This year, Starbucks announced it would return to its tradition of writing customers’ names on their cups. A small yet personal touch, this practice was paused during the pandemic but is making a comeback to make each customer feel seen and valued during their coffee run. But why does a name hold such significance? A name is more than a label; it carries dignity, respect, and humanity. Yet, despite this recognition of individuality, Starbucks donates to Planned Parenthood. This organization actively denies personhood to the most vulnerable among us: the unborn.
The Power of a Name
There’s a reason parents often spend months deciding on which name they will give their child. Names carry weight, meaning, and history in the world. In the Bible, names often reveal a person’s identity and purpose in life. In the life-affirming movement, naming an unborn child confirms their personhood. Facing miscarriage, many women name their unborn child as a manner of honoring their dignity and mourning their life.
In today’s culture, even Starbucks can see the value in returning to its tradition of personalizing a cup with a name to connect people and improve their morning coffee experience.
Starbucks Writing Names on Cups Again
Starbucks is the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, with success above any other chain. Yet, since the pandemic, they have shown declining sales and customer traffic. So, to attract customers, they have introduced written names and sometimes even encouraging messages on cups to individualize and enhance the customer experience.
Starbucks’s writing names on cups highlights an important truth: A name is more than just a word. It affirms identity, autonomy, purpose, and, most importantly, dignity.
By bringing back this tradition, Starbucks acknowledges something fundamental: Names matter. They restore a sense of humanity in our culture and remind us that every person deserves to be seen and valued.
Starbucks Controversial Stance: Donating to Planned Parenthood
Unfortunately, although Starbucks understands the importance of a name and the dignity of every person, it also famously supports a company that denies this concept.
Starbucks donates to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, and even covers travel costs for employees to obtain abortions out of state.
By supporting an organization that profits from ending lives before they can even be given a name, Starbucks undermines the principle it seeks to uphold through its cup-naming tradition.
What Can We Do?
Instead of supporting corporations that contradict the value of life, we can choose to support pro-life companies.
Brands like Seven Weeks Coffee use their profits to fund pregnancy care centers, helping provide life-affirming care to women in need.
One Cup of Coffee a Month Can Save Lives All Year.
Buying a cup of coffee for a stranger at Starbucks is a kind act, but what if you could do even more with the same amount of money?
For the price of one coffee a month, you can support moms in need. A monthly donation of just $10 can help provide life-saving care and resources to a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Instead of supporting a company that funds abortion, consider giving to organizations that truly honor the dignity and worth of every human being.
