A Commitment to Nonviolence

At the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, we have a firm commitment to nonviolence in everything we do. Nonviolence is more than just not hurting anyone. It’s a tactic and a strategy of using peaceful resistance to achieve change and reduce harm.

PAAU defines nonviolence as “an active response that directly addresses injustice or violence. It can appear as noncooperation, intervention, protest and the creation of alternative systems.” As you can see, it goes far beyond simply not using violence against someone, and instead uses tools and different tactics to apply pressure for change in a way that never uses violence or threats of violence.

Nonviolence is both a morally and ethically correct commitment, but is also a pragmatic commitment. It has been shown throughout history, both in the pro-life movement and in other movements, that the use of violence does not result in systematic and sustainable change for good. Rather, it harms people, creates fear and isolation, and consistently breaks apart movements for worse.

In June of 2023, on the one year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, PAAU released a “Pledge of Nonviolence” that was stated in front of the Supreme Court. The pledge reads as follows:

I will meditate daily on the dignity of every human being

I will use my unique talents for the liberation of all

I will observe radical inclusivity with both friend and foe

I will seek to serve others and the world

I will refrain from violence of the fist and of the heart

I will remember to care for my body and mind

I will do my part in making a better world

We encourage others to take part in joining us in our commitment to nonviolence in everything we do!