In a world that is more likely to accept a government’s decision rather than challenge it, it’s refreshing to see an individual who not only disputes government decisions, but has devoted her life to a cause she believes in.
Stephanie Gray, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, has made it her life’s mission to speak on behalf of the unborn and make abortion an unthinkable act.
Growing up with parents who were heavily involved in the pro-life stance, Gray’s life took a turn 11 years ago while attending a presentation by Scot Klusendorf.
He told the onlookers that there were more people employed to the killing of babies than there were to saving them. And from that moment, Gray decided that she needed to devote herself to defending life.
In 2001 along with Jojo Ruba, Gray co-founded a pro-life organization based in Calgary that focuses its efforts to changing the hearts and minds of people in such a way that can alter behaviour.
Gray is also involved in the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) in which visual representations of abortions are compared to other historic atrocities. These displays are typically used at universities or colleges across the country.
Holding a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of British Columbia, Gray cites knowledge of abortion as a clear motivator to continue her work. She maintains that she would be failing as a human being should she not stand up and defend life.
“I know too much and that obligates me and makes me personally responsible to do something about it,” said Gray. “With great knowledge comes great responsibility.”
Former vice-president of the Students for Life at the University of Lethbridge, Karla Ponjavic has seen and been a part of the conferences that Gray has put on.
“She’s a very influential person,” said Ponjavic. “She’s really good at exposing the truth and has so much courage to talk about something that no one wants to talk about.”
Ponjavic also noted Gray’s demeanor while presenting as an admirable quality and that she speaks with an air of confidence that commands respect.
With the controversial nature of the subject upon which she speaks publicly, Gray continues to put her own safety at risk with each presentation or debate that she’s a part of.
“I’ve had police protection and undercover police,” said Gray. “Thankfully everything went fine and there haven’t been any close calls.”
In terms of inspiration for Gray, she mentioned a story of high school students who, after viewing one of her presentations, decided against abortions and both gave birth to baby girls last year.
With her company giving presentations more than 100 times per year, Gray has managed to fit Lethbridge into her busy schedule. She, along with her company’s representatives have appeared on the Miracle Channel and at the University of Lethbridge on numerous occasions.
With no official date scheduled, Gray anticipates returning to Lethbridge in the coming months as she has routinely done for the past couple years.