Boldness, Persistence with the Media

Don Hoitenga is one of the many diligent volunteers who worked with The People’s Override to stop partial birth abortion in Michigan. His story is an encouraging example of why it is important to be persistent with the media to inform the public about partial birth abortion. Mr. Hoitenga has been involved with the Wexford-Missaukee Right to Life for more than 14 years and made tremendous efforts during the petition drive to override Governor Jennifer Granholm’s veto of the Legal Birth Definition Act (LBDA).

Don’s turning point happened in 1990 when his wife invited him to attend the March For Life in Washington D.C. For the first time in his life, Don realized the magnitude of the life issue. This event changed his life forever. It was a “powerful revelation,” he said, and it indirectly led to his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Mr. Hoitenga now has a passion for saving the lives of unborn babies.

For the past two years, Don has been consistent in writing a “weekly pro-life point” for 2 different papers in his area. They are “quick quips to get people thinking about abortion,” he said. Most recently, however, has been Mr. Hoitenga’s interaction with the editor and owner of The Cadillac News.

After the editor of The Cadillac News refused to print Don’s articles about partial birth abortion and The People’s Override and did not respond to two letters, Don decided to make an appointment with the editor. He also asked if the owner of the newspaper would be available at the same time. The three were able to plan a time to meet and discuss his article. After being seated in the conference room, Mr. Hoitenga noticed that both had clipboards with his article attached and highlighted. Foreseeing a heated argument, Don decided that the best approach would be to ask for just five minutes of their time before they began discussing his article. Little did he know that this five minutes would open their eyes to the reality of partial birth abortion. Mr. Hoitenga then proceeded to show the editor and owner of The Cadillac News pictures of how partial birth abortions are performed. The two were shocked and appalled because they were previously not aware of the atrocity of such a procedure. They were so moved and convinced by what Don had told them that the editor decided to write a feature article on the override and partial birth abortion. Because of Don’s persistence it is obvious that the seed was planted and, due to Don’s perseverance in educating the editor and owner of the local newspaper, they now know why educating others about partial birth abortion is so important. Since this meeting, Don has written numerous articles about the override and partial birth abortion. Each one has been published.

What an encouraging testimony, and what a difference it truly makes when one is consistent with the media.

Don reminds us that it is important to be persistent with the media because once that article is published, “it opens the door for exploration and education.” There are so many people in Michigan that are like the owner and editor of the newspaper who have no idea what the ramifications of partial birth abortion are and may not even know how abortions are performed. Also, many people do not know about the override in Michigan to outlaw partial birth abortion. It is up to those who know about partial birth abortion and what is being done to prevent it to educate others who do not. Boldness and persistence when working with the media are the keys to educating the public about the importance of protecting the precious gift of human life.

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