Washington D.C., Nov 18, 2008 / 10:56 pm (CNA).- A pro-life leader has called on her allies to be “prepared for the worst” on domestic and international pro-life issues under an Obama presidency.

Marie Smith, Director of the Life Issues Institute’s Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues, made her comments last week in a letter to pro-life leaders in Latin America.

Characterizing President-elect Barack Obama as a “radical pro-abortion president,” she urged pro-lifers to adjust themselves to this reality. Though there is “a good deal of uncertainty” about how extreme Obama’s administration will be, she noted several areas where pro-abortion activists could advance their cause.

U.S. pro-life policies on foreign assistance will be dissolved, Smith wrote. She mentioned such policies as the Mexico City Policy which restricts funding to international organizations that promote or perform abortions, and also the prohibition on funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

“USAID is likely to be run by a pro-abortion zealot,” she added, referring to the U.S. Agency for International Development. “Pro-life Members of the US Congress will be extremely limited in their ability to have any influence or oversight on US foreign policy.”
Speaking with CNA in a phone conversation on Tuesday afternoon, Mrs. Smith explained that her goal in writing the letter was to motivate pro-lifers and to alert them that “there’s a tsunami headed their way from the U.S.”

In Smith’s view, pro-life advocates will need to “work harder, smarter, and more effectively, aided by prayer and fasting.” Abortion struggles will increasingly be fought in Latin America, she said.

“The need to organize each sector of society is critically important and must move forward with record speed,” she said, saying pro-life leaders must be “informed, organized and assisted” by pro-life organizations.

“This work must begin immediately,” Smith insisted.

“It is clear that international US-based pro-abortion NGOs expect great support from the new president.  Some have already prepared a list of pro-abortion actions items they expect from Obama's presidency,” she claimed.

Urging individuals in all countries to stand up to “all types of pressure from the US” and to protest “foreign values that weaken the family and destroy the lives of precious unborn children,” she exhorted:

“The pro-life voice of Latin America must be heard loud and clear.”

“The next four years will be difficult but it is also a time to persevere in faith, hope and love trusting in God for the ultimate victory of life over death,” Smith concluded.

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