Like many of you, Louisiana Right to Life staff members are quarantined with children and family members for the foreseeable future. But that shouldn’t stop any of us from practicing our pro-life convictions during this turbulent time with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19). 

Gov. John Bel Edwards has asked all Louisiana citizens to practice social distancing, to stay at home as much as possible and to check on elderly family members and neighbors. As of midday today, the Louisiana Department of Health has reported 257 positive cases of COVID19 in the state, with many of those affected being the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. Gov. Edwards added that Louisiana is one of the hotspots for the virus in the country. 

We are especially concerned for those in our communities who are at risk – the elderly, the medically vulnerable and pregnant women and their babies. While researchers don’t have conclusive information on how COVID19 impacts unborn babies, it’s important to remember there is not enough information on this virus to rule out a risk. 

President Trump has advised Americans to remember that younger, healthy adults can transmit the disease to vulnerable populations without even knowing it. This makes it imperative that each and every one of us, even if we are healthy, do our part by putting the health of the vulnerable first. 

Here are some things you can do to advance the pro-life cause even during the coronavirus pandemic:

• Heed the directions of our governor, president and those in authority.
• Spread the PLEDGE TO VOTE YES Campaign on the Love Life Amendment.  With the Love Life Constitutional Amendment on the Louisiana ballot Nov. 3, the same day as the Presidential election, we need to use this time while we are at home and available to make sure friends, family, fellow church members, and others know about the Love Life Amendment and are prepared to vote YES. One way we can do that is expand the “PLEDGE TO VOTE YES” campaign. (Read More About This Here)
• Write letters to those in nursing homes who can’t see their family members or anyone from the outside because their facilities are on lockdown.  Some of these facilities are even isolating residents from one another, so it is important to communicate with them. Even if you do not know someone in a local nursing home, write a letter to the nursing home introducing yourself and ask if a resident would like to be a “pen pal” with you. Some nursing homes have even set up tablets for “Facetiming” with residents.
  
• Make care packages for people in assisted living communities or nursing homes. (Note: Many nursing homes are welcoming packages but cannot accept anything edible.)
• Shop for elderly family members, pregnant women or neighbors who need assistance. 
• Continue to pray outside abortion facilities, but use appropriate social distancing. Review this post from 40 Days for Life on a pro-life presence outside an abortion facility during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Purchase supplies for your local pregnancy centers, such as bleach, gloves, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. Visit ADifficultChoice.com to find the centers near you, and call them to find out what they need and how you can help.

Now more than ever it’s important for us to not forget about others. Many of our neighbors, parents, grandparents, and even our children, are anxious and even vulnerable. Let’s spread the love and hope for the future that the pro-life movement is all about!

Do you have ideas you’d like to share with us? Email them to info@prolifelouisiana.org