Bernard Nathanson, one of the most captivating spokespeople to have joined the right to life movement passed away Monday in New York City of cancer. He was 84 years old. By his own estimation, Nathanson performed over 75,000 abortions, including one upon his own girlfriend back in the 60′s.
Nathanson founded NARAL, (National Abortion Rights Action League) in 1969 and operated an abortion clinic in New York City in the 60′s and 70′s. He went through a process of soul searching that led him to dramatically change sides on the abortion question. For years he described himself as a pro life atheist before converting to Catholicism in 1996. Sadly, he never found his spiritual home with pro life orthodox Jews who oppose abortion that is not required to save the life of the mother of the child.
Nathanson wrote, campaigned and made films against abortion, such as “The Silent Scream” (Presented below) and Eclipse of Reason. He described his pro life views as follows.
“I know every facet of abortion. I helped nurture the creature in its infancy by feeding it great draughts of blood and money; I guided it through its adolescence as it grew fecklessly out of control.”
He was villified by so called feminists and pro abortion activists for his change of opinion, which made him a powerful spokesperson for the right to life movement. His film “The Silent Scream” laid out in chilling detail what abortion is and advocated finding alternatives with heartfelt earnestness and sincerity.
I felt pride as a Jew when Dr. Nathanson took up the defense of the unborn back in 1979. I felt deep sadness when he left Judaism, a faith that shares his respect for life at all stages. And I am saddened by his the news of his passing that has been made public today. Rest in peace. Dr. Nathanson.
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