About the Author

Marisa Cantu has a master's in political science and international affairs and a bachelor's in political science. She has also studied international studies and French. She has a strong background in nonprofit work, research, writing, and policy proposal and analysis.

Is Abortion Safe? Is it Safer than Childbirth?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / November 22, 2024 /
pregnant woman in white dress

We often hear that abortion is “safe and effective” and that it is a simple surgical procedure. Some proponents of abortion even claim that it is safer than childbirth. But is this true? As medical abortion becomes more and more common, lies surrounding the so-called “safety” of abortions circulate freely. Meanwhile, the potential serious complications…

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The Apparent “Pro-Life Until Birth” Hypocrisy

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / November 22, 2024 /
baby feet 22 weeks

Is it true that the anti-abortion side is “pro-life until you’re born?” After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022, the pro-choice rhetoric seemed to escalate. Pro-lifers are accused of many things, such as not caring about women, denying “essential” healthcare through abortion access bans, or violating “reproductive rights.” One of the misperceptions…

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Are Unsafe Abortions Stopped by Legalizing Abortion?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / October 4, 2024 /

Before Roe v. Wade led to the widespread legalization of abortion, pro-abortion activists had a problem. The procedure was viewed with extraordinary negativity, and statistics did not back up their various arguments for legalizing abortion. Recognizing that abortion itself was unpalatable to the public, they resorted to a variety of emotional appeals to promote its…

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The Origin of Halloween is Catholic!

By Marisa Cantu / September 25, 2024 /

Our modern world often forgets it, but did you know that Halloween actually has Catholic roots? Many today associate Halloween with pagan traditions. But the feast itself does not come from pagan traditions – a misconception that comes from a Protestant reimagining of history, which came about to discredit the Catholic traditions of the holiday.…

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Easter Traditions Around the World

By Marisa Cantu / September 18, 2024 /

Easter is the most important feast day in the Catholic Church, as St. Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 15:17: “And if Christ be not risen again, your faith is vain, for you are yet in your sins.” Here are some unique ways that this wonderful feast is celebrated throughout the world in Christian, Orthodox, and…

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Christmas Traditions Around the World

By Marisa Cantu / September 17, 2024 /
Nativity scene

As Christmas approaches, the familiar fir trees, ornaments, Santa decorations, and gingerbread cookies will appear in stores and homes. One of the most beautiful things to see in the season of joy is the devotion that people around the world have for Christ and the Holy Family, and their unwavering dedication to commemorate the feast…

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The Stages of Fetal Development

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / September 10, 2024 /

Each month, a woman is fertile for about 5 days. Though an egg is only able to be fertilized for 12-24 hours, sperm can live inside the uterus and fertilize any egg that is released for about 5 days after intercourse. There are two ways to measure what stage of development a baby is in:…

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Shouldn’t We Have Rape Abortion Exceptions to Help Victims?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / August 7, 2024 /

Some people disclaim their natural heritage. I always name my origin. It didn’t hold me back and neither has my color. I was born in poverty. My father raped my mother when she was 12. Now they’ve named a park for me in Chester, Pennsylvania. Renowned Gospel Singer Ethel Waters1 Since Roe vs. Wade was…

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When Does Human Life Begin?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / August 7, 2024 /
Baby inside belly - AI generated image

The abortion issue is very complex, possessing many dimensions: personal, legislative, judicial, religious and scientific. There is, however, one central debate around which every other point revolves – the status of the unborn child. Is it human? Is it alive? And, most importantly, is it a person? Science: When Does Life Begin? Pro-abortion activists will…

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Immaculate Heart of Mary Devotion

By Marisa Cantu / July 25, 2024 /
Blessed Virgin

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a timeless devotion that has been celebrated for centuries. Catholics familiar with this devotion may take it for granted, as images of Our Lady’s Heart are plentiful in Catholic art and as theologians talk extensively of Our Lady. It can easily become a commonplace devotion, for which many give…

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