Episode 160, Making a Pro-Life Impact with Maria Gallagher
Meet Maria Gallagher
Maria Gallagher is a dedicated advocate for pregnant women, their unborn children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. She co-hosts the podcast "Positively Pro-Life!" In this episode, we explore her book, Mercy’s Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life, available on ShopMercy.org and Amazon.
Inspiration for Pro-Life Work
The voices against the sanctity of life have grown louder and are increasingly marked by attacks on churches, pregnancy resource centers, and various faith-based organizations. Maria explains how her book is a guide and supports those committed to pro-life work.
She draws inspiration from the powerful words of Sacred Scripture and the insights of saints such as St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and Blessed Carlo Acutis. In the book's introduction, she quotes St. Faustina’s diary (entry 303): “Great love can change small things into great ones, and it is only love which lends value to our actions.”
How Language Hides the Truth
Divine Mercy is essential in fostering and maintaining a culture of life. It affirms that each of us, created in God's image, has a unique beauty. Yet, in many instances, pregnant mothers are pressured—even by loved ones such as partners, parents, or grandparents—to choose abortion.
Maria discusses how language often obscures the truth. For example, a child in the womb once referred to as a fetus, is now dismissed by some as merely a “glob of cells.” The term “pro-abortion” has been replaced with “pro-choice.” Some countries claiming to have “cured” Down syndrome are aborting children with this condition. These examples show a tragic misuse of language.
A Cultural Battle for Life
When we consider the pervasive violence in our communities, the deaths from addiction, the indifference toward people with disabilities, and the devaluation of the elderly, it prompts us to reflect on how the disregard for the sanctity of life might stem from the legalized killing of unborn children in their mothers' wombs.
Maria shares a story from her high school days when a teacher drew a connection between abortion and euthanasia—a link that has only grown clearer as society’s support for euthanasia increases under the guise of "mercy killing." But true mercy never entails taking a life. This cultural battle for life is deeply spiritual. As people drift away from God and the Church, they lose their understanding of the sanctity of life and adopt the belief that if abortion is right for someone else, it is also a suitable option for them.
Food for the Journey
In this episode, Maria speaks powerfully about the importance of prayer and the strength that comes from immersing ourselves in it, Scripture, and the Holy Eucharist. Holiness is meant to shine through us so that others may desire the peace that only Christ can give—a peace that transcends all understanding. Servant of God Father John Hardon once said, “There is no stopping abortion without the Eucharist.” As Catholics, we know that the Eucharist is food for the spiritual battle, fortifying us to defend the dignity and sanctity of every human life.
If you’re interested in the Catholic Church’s views on abortion, some additional podcast episodes to listen to are episode 97 on the similarities between abortion and slavery and episode 77 on the inspiring conversion of Dr. John Bruchalski.
