Pro-Lifers vs. Liberal Cities: Who Really Wins?
We broke the myth that there is no future for pro-lifers in liberal cities like New York City and Boston. The pro-life message not only survives but thrives in big cities.
This summer, I joined 19 other TFP Student Action volunteers and students of the St. Louis de Montfort Academy to challenge the abortion narrative.
We finished our 2-week tour in Manhattan and Boston. This is what we saw.
Campaigns in Iconic Locations
We challenged abortion at iconic locations where some would be fearful to go. In Manhattan: Lincoln Tunnel, New York City Public Library, Grand Central Station.
In Boston: Old City Hall, North End, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, South Station.
New Yorkers and Bostonians are good at ignoring almost everything. But they couldn’t ignore the red standards and capes, signs and banners of the TFP, which woke them from their slumber and prompted them to engage in healthy debate about the future of our nation.
“You are all men!”
Since the band of brothers on the pro-life tour is made up of young men who live the spirit of chivalry, the left finds it bothersome. “Where are the women?” they say.
This is a deflection from the central issue: the unborn deserve the right to life.
The best TFP comebacks to “Where are the women?” include:
“Are you against the nine male justices who decided Roe v. Wade?”
“Should male abortionists stop performing abortions since they are not women?”
“Do you have to own a slave to oppose slavery?”
“They are preparing a fantastic dinner for us at home.”
A young couple hearing the street debates in NYC loved the last comeback. “That is a great response,” said the young lady. “Thank you so much for doing this.”
“Abortion hits home”
On the steps of the New York Public Library on 5th Ave., I spoke with a man from Queens.
“My wife was moved to tears when she saw you,” he said. “Her mother tried aborting her and failed. Until today she has medical complications from it. Abortion hits home for us.”
Pro-Life Daring in Grand Central Station
Severe rainstorms disrupted our afternoon schedule, but that didn’t stop us.
Caravan leader Mr. Kenneth Murphy decided to bypass the rain and take the battle underground into the subway. Thus, we split up into groups and spread out in Grand Central Station.
We gave travelers on all floors copies of 10 Reasons to Protect the Unborn.
Then we gathered in the main atrium of the station and raised the tall TFP standard and pro-life banner. Some commuters were shocked. Even the cops were surprised. “Oh, boy!” exclaimed one police officer. “You better make this real quick.”
We had enough time to snap a photo inside the station.
Taking on Boston
After two days in Manhattan, we drove to Boston. Our first stop was at the historic Old State House, where we were greeted with joy and hatred.
15-Year-Old Pro-Life Debaters
After a week of hands-on experience, many of the younger caravaners became proficient pro-life debaters.
Killian and Joseph—both 15—won several debates against people more than twice their age. Their logical rebuttals and confidence silenced more than one pro-abortion activist.
For example, one abortion advocate challenged a young TFP volunteer:
"Give me one reason abortion is wrong without using the Bible."
The volunteer replied:
"Dr. Micheline Matthews-Roth, professor at Harvard Medical School, states that it is scientifically correct to say that an individual human life begins at conception."
"No," the pro-abortion activist objected. "You can't use the Bible."
The 15-year-old volunteer calmly repeated his Harvard source. Those listening on the sidewalk quickly realized the abortion advocate had confused a scientific citation with a biblical one—and had no answer.
“They’re receiving a lot more support”
We raised the standard near Boston’s busy South Station entrance, where thousands of commuters were coming and going. Traffic was also heavy at the intersection.
Here our “honk against abortion” signs proved extremely effective.
Support was stronger than we expected in Boston. I overheard a pro-abortion feminist speaking on her phone: “They [TFP] are receiving a lot more support than I would have thought.”
Kenmore Square
We chose Kenmore Square for two reasons:
First, because it is a great intersection with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Second, we had a symbolic reason. During the 2024 pro-life Men’s March, pro-abortion agitators and Antifa blocked the march for an hour at this same location while they abused and attacked pro-lifers, leading to multiple arrests.
At this spot, we affirmed that the pro-life movement in Boston has a voice, will not be silent, and has every right to stay.
Where We Went
Kenmore Square was the last stop on our 2-week crusade in defense of the innocent, with its joys, crosses, adventures, and occasional leftist opposition.
We reached six states as well as the nation’s capital, including:
Pennsylvania: Gettysburg, Carlisle, New Oxford, Camp Hill, and Lancaster.
Virginia: Fairfax.
Washington, D.C.: Planned Parenthood, Constitution Avenue, Farragut Square.
New Jersey: Union City.
New York, NY: New York Public Library, Grand Central Station.
Rhode Island: Newport.
Massachusetts: Boston, Brookline, Charlestown.
So Who Wins?
Although Roe v. Wade was overturned, the battle is far from over. That is why the TFP is on the front lines with public caravans and campaigns.
In the battle for moral values, souls are tempted to get discouraged and lose hope. However, if good men fight the good fight and trust in God’s grace, the culture of death will be defeated.
Even in liberal strongholds such as New York and Boston, the abortion movement lacks dynamism and charismatic leadership. It also lacks persuasive arguments, logic, truth, or beauty. Although the battle is far from over, victory belongs to those who faithfully fight in God’s army.
Saint Michael, pray for us!
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