Get Creative!

The purpose of hosting a public design contest to create the pro-life flag is to draw on as much pro-life talent from around the world as possible. In casting the net wide, we’re expecting (and excited for!) a variety of designs, colors, and symbolism. However, there are a few minimum requirements we definitely want to see in the pro-life flag and a few elements we think would be better left out.

 
 
 

Minimum Requirements

  • Must include some element that represents the mother of the child

  • Must include some element that represents the child

  • Design must be imposed on a 3 x 5 rectangle (dimensions of a standard flag)

 
 
 
 

What Not to Include

  • Words, letters, or numbers

  • Photographs

  • Direct references to/logos of a single pro-life group

  • Overt religious symbolism — we want the design to be inclusive of the entire pro-life movement, representing people of all religious backgrounds who oppose abortion.

  • Too many colors, symbols, or elements — a good flag should have an air of simplicity.

 
 
 
 

Other Possible Symbols to Consider Incorporating

(not requirements, just ideas)

  • Baby footprints, a symbol already loosely associated with the pro-life movement

  • The millions of children whose lives have been ended by abortion

  • The mental/emotional/physical pain many women feel before/during/after an abortion

  • The father of the child

  • A hole or missing element to symbolize the life missing because of an abortion

  • The purity of the pro-life movement’s intentions

  • The peace/nonviolence we hope to see realized with the end of abortion

  • The love that the pro-life movement shows to pregnant mothers and their born and preborn children

 
 
 
 

Logistical Considerations

  • Consider how easily the design might be incorporated onto non-flag items (clothes, stickers, etc.); part of the reason the rainbow flag has been so effective is because it can be easily projected onto almost anything

  • Consider how recognizable the design will be when the flag is hanging limp (like on days with no wind)

  • You may approach the flag’s design in two ways:

 

In general, we think the pro-life flag should be simple, symbolic, and recognizable. Refer to the guidance in Good Flag, Bad Flag for more guidelines on what makes a good flag. We’re looking forward to seeing all that you come up with. Happy designing!