Writing Letters to the Editor

Maria Gallagher

I recently began reading the fascinating book, The Journey of Our Love—an epic romance told through the letters exchanged during the courtship and marriage of now Saint Gianna Beretta and Pietro Molla. You can see in the letters a progression from respect and admiration to passionate love.

In our day, letter-writing can seem like a lost art form. With the proliferation of text messages, tweets, and other high-tech forms of instant communication, well-crafted letters have become a rare treasure. But in the pro-life movement, letters remain essential for informing newspaper and website readers and influencing public opinion.

If you have any doubt that the editorial page still remains relevant, consider the fact that high-profile abortion advocates such as Planned Parenthood leader Cecile Richards and former NARAL president Kate Michelman continue to pen editorial pieces for leading publications. 

Pro-lifers must be just as vigilant—if not more so—in composing columns and letters to the editor. 

But what makes a letter to the editor effective? Here are a few key points to consider:

• Think about Gianna and Pietro and remember the acronym K.I.S.S., which stands for Keep it Simple &Short. Limit yourself to one main theme and keep within the publication’s word length guidelines. Generally, 300 words should be your limit—250 words can make you a star. The last thing you want is for an editor to slice and dice through your letter, cutting out sentences which carry a great deal of meaning. Edit thyself and you are more likely to see your letter published in its entirety. 

• Quote sources that are generally considered to be ideologically neutral. Your arguments will carry more weight if the facts and figures you quote come from a medical journal rather than from your son’s CCD teacher. Nothing against CCD teachers—I was once one myself—but people who teach the Catholic religion are supposed to be pro-life. Unfortunately, in our modern culture, outspoken pro-lifers are often viewed with suspicion. Therefore, your letter should quote people and publications considered impartial. 

• Do not engage in name-calling or inflammatory rhetoric. Remain respectful—but direct--in all your words. Imprudent words written in haste can have disastrous consequences.

So please consider putting down your iPhone every once in a while and writing an old-fashioned letter to the editor. It is not only a good stretching exercise for your brain. It could literally be a lifesaver!

For additional writing from members and associates of the St. Gabriel Respect Life group, see below:

https://stgabrielcarlisle.squarespace.com/our-pro-life-views-1/