of the preborn, the ill and the elderly. In addition to her VSHL activity, she was a founding member of the National Organization of Nurses for Life, as well as the Virginia chapter. Her dedication to the pro-life ethic exemplified the virtues and disciplines that lead us to higher ideals.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, October 2003