Local story shows impact of individuals in pro-life cause
During a 40 Days for Life rally at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Indianapolis on Sept. 26, Linda Kile holds Larelle Thompson, whose life she helped save from abortion at the same facility three-and-a-half years ago. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer)
By Natalie Hoefer
When 40 Days for Life founder David Bereit spoke in Indianapolis on Sept. 25 at a Right to Life of Indianapolis fundraiser, he shared stories to emphasize how one person can make a difference in the pro-life movement.
He knows such stories from around the world. But one of the greatest examples he said he knows took place in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Two years ago, Bereit met 18-month-old Larelle Thompson. Through the prayers of the many individuals participating in the spring 40 Days for Life campaign in 2015, he said, Larelle’s mother chose life rather than abort her child at the Planned Parenthood facility in Indianapolis.
(Related story: Stories show how one person makes a difference in pro-life fight, says 40 Days for Life Founder)
Those prayers made a tangible difference, Bereit said.
And so did one other person who was also praying that day while driving an RV.
Her name is Linda Kile.
On Sept. 26, she and a lively 3-and-a-half-year-old Larelle joined Bereit at a 40 Days for Life rally outside the very abortion facility where Larelle’s life nearly came to a horrific end.
Holding the young girl, Kile shared with The Criterion the story of how she and Larelle “came to be such good friends.”
Kile, who is now director of the Great Lakes Gabriel Project, drives “Gabriel,” the pro-life organization’s mobile ultrasound RV used to help women in unexpected pregnancies choose life.
“ ‘Gabriel’ lives in my driveway,” Kile quipped. “I was driving it that morning, and this [Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Indianapolis] was our actual destination.”
Kile’s phone is also used as the Gabriel Project hotline. While driving to the abortion facility, the phone rang.
“[Larelle’s] mom called from inside Planned Parenthood at her [abortion] appointment,” she recalled. “She said, ‘I’m not sure I want to do this.’
“I said, ‘Just get out of there. I’ll be there in half an hour. Don’t do anything until you talk to me. After you talk to me, if you still want to do something, you can always go back tomorrow.’ ”
Once inside the RV, Kile and the nurse accompanying her talked with the anxious 42-year-old woman.
“We talked with her about some of the consequences of abortion,” she said. They informed her of the medical risks, the tendency of post-abortive women to become addicted to alcohol or drugs, their tendency to suffer from depression and from an inability to develop and maintain long-term relationships.
They also discussed help available through the Gabriel Project.
“We do whatever we can as far as somebody to talk to,” said Kile. “She had an ultrasound, and she came back several times for more ultrasounds. We like to have them do that as often as they can to develop a relationship with their baby.”
She even set up and took Larelle’s mom to her first doctor appointment, since the pregnant mother did not have a doctor.
“Needless to say, her mommy chose life,” Kile said, looking with a loving smile at the little girl in her arms.
And it truly is love.
“My husband Greg and I both fell in love with her at first sight,” said Kile, 56. “We can now call and get her pretty much whenever we want.”
The couple, empty-nesters who are members of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis, have kept Larelle overnight many times since her birth.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for this little girl,” she said. “She’s beautiful, smart and healthy. I love spending time with her.
“I wanted to take her here [at the 40 Days for Life rally] for David to be able to see her again.”
Bereit even announced Larelle’s presence at the rally, walking over with a broad smile to give her a hug and a kiss on the head.
“Her dad has told me time and time again, ‘Linda, you saved my daughter’s life,’ ” said Kile. “I say, ‘I did not. God did. I was just an instrument.’” †
