We lost this battle.

The sadness and frustration we feel over the passage of the Abortion Up to Birth bill this week are not simply because losing hurts. They come from knowing that nobody is really winning, and that the real losers are the most vulnerable among us.

Despite this frustration, I see a silver lining. The national attention surrounding the bill's passage has created an opportunity to reach millions with the truth.

In the days surrounding the bill's passage and signing, Massachusetts Citizens for Life was quoted and featured in coverage from major national outlets, including The Associated Press, Newsweek, National Review, Breitbart and Newsmax, as well as LifeNews, Catholic media, regional publications and outlets beyond the United States.

Our message traveled far beyond Massachusetts.

We showed up. We spoke up. We fought hard.

A message that traveled

The coverage generated millions of potential impressions, significantly increasing awareness of Massachusetts Citizens for Life and expanding recognition of our work.

But the value is greater than a number.

This exposure is not something to celebrate because of the law. It is an opportunity created by the attention surrounding the law.

Every reader who learns what Massachusetts has changed becomes part of a larger conversation. Every person who hears our message is someone who may never have encountered MCFL before. And every new connection can become a future supporter, advocate or voice for life.

The attention did not stop when the articles were published.

Stories were shared across social media, generating additional discussion and engagement.

People are talking about abortion in Massachusetts.

The challenge now is to make sure the conversation does not end with the signing of the law.

From attention to action

The fight for life in Massachusetts has been built over decades by advocates, supporters, volunteers, and organizations willing to stand for life even when the political environment was difficult.

The signing of this law does not erase that work.

Instead, it gives us a new opportunity to build on it.

We can use this national exposure to educate new audiences about abortion later in pregnancy and about the options available to women instead of abortion. We can earn hearts and minds with the truth.

Abortion is a choice, and we can make that choice unthinkable. That's our main effort now.

Massachusetts has the attention of the nation. We are here, and we are in this for the long run. We will be at the local level, in our communities, with our MCFL Teams.

We are entering a new phase.

Thank you for being part of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

Juan Perfetti
Editor of Life Lines
Director of Digital Marketing & Communications