The constitutional enshrinement of abortion in Ohio ushered in a new era for the pro-life movement, one that brings fresh challenges but also an opportunity to reaffirm the depth of commitment to supporting life in all its forms.
The decision to enshrine the right to abortion in the state’s constitution has made it clear that the pro-life mission must be about more than political engagement; it must be about action that changes hearts and minds through the witness of love, support and compassion.
During Respect Life Month in October, the Women’s Care Center in Columbus stands as a testament to that very mission — supporting not just the unborn but also the mothers, families, and communities that give them life.
Too often, the pro-life position is narrowly framed as being solely about opposing abortion. While defending the unborn remains a central tenet, the Catholic Church teaches that respecting life also means uplifting and empowering the mother, the family and the child well beyond birth. This is where the Women’s Care Center has become an essential part of Ohio’s pro-life response.
By offering extensive post-birth support, the Women’s Care Center works to ensure that choosing life does not leave mothers isolated or overwhelmed but instead provides them with the resources they need to thrive. Thanks to the amazing effort and support from the Center’s staff and generous donors, over 2,042 babies have been saved in the last year and 90 percent of the women served chose life for their babies.
At the Women’s Care Center, support often starts with the initial pregnancy test, ultrasound and counseling session. Here, mothers find not only practical resources like diapers, baby clothes and nutritional aid but also emotional and educational support.
As the Women’s Care Center has grown, more mothers are utilizing its services during the parenting years.
A new or seasoned mom can find support from the parenting program. Each day the center offers classes and gatherings, including in multiple languages, helping women find community with other women. The Women’s Care Center even offers childcare for moms.
This approach reflects the Church’s commitment to the dignity of all life, extending compassion and help that makes real differences in the lives of families.
For many mothers, choosing life is an act of incredible bravery — often made in the face of economic uncertainty, social pressure or a lack of support. The Women’s Care Center exists to make that courageous choice one that leads to a hopeful future.
Empowerment is a key part of this process. The Women’s Care Center staff understands that respect for life must be demonstrated through meaningful support that turns a mother’s brave decision into a story of resilience and success. The courage it takes to embrace motherhood, especially in challenging circumstances, should be met with an equal measure of communal encouragement and tangible help.
As Ohio embarks on a new chapter in its legal landscape, it is crucial for the pro-life community to come together and affirm the value of life at every stage. Pro-life values are not about controlling choices but about providing better ones — choices that respect the dignity of life while supporting those who are most vulnerable.
The central message the pro-life movement must convey is that its stance is not one of opposition for the sake of opposition; it is an expression of love rooted in a universal and moral truth. This is not a position that requires defense but rather one that must be shared with conviction and clarity.
Advocating for life at all its stages, from conception through childhood and beyond, aligns with the best of both religious morality and shared human and scientific understanding.
In the face of a state amendment that seemingly moves Ohio farther away from the ideals of a culture of life, it is more important than ever for Catholics to be proactive, not reactive.
Bishop Earl Fernandes recently reminded Catholics that true victory in this mission lies outside the realm of politics — it lies in winning hearts and minds through our unconditional love for mothers and children. Supporting institutions like the Women’s Care Center becomes a practical expression of this mission and a way for every member of our community to contribute to building a culture of life.
Respect Life Month is a call to each of us — not just to reflect on the dignity of life but to act in ways that affirm it. This could mean providing financial support, volunteering time and resources, and being present for those in need. It also means engaging in the spiritual practices that remind us of our shared responsibility — through prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and intentional acts of kindness and sacrifice.
By caring for mothers and children alike, by empowering families and by continuing to advocate for the dignity of every person, we are building a future where life is cherished from its very beginning and where every family has the support it needs to thrive.
With one in every eight babies in Franklin County starting at the Women’s Care Center, the Center is leading the way. And as a Catholic community, it is a privilege and a duty to walk alongside them, ensuring that love and support are available to every mother and child in Ohio.
This Respect Life Month, let us reaffirm the commitment to supporting life — not just in theory, but in practice, through our time, resources and prayers. Together, we can continue to make a difference — one mother, one child and one family at a time.