What does one say?

August 10, 2004

The question most often asked by new-comers to sidewalk counseling is, “How do you begin? what does one say?” It is an important one.

Many factors are involved in the answer. Here are some:

The kinds of people you will talk to.

Your individual style

What you feel will work to get the mother or couple to stop and talk to you.


The situation at the particular abortion mill.

Your physical surroundings.

You needn’t worry about these fine points now. To get started memorize a set way to begin so you’ll feel secure, and use it for awhile. As you gain experience and get new ideas change it. Keep thinking and experimenting until you develop approaches that will do the job. If you find yourself disagreeing with me about some of the suggestions that follow it’s because you’re thinking on your own. This is good.

Examples:

“Hello, my name is Susan. I’m here to offer alternatives to abortion. How can I help you to have a living baby?”

“Hello, my name is Doris. Have you heard about what happened here last week?”
[A woman was taken away in an ambulance and you are going to tell her about it]

“Hello, my name is Mary. I can show you a better way than abortion. Please talk to me .”

[If you have posters and exibits]. “Come look at these posters. See what abortion is really like.”

“Abortion is bad for your physical and mental health. We can show you a better way. Talk to us.”

“Hi, I’m Jeniffer. If you’re scheduled this morning. I’d like to talk to you.
Do you have a minute?” [This one invites a lie. So be prepared to deal with
it]

[To a woman who comes alone] Hello, my name is Doris. You don’t have to face this problem by yourself, I’ll be your friend. Please talk to me.”

[To a woman who is being controlled by a boy friend or husband] “It seems like an easy way out for him, but you’re the one who has to live with it for the
rest of your life. I know how you feel. I won’t let you down. Please talk to me.”

One liners:

If you’re really pressed for time and it’s impossible to talk to her for any
length of time try one of these one liners:

"Don’t be the mother of a dead baby."

"Don’t sign the release form.''