No One Could Know

David Daleiden, the man behind the Planned Parenthood expose’ videos, is not the only pro-lifer being legally represented by the Thomas More Society. Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League based in Chicago, Ill, is also being represented by the organization.

Scheidler, pictured with me here at a fundraiser dinner held in Omaha, Neb. in October, addressed more than 400 pro-life supporters at the event with an aim to help save unborn children and to share what’s happening on the front lines in America’s war on babies.

Non-violent, direct action methods being used by Scheidler and others in his organization are gaining traction both inside people’s minds and in our courts.

“We are doing all we can to stop the killing and the exploitation,” Scheidler said in an interview with me before the event held at Omaha’s Christ the King Parish Center. “We believe sidewalk counseling is the most important pro-life work God has given us to do. Praying outside abortion clinics is the first step in becoming directly involved in fighting abortion.”

It’s sometimes hard to understand how someone could participate in such a thing as abortion, he said.

“But they’re been lured and coerced and led down a path in a culture that doesn’t understand masculinity and femininity and sex,” Scheidler said. “There’s so much anguish and confusion and pain. We have to reach out to and speak about women who get abortions in the most compassionate terms possible. There’s no place for impatience or vindictiveness.”

Every conversation should draw someone closer to Christ, Scheidler said.

Through sidewalk counseling and prayer vigils held outside of abortion facilities, those in Scheidler’s organization reach out to abortion-bound people by sharing abortion alternatives and pregnancy resources, conduct confidential counseling and give witness to the value of the lives being destroyed inside.

“It’s surprising how much we’re able to do on the street,” he said. “Having a strong defense in the law is the gold standard for pro-life legal defense. Thomas More has enabled me to be a pro-life leader.”

The types of law suits Scheidler has personally been involved in run the legal gamut, he said, adding that he is receiving legal assistance from TM in a libel suit where Planned Parenthood defamed him. Other law suits he’s been wrapped up in include the matter of his being arrested for criminal trespassing – in a public venue.

“I was at the most popular tourist attraction on a Navy pier in Chicago,” Scheidler detailed. “I didn’t have a sign. I wasn’t protesting. I was just arrested for walking.”

The arresting officers held a flyer with Scheidler and his family’s photos on it, he said.

“I was acquitted in a bench trial without having a single witness,” Scheidler said. “The judge could see through to the truth of what happened.”

But that wasn’t his first taste of pro-life litigation. His father, Joe Scheidler, has been ensnared in cases for decades with the Pro-Life Action League that he founded before Roe v. Wade was even on a court docket.

He recalls attending pickets, protests and prayer vigils with his father as a child.

“I can’t remember a time of being unaware of victims of abortion,” Scheidler said. “I’ve been talking about it since I was in grade school.”

The key to changing someone‘s mind on the subject, he said, is to be respectful, rather than argumentative. Point out flaws in reasoning, but create a relationship by being willing to listen and show that you care for them even though you disagree.

Scheidler’s own way of thinking was changed in his adult life. Although was raised in a Catholic home, he was an atheist for many years.

“But I always knew something was wrong with abortion. That kept me searching for answers. In order for there to me a moral truth, there had to be a God. It came with a strong desire to do something about abortion,” he said.

His first professional response to returning to his faith was to establish The Gift Foundation, which is focused on explaining Catholic teaching on sexuality and contraception.

Contraception radically alters behavior, he said, but increases risky sexual behavior.

“If contraception was the answer, why do we still have over a million abortions every year in the U.S.?” he asked.

If contraception were the answer to solve the need for abortion, it would have done so by now, Scheidler said.

“I have an awful lot of sympathy for those who’ve been involved in abortion in any way. I think I get the basic problem of unplanned pregnancy, of how hard the choice is for women. Men can walk away, but they’re left with a choice. I vehemently believe abortion is always a bad choice,” Scheidler said.

A pro-life opinion or a vote on Election Day is not enough, he said, adding that if you really care about the unborn child, you have to make personal commitment to help them.

“You have to do more. Get on the front lines at an abortion center, pray at a pregnancy center or make a significant contribution. If everyone who cares were to do something extraordinary, abortions would end,” Scheidler said.

It takes a tremendous amount of work to sue Planned Parenthood, he said.

“We’re always in need of financial assistance for signage and coordination efforts,” Scheidler said. “Prayers are most welcome, especially for leaders to step forward into the pro-life cause.”

To learn more, visit prolifeaction.org.