We live in an era where misinformation and lies are rampant. There’s no better example than how abortion advocates incorrectly slander Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs).
They vilify them, claiming they’re “fake clinics” that are “unethical.”
Even the American Medical Association (AMA) claims: “…the religious ideology of these centers’ owners and employees takes priority over the health and wellbeing of the women seeking care at these centers…”
Not surprisingly, NARAL Pro-Choice America reached a similar false accusation after it conducted an undercover investigation titled “Unmasking Fake Clinics.” The report ridiculously claimed PRCs mislead women with “lies,” such as referring to a fetus as a baby.
Opponents’ major objection is that PRCs don’t provide women with information about how and where to get an abortion. They even went so far as to goad California legislators to pass a law requiring PRCs to advertise abortion. That law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Federal courts also struck down similar laws in Maryland, New York, and Texas.
Faith-based Professionals
Many PRCs are faith-based, not-for profit organizations that began in the United States in the 1960s as abortion began to be legalized across the country. Their focus on alternatives to abortion, known as “life-affirming services,” are designed to empower a woman to welcome her child into the world.
Life-affirming services include acknowledgement of, and respect for, everyone’s Personhood, including pre-born children.
They provide essential, professional care to vulnerable women and youth on a free or low-cost basis. Their services can include: pregnancy testing; parenting classes; ultrasounds; STI testing; fatherhood programs; mentorship for men and women; post-abortion support for both men and women; referrals for additional medical care; references for abortion pill reversals; the presentation of options including parenting and adoption; and practical resources such as diapers, baby clothing, new car seats, and strollers.
Some PRCs also treat victims of human trafficking, and people with opioid addiction.
Care is provided by trained and licensed professionals through a holistic perspective that takes into account the emotional, social, mental, physical, and spiritual health of the woman. In addition, by providing practical assistance and information on other needed resources, these centers have been able to improve the health and well-being of the woman’s entire family.
There are about 80 PRCs in Georgia and an estimated 3,000 nationwide.
Innocent Lives Saved
Equally important, a new study published in journals.plos.org shows that pregnant women who are considering abortion and visited a PRC are about 30 percent less likely to choose ending their child’s life than women who don’t.
Commenting on the report, the National Review said: “Once again, it seems impossible for ‘pro-choice’ activists to comprehend that, in the majority of cases, women don’t actually want to choose abortion—and that, far from harming or misleading women, the majority of CPCs [PRCs] actually offer women a real choice by giving them the help they need to choose life.”
A 2019 survey found that PRCs conducted:
- 486,213 free ultrasounds.
- 731,844 free pregnancy tests.
- 967,251 free consultations for new clients.
- Prenatal and parenting classes for 291,230 clients
At a time when anti-Personhood advocates are shamelessly promoting “abortion on demand up to the point of birth, and even beyond, without apology,” it’s a blessing to know that PRCs are successfully providing life-affirming support, guidance, and many forms of care for hurting women.
Far too many women have been brainwashed into thinking abortion is their only option. Pro-life supporters can reverse this tragedy by sharing this information in their church and sphere of influence, so that women facing a difficult pregnancy know what a wonderful resource Pregnancy Resource Centers are.
Sources: lozierinstitute.org; nationalreview.com; journalofbioethics.ama—assn.org; journals.plos.org.
By Wayne DuBois
Georgia Right to Life
Media Relations Advisor