Mary Waldorf knew nothing about organizing petitions, but when a hospital employee and fellow parishioner told her that staff were forced to participate in second-trimester abortions, she felt called to do something.
Enloe Medical Center in Chico, Calif., about 80 miles north of Sacramento, is the area’s primary hospital.
“It’s the only hospital in a huge county. We all have to use it,” Waldorf said.EWTN Pro-Life Weekly“
Waldorf still remembers how she felt when she learned that abortions were being performed there.
“I spent the rest of the day just screaming because I know what second-trimester miscarriage is,” she said.
He added, “Everyone was shocked.”
Waldorf went with a small group carrying signs to protest peacefully in front of the hospital. The hospital staff came to him and asked why he was there.
Waldorf said he “didn’t even know” about subsequent abortions being performed at the facility.
Waldorf claimed that the local media would not cover the controversy. He said he had sent several letters to the editor of local newspapers but described the situation as a “media blackout.”
A pediatrician at the hospital told him that if there was enough concern, the hospital administration might reconsider. “God only knows why he told me,” Waldorf said. “But I thought, well, if that’s the case, what if we file a petition?”
“I’m a person who goes to church, who has grandchildren, who goes to work — I don’t know how to do (the petition),” she told “EWTN Pro-Life Weekly.”
“I’m not a media (person). But when God gives you a chance, you have to go for it.”
The petition was about 800 signatures Till 27 March. Waldorf’s target is 10,000 – 10% of the city’s size.
Waldorf said that staff members have told him that the hospital has allegedly refused to allow some medical workers to assist in abortion procedures.
“They were told that pre-op and post-op nurses and personnel could not come out,” Waldorf said.
Runs a local chapter of Waldorf 40 days for lifeA nationwide effort aimed at praying for women seeking abortions and their children, usually in front of abortion clinics during Lent. She says she wants women to have “true choice”.
Waldorf said, “If people’s mentality is about death, they don’t think about the baby – and you have to consider both.” “They’re not counseling these women. How about giving them real options?”
Waldorf said, “The dignity of the human person is paramount.” “And I think that’s what’s being completely lost here.”
