The Pro Life movements in Germany and Austria are growing. Besides the popular Marches For Life in Berlin and Vienna there are vibrant youth organizations, which organize Pro Life rallies, events, school talks and local groups. The youngest organization of this kind is ProLife Europe, which was founded in 2019 and describes itself as “a transnational Pro-Life organization with one goal: the protection of human life at every stage of its evolution and development”. I had the chance to speak with Clara Auersperg, ProLife Europe’s press officer, who is located in Austria.
Let’s get right into it: What does it mean to you being Pro Life?
For me, being Pro Life means being for the child and for the woman! I am Pro Life because I want parents – especially women – to be able to say yes to the human growing inside of them. Being Pro Life means helping to raise awareness and to find real support for women in pregnancy conflicts.
You are a member of ProLife Europe. What is the main purpose of this organization?
We want to be part of the generation that will abolish abortion. We want to create a culture of life in Europe. The right to live is the most fundamental human right! Our motto: Life is life – From conception until natural death. No exceptions.
But aren’t there already so many Pro Life organizations in Europe? Why found another one?
Our mission is clear: We want to reach and encourage teenagers and young adults to actively stand up for life in their environment. The problem of abortion is an international topic. It is not limited to individual countries. Many countries do not have any Pro Life groups yet. We want to form active Pro Life groups there. In some European countries there already are Pro Life organizations. In that case we want to work together with them. Because together we can make it happen! Together we can create a culture of life!
What do you do to reach young people? How do you convince them to be active in a Pro Life organization?
Our groups plan regular events in which they stand up for humans’ life and spread the vision of ProLife Europe! Additionally, ProLife Europe offers so called LifeTALKS for all schools from the 8th grade onwards. The talk takes place with two school units and is free of charge. During the lecture, the various topics are worked out sensitively and interactively with the class.
So how is it going so far? Is ProLife Europe growing?
ProLife Europe is definitely growing. So far, we have formed 25 Pro Life groups in 7 countries across Europe and we have 6 partner groups in 5 more countries.
What are – in your opinion – the major strengths of the German Pro Life movement?
I would say Germany has a lot of potential to motivate young Pro Life people to actively get involved in the Pro Life movement. Just as great is the potential to reach young people through personal conversations with the Pro Life message, to reach the truth and to encourage them to rethink.
And the major weaknesses?
Networking and cooperation with all the different Pro Life organizations, each with their own individual focus, needs to be better.
So what do you think must happen to solve these problems?
I think, communication is key. I am optimistic that we will overcome our weaknesses and find ways to work together efficiently and in friendship.
Any idea what the future will look like for the German Pro-Life movement?
The Pro Life movement in Germany and Europe is on a great way! Step by step we will come closer to our goal. It will probably still be a rocky path ahead but together we can overcome these hurdles and create a culture of life!
What is the biggest accomplishment ProLife Europe has reached so far?
ProLife Europe is the first organization in Europe that formed official pro-life groups at European universities!
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