Dr. Mildred Jefferson

Dr. Mildred Jefferson was a uniquely brilliant and eloquent spokesperson for the right to life of every human being, and she was and will continue to be universally admired in the pro-life movement. She was also a good friend, whom we will miss very much. We first met Mildred shortly after moving to Massachusetts, although we had already heard of her accomplishments on the national level. We cannot think of anyone else who could present the case for the unborn child so persuasively, so profoundly and so charitably, with such an aura of peaceful confidence. In debates, she had full credibility even with her opponents, who were constantly frustrated that they could not find fault with her evidence or logic, and had to resort to attempts to change the subject to keep from falling silent.

It is no wonder that everyone from high school youth to Presidents listened, listened with full attention, and were moved both intellectually and in their hearts to a realization that Mildred was presenting the real, the fully honest truth about the life of every child at every stage of development. Just one example from our experience: when she addressed 400 high school students, teachers and administrators in Holyoke – the first such event in the city in many years – the entire student body sat in rapt attention, barely moving, for over an hour. Many students remained to talk with her, ask questions and advice. Mildred was approachable and willing to listen to each one, even at length.

In addition to serving with Mildred on the MCFL Board of Directors for several years, Patrick is grateful for having had the honor of appearing as a guest on the cable tv program "Life Matters" that she co-hosted, and of testifying with her three times before the state legislature on pro-life proposals.

Dr. Jefferson's contributions to the cause of life in our country are well known across America, but we were particularly blessed that she chose Massachusetts as her home. Hers was a life that bore abundant fruit for the most vulnerable and helpless and threatened among us. That's a legacy we can build on as we continue to approach the goal for which she lived.

Anita and Patrick Flood
Wilmington, Mass.