For this next instalment of the series where we hear from SPUC members across the UK, we have members from the SPUC branch in Rutland and Melton.

At this time when it is easy to feel disconnected from others, we relish the opportunity to hear from our passionate branch members, who give of their time and energy to stand in defence of the unborn. Multiple branch members from Rutland and Melton share with us how they became involved with SPUC.

Frances is the Chairman of the branch. She writes:

I joined SPUC in 1972, when I was 17.

I had discovered a growing and passionate need to state – with words and actions – the absolute equal dignity and value of every human being. Each unique and irreplaceable individual matters, no matter how young, old or disabled. Unless each life has a purpose and meaning, then life itself is purposeless and meaningless.

I had grown up with the knowledge of the Nazi atrocities which were then too recent to be distanced as history, and I struggled to understand what normal human beings, who share my human nature, are capable of doing to each other. Could similar things happen again? Could I be capable of them myself? How many times had I turned a deaf ear to suffering?

I suppose you could say I fell in love with people!

I didn’t want to live in a society which routinely destroyed innocent life, and virtually offered this as a solution to social problems. As laws are passed in our names, I shared the responsibility for this. That is why I joined SPUC: to try to help mothers and their unborn babies.

I started the Rutland and Melton branch in 1990 and I am currently the Chairman. It has taken me to many places I didn’t expect, and it’s wonderful to find so many people sharing the same belief in the value of human life. It’s like belonging to a huge family with the same shared principles. I never feel alone. It’s a great group. Come and find out for yourself!

Sandra got involved in the branch after meeting Frances. She writes:

I have been pro-life since about the age of 13 when I first heard about abortion and couldn't understand, as a child, how anyone could do such a thing.

I never ‘got involved’ and campaigned against abortion until bumping into Frances when working at a local bank; she was paying money in for SPUC and we got talking about what it did and how a new Melton branch was opening. I went along to the open meeting to hear National Director (now CEO) John Smeaton talk and that was it, I joined and have never looked back.

Everything I’ve learnt from that day to this confirms to me that abortion is wrong- it fails the poor babies, who pay the ultimate price with their lives, and it fails the women who have been mis-sold it as a ‘solution’ to an unplanned pregnancy, when often it can mean a life-time of pain and regret. Surely we can offer women better in this day and age?

Having children myself just brought home to me what a miracle life is, how wonderful motherhood is and how precious every child is. There is no such thing as an ‘unwanted’ child, someone, somewhere would give anything to offer them a loving home.

The branch once did a display in Melton Library covering the amazing development of the unborn child. On it, there was a sign saying simply “Please, don’t believe anything we say, check it out for yourself.” For me, those that do learn about the reality of abortion can’t fail to want an end to abortion themselves. Truth is our best resource in the campaign to end abortion. I am all for a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body, but abortion happens to the baby’s body, a completely separate human being, someone’s own son or daughter.

Wendy was inspired to join the branch because of her own experience of motherhood. She writes:

I joined The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children about twenty years ago when my children were small.

After giving birth to three children and experiencing the overwhelming love that wells up inside you for each child you bring into the world, and knowing that even when your baby is growing inside you, it is a live human being right from the beginning of its formation and long before the moment it leaves its mother's womb, I felt so strongly that abortion is wrong.

There are so many women (and men) who find this out only too late and feel regret and distress for years, because they weren't told the truth.

SPUC exists to help prevent this tragedy where possible, and to protect vulnerable babies who may be at risk of abortion, and to help those grieving parents for who it is too late, and so that is why I support and believe in SPUC.

Isobel had an abortion herself and joined SPUC because of that experience. She writes:

I had an abortion thirty years ago, and it was a very difficult decision to make. I had no counselling and was totally unprepared for the feelings of loss and grief that I experienced afterwards.

I joined SPUC because I wanted to help people who had suffered in a similar way and to tell people that it isn’t the “easy” solution to a very common dilemma.

I joined SPUC 18 years ago. It has helped me to learn to live with my decision, and I now feel at peace with myself.

We are so grateful for the members of the SPUC Branch in Rutland and Melton. If you have been inspired by them and want to become involved in your local branch, start a new branch, or otherwise become involved with SPUC, email info@spuc.org.uk for more information.