As we celebrate Respect Life Month in our churches, we are all reminded and called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable. At Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC), we are called to this every day through our four pregnancy centers and on our hotline.
This year, PDHC celebrated 43 years of Rescuing Lives and Impacting Generations, One Heartbeat at a Time, at our Celebration for Life galas in Lancaster and Columbus. At these events, 166 of our church partners were represented. What a mighty room of warriors for life!
We chose Isaiah 6:8 as our theme this year. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here Am I. Send Me!” It is more important than ever that we stand boldly to protect the sanctity of human life, especially with what is happening in our state and the world around us.
We knew with the passing of Issue 1 last year that many of Ohio’s pro-life laws would begin to be challenged through the courts this year, and that is exactly what is now happening. Recently, Common Pleas judges in Franklin and Hamilton Counties issued preliminary injunctions against the 24-hour waiting period and informed consent law, and against the laws governing the distribution of the abortion pill.
Ohio’s common-sense pro-life laws were put in place for a reason — to protect the health and safety of moms and babies during a vulnerable time. Pregnancy centers like PDHC are often the last line of defense between an abortion-minded mom making an abortion decision or making a life decision for her baby. As our founder, Peggy Hartshorn, always says, “The best alternative to abortion is another person,” and the individuals on our hotline and in our centers are that person.
Recently, I received an anonymous letter and the writer asked that I share it where I thought it would be most beneficial. I thought Respect Life Month was the perfect opportunity to show the impact of pregnancy centers in Ohio.
“Hello, I am writing to you because I understand where you are … so many emotions and thoughts. How do I know? I was in your same shoes. I was confused, scared, embarrassed, and simply wanted it to not be true. I remember all the thoughts that raced through my head. Why me? I am a student. I cannot afford this baby. I will have to change the plans I had. I don’t even know who the father is! What will everyone think about me?
Although my story may not match yours, I hope that the lessons I have learned will help. You see, I was a recent college graduate who could have definitely changed my plans of graduate school and got a job or just taken classes part-time. I could not see any options. I just wanted my “problem” to go away.
Don’t get me wrong. I loved babies but was not ready for one. I was dating two different fellas and so when that pregnancy test came back positive, I didn’t even know what to do or who to contact. Long story short, I got a phone number for an abortion clinic. I aborted my child 33 years ago.
And you know what? I still am ashamed, embarrassed, and so entirely regretful. My heart aches. My “problem” did not go away that day, but the pain in my heart began and will remain with me forever. I cannot change my decision. YOU CAN!
Do not repeat my mistake! I am telling you there are options and there are ways for you to face the challenge you are in. You were given this child at this very time in your life for a reason. CHOOSE LIFE! I want you to kiss the face of your child. I want you to know that if you choose life, everything will be okay. If your circumstances don’t allow you to keep this child, then consider adoption. There is simply no greater gift than that! And I can tell you, this child that is in your womb is bound to bring much joy to you and/or another family.
Take a deep breath. You are not alone in this journey. Do not make any quick decisions that you will regret. I wish someone would have said these things to me. I want more for you. Pray. God will show you the way. Jesus’ Mother Mary was scared too. But God showed her the way. Everything will be okay. I promise!”
Love, Your Friend.
She goes on to say emotionally she is still carrying the scars of an abortion she had 33 years ago, and how she wishes she knew then what she knows now. She said she wrote these words (“with the help of Mary, our most blessed Mother”) for young women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Pregnancy centers like PDHC provide the ongoing love, hope and support women need to choose life for their babies. Although we were not able to help this individual at the time of her pregnancy, we are so thankful she is boldly using her voice to let others know that support and resources are out there in over 123 pregnancy centers around the state of Ohio.
At PDHC, when an individual does make an abortion decision, we reach out and provide her the opportunity to find a community of support through our Abortion Recovery (aR) programs and services. Men hurt too, and we are able to help both women and men begin their healing journey so they don’t suffer in silence for decades like this individual. Our churches are full of people suffering in silence from the pain of abortion. We can help. Call or text our 24/7 Abortion Recovery Careline at 614-721-2100 or visit abortionrecoveryinfo.org for more information.
More information on PDHC can be found at SupportLifePDHC.org. We will be posting the videos of our recent gala guest speakers online soon.
Kathy Scanlon is the president of Pregnancy Decision Health Centers.