Program Success 3 May 2022
Abortion ’ s
Twisted Logic for Black America
By Catherine Davis and Bradley Mattes Guest Columnist
Planned Parenthood , the nation ’ s largest abortion provider has done a masterful job of creating a false impression that its programs somehow benefit the black community . A recent example of its success is Charity Navigator ’ s inclusion of Planned Parenthood in a list of charities that promote “ black health , education , rights and community development .”
The tragic reality is that 79 % of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities are located within walking distance of neighborhoods that have proportionately higher populations of black or Latina women . An analysis of census tract data clearly documents that this kingpin of the abortion industry targets women of color , selling them the illusion that they must choose between career advancement and the lives of their babies .
Any doubt about this skewed impact on women of color would be dispelled if Planned Parenthood were to publish data on the proportion of its abortion clients who are minorities . Planned Parenthood pointedly declines to release this data .
Joining Planned Parenthood ’ s deception are the many legislators who benefit from the organization ’ s largesse . Several Democratic U . S . senators incredibly cited race when opposing a bill requiring medical aid for babies born alive after a botched abortion . One stated that black babies are three times more likely to die in their first year , which is an odd reason to withhold care from them .
Another senator cited racial disparities in the healthcare industry to justify not giving lifesaving aid to already-born infants . A third Democratic senator cited abortion as a means of lowering the 700 maternal mortality cases each year in the United States . This so-called advocacy is an insult to black women and the nation .
Abortion in America has contributed to the greatest decline in black population since the first black slaves arrived in the Americas in the 1600s . According to U . S . census data , there were 18,871,831 black American citizens in 1960 . Since Roe v . Wade legalized abortion in 1973 , abortion has killed an estimated 20 million black babies — more than the entire black population of 1960 .
How does this Benefit the Black Community ?
Claims that the pro-life community is a bunch of white supremacists are completely baseless . Such calumny cannot erase the truth that abortion has been used to control the black birth rate , and Planned Parenthood has led that charge . Pro-life leaders , both black and white , have linked arms with the grassroots movement , and we are advancing the protection of black unborn babies and their mothers .
Only in a world of twisted logic could organizations and individuals working tirelessly to save black lives from abortion be called “ racist ” for their efforts . Only in a world of twisted logic can it be acceptable for legislators to use the race of those killed to justify their destruction .
We reject both ideas . Instead , we stand with the spirit of Frederick Douglass , who called the Declaration of Independence , with its affirmation of the right to life and application to “ all men ,” the “ ring-bolt to the chain of [ our ] nation ’ s destiny .” As Douglass said , “ The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles . Stand by those principles , be true to them on all occasions , in all places , against all foes , and at whatever cost .”
Catherine Davis is president of the Restoration Project . Bradley Mattes is president of the Life Issues Institute