I called the pro-lifers silent. Then I heard them roar.

Volunteers load water from truck into the respite center ‘s warehouse in McAllen, TX — photo courtesy Kristina Fernandez of ATTWN

Earlier this month, I wrote an essay about my frustration with the pro-life movement, namely that their leading organizations appeared to be silent toward the treatment of asylum seekers at the border. I wondered, where was the advocacy for the voiceless — this time, not for the unborn but for the children living and dying in detention centers?

I hadn’t heard a peep from the Pro-Life Action League. The National Right to Life appeared mum on the topic of the children sick and dying in detention centers. The American Life League, a Catholic pro-life organization that claims to be “dedicated to protecting the intrinsic human rights of all people born and pre-born” appears to be totally undedicated to protecting babies of asylum seekers.

Anti-abortion groups have historically stepped into the political fray to protest legislation or other measures to widen abortion access. So where was their political outrage for children lacking access to a toothbrush or a shower? Where were the pro-life activists when the family separation policies were in full effect?

Naturally, I had seen the messages of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) about what needed to be done to protect vulnerable children and their families. I am also aware of the broad humanitarian work by Catholic Charities. But neither of…