The Power of Pro-Life Perspective

By Amy Gehrke, NRLC Advertising Coordinator

A principal objective of National Right to Life is to educate the public and make people aware of the truths surrounding abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. One of the most powerful tools we have to do this is our radio program, Pro-Life Perspective. This daily five-minute program is heard in hundreds of communities across the nation, primarily on Christian radio.

The first Pro-Life Perspective aired in January 1985. According to Darla St. Martin, NRLC associate executive director, the leadership of National Right to Life believed that a tremendous number of people could be reached through radio, especially pro- lifers in the then-exploding Christian radio audience. After much thought, a five-minute program, hosted by the NRLC president, was developed.

Pro-Life Perspective is now stronger than ever. In fact, the 4,000th episode of Pro-Life Perspective will air in the spring of 2000.

Today, Pro-Life Perspective is hosted by NRLC President Wanda Franz, Ph.D. "I love doing Pro-Life Perspective because it allows us to address the personal issues and events which really demonstrate our pro-life commitment through the lives of real people," Dr. Franz told NRL News. "I know that I'm speaking to an audience with pro-life convictions who share our concerns. Our audience needs to have the valuable information which only National Right to Life can provide to be more effectively pro- life."

Dr. Franz discusses a broad range of topics that address abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide on Pro-Life Perspective. These programs include important news stories one may not hear about through other outlets, such as news items on abortion-related deaths, partial-birth abortion, or the dangers of assisted suicide. Occasionally, Dr. Franz shares personal accounts from people like you who are on the front lines of the abortion battle.

Olivia Gans, director of American Victims of Abortion, is Pro- Life Perspective's co-host. Ms. Gans conducts interesting and informative interviews on current topics with various key players in the pro-life movement.

Among the list of important pro-life figures who have appeared on the program are New Jersey congressman Chris Smith, prominent pro-life obstetrician/gynecologist Camilla Hersh, M.D., and columnist Cal Thomas.

Many international pro-life figures have also been heard on Pro- Life Perspective. These include Robert Wheelan, vice chair of the Institute on Population and Economy in England, and Michael Oskerson, the director of the national pro-life organization in Sweden. In addition, prominent NRLC staff members such as Director of Research Randall O'Bannon, Director of Medical Research Burke Balch, Federal Legislative Director Douglas Johnson, Executive Director David N. O'Steen, Ph.D., and NRL PAC Director Carol Tobias, just to name a few, have been guests in front of the Pro-Life Perspective microphone.

Many Christian broadcasters across America believe that Pro-Life Perspective is an important part of their stations' programming. In a recent survey of Pro-Life Perspective stations, WJTM in Central Maryland told us, "Excellent program, keep up the great work defending life."

WVOE, in Chadbourn, North Carolina, says the program contains " wonderful information," while WGSG in Mayo, Florida, reports that at least two unborn babies have been saved because of Pro-Life Perspective.

If Pro-Life Perspective is not currently airing in your city, contact me, Amy Gehrke, in the NRLC Media Relations Department at (202) 626-8833. I will tell you how easy it is to approach your Christian station about airing the program.

Christian stations generally run the program as a public service, either free or at a reduced rate. NRLC will provide Pro- Life Perspective tapes to stations airing the program free of charge.

Dr. Franz summed up the effectiveness of Pro-Life Perspective by saying, "Pro-Life Perspective is an excellent educational tool because it covers such a wide range of issues from political events, to legislation, to the personal stories of pro-life people. Pro-Life Perspective is also potentially one of the most inexpensive ways to bring our message to the widest range of people in our communities."

Starting soon, Pro-Life Perspective scripts will be available on NRLC's web site at www.nrlc.org.