She is quoted saying her favorite thing in life is laughter, and it is apparent in her bright eyes, daring smile and optimistic attitude. Would you expect someone to be exceptionally joyous who has cerebral palsy and survived an abortion? Gianna Jessen calls herself not the victim, but the victor.
Her cheerfulness and hope leaves one curious after hearing her experience. Her mother was 17 years old and attempted a saline abortion while seven months pregnant, which is when the developing prenatal child drinks the solution and is then burned inside and out. Somehow she survived, and has to deal with the repercussions. Her outlook on it all, however, may surprise you.
For once, we will have a speaker on campus debating not why you should or should not do this or that with your body, but instead we will hear from a person whose voice was not heard from within the womb. This is the reason pro-lifers stand for what they do — because of the belief that there is a human being within who deserves a chance at life. I challenge us all to take the time to listen to what she has to share.
Mother Teresa said, “God is using Gianna to remind the world that each human being is precious to him.”
If not God, then maybe humanity as a whole can appreciate her story, which reminds us of the beauty of life and how spectacular each human being is, whether we understand it or not.
Jessen will speak at 7 p.m. Monday in the Administration Auditorium, and in the SEL Event Center Tuesday, both free of charge. The event is titled “Hope for the Fatherless.” Her life has also inspired the production of a movie called “October Baby” premiering in Pullman tonight with showings at 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Casey Dail can be reached at
[email protected]