By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

Marjory E. Mecklenburg, director of the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs and a secretary for population affairs, told a packed auditorium at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday evening that “President Reagan agrees with our philosophy.” The philosophy in question was pro-life. Mrs. Mecklenburg was the featured speaker for the annual “Family Night in Support of Life.”

Continuing to praise President Reagan, Mrs. Mecklenburg quoted from the President’s speech to the National Association of Broadcasters last week. “Pray together, march together…end the tragic destruction of children’s lives.”

Her audience came from across the archdiocese, from rural and urban areas. They began with prayer and song. They were greeted by Archbishop Donnellan. They heard him urge them and their communities to stand against “media blackout” of their cause. They heard him condemn those organizations who would mercilessly destroy the unborn. But it was for the words of Mrs. Mecklenburg that they waited.

“This administration supports the pro-life cause,” she emphasized. “Pro-life has come a long way in 10 years. Isn’t it wonderful that we now have a president that speaks out? We will continue to fight. We now have community power.” Mrs. Mecklenburg went on to say that after a decade of opposition it may now be a time to stop and reflect but “let there by no rest because abortions continue.”

The pro-life leader appealed for greater communication between parents and children on sexual matters. “As teenage pregnancy rises,” she said, “we must teach the values of human life and push for an end to abortion.”

This pleasantly forthright lady pointed out that the main focus thus far has been on the individual – the girl and her unborn child. “We should focus not only on her, but on the family. We must have the ‘family unit’ approach. If the girl needs our help, the family, whom she often returns to, needs our help also.”

Mrs. Mecklenburg pointed out that the new proposed law demanding parental knowledge when teenagers are to be given birth control items is in line with the family unit approach. “These items, like the pill or IUD, are prescription items,” she said. “Would we dispense other prescription items to those underage without parent knowledge? No. Parents must be notified if we are to have proper family involvement. Parents have the right to know about the health of their children.”

Mrs. Ardie Lamm of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment gave a report on the status of legislative action now pending in the Congress. Mrs. Lamm, who works out of Washington, urged her audience to contact their legislators because new bills for pro-life were not being introduced into the Congress. “The Hatch amendment will be placed before Congress in the spring,” said Mrs. Lamm. “We need your watchfulness.”

Sheila Mallon, Atlanta pro-life coordinator, introduced the speakers and announced the annual winners of the essay and poster contests. Prizes were awarded.

“Family Night in Support of Life” brought workers together once more in greater numbers. They left pledging to renew their efforts in their parishes and communities during the coming year.