It's October! Be aware!

For some reason, it seems that a disproportionate number of causes have chosen October as their awareness month. We all realize that it's breast cancer awareness month, of course. I also assume that you're aware of the Susan G. Komen Planned Parenthood funding issue. The Bioethics Defense Fund recommends that you give to the National Breast Cancer Foundation instead. [Fun fact: When you Google "pro-life br," Google fills in "pro-life breast cancer research." Glad to see evidence that people are paying attention!]

Several other October awareness months that are relevant to the pro-life movement:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month deserves our attention for the obvious reason that domestic violence is a threat to human life and dignity, but it's worth noting that pregnant mothers are especially at risk; the number-one cause of death among pregnant mothers is homicide.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to affirm the rights of children with disabilities. Sadly, the vast majority of babies who are prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome are killed.

It's also Spina Bifida Awareness Month. According to the Spina Bifida Association, "it occurs when the spine of the baby fails to close during the first months of pregnancy." Although the cause is largely unknown, the risk of spina bifida is reduced when the mother takes prenatal vitamins, specifically folic acid. Spina bifida can also be treated with prenatal surgery; you may know about this from the famous Baby Samuel photos (right).

In Canada, it's Child Abuse Awareness Month.