To say the events of 2020 upended the status quo for many of us would be an understatement. We’ve seen riots wreak havoc, disease ravage bodies, and politics destroy relationships. In the midst of the chaos, the Church has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be the light. To love our neighbors. To speak the truth in love. This Sanctity of Human Life Sunday the Church has a special opportunity to do so.
The Truth
As Christians, we know that all lives—regardless of age, abilities, or background—are of precious value, “uniquely and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). We believe all people are made in the “Imago Dei,” the image of God. Each human life has value and unique purpose.
When we fail to view humanity through this lens, and instead view some as “less than” or “non-human,” we see the root of sin that leads to the ugliest of humanity’s grievances—slavery, the Holocaust, racism, prejudice, eugenics, genocide. How we view and value human life is the catalyst that determines if our actions will be fueled by love or hate.
We can see an end to racism, injustice and abortion when we actively speak up for the sanctity of human life, and when we love our neighbor.
What does it mean to love our neighbor?
What does empowering women actually look like? What does it really mean to be pro-life?
When Jesus was asked, “and who is my neighbor?” He responded with the story of a man who was beaten by robbers, and left on the side of the road. A Samaritan, who in that moment in history would have been the man’s enemy, stopped his journey to not only make sure the man received medical help, but to also foot the bill. Jesus tells us to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). We are called to be like the Samaritan, and at times serve outside of our comfort zone.
Church, we need you
Many women walk through the doors of The Pregnancy Network afraid. They fear their pregnancy will jeopardize their future, the well-being of their family, their relationships, their reputation, their ability to put food on the table. Their fears are legitimate. Their fears are real. They feel trapped. And abortion often looks like the only option—but we know this isn’t true. And no woman should have to feel as if abortion is her only choice.
Church—we need you.
Our registered nurses have the special opportunity to give each woman a glimpse of her unborn child through our free ultrasounds. Tears and awe often follow. What a gift to pull away the curtain for a brief minute so she can see her “fearfully and wonderfully made” child. This moment is beautiful, and often gives women the courage to be brave. But the circumstances causing her fear haven’t changed—yet.
Church—we need you.
Many of you have already stepped in to make a difference as a volunteer or financial partner. Because of you, the same woman who walked in certain she could not carry her pregnancy to term, leaves with ultrasound photos in hand, and equipped with a list of resources. Through our Pregnancy 101 class she’ll have a guide for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, connect with other moms, and receive the baby items she needs. She’s signed up for our mentorship program, and will have a friend, a neighbor, to walk with her through this journey. We’re showing her that the life she carries is precious—and she is precious, too.
Her needs are being met, and she feels free from the choice she felt pressured to make. All because you decided to love your neighbor.
Because of our volunteers and partners, we were able to serve 943 women in the Triad in 2020. In 2020, 76% of the women who came to us considering abortion changed their minds and chose life after receiving an ultrasound. That’s a total of 221 women who went from “undecided” to “empowered”—221 women who were loved by their neighbor.
Steps you can take during Sanctity of Human Life Month
We celebrate the number of women we have been able to serve, and anticipate growing our impact as we open our doors at our new location this week. Through your service and partnership, we will be able to provide resources to twice the number of women in the Triad.
Last year there were 3,341 abortions performed in the Triad. That’s 3,431 unborn children, fearfully and wonderfully made, who never had the chance to be born. That’s 159 kindergarten classes—empty.
And that’s 3,431 women who have been impacted by the physical and emotional trauma of abortion.
Women are hurting. Families are crumbling. The need is great.
Our goal is to empower you, the Church, to love your neighbor and change your city. You can do that by praying, serving, and giving.
Pray
Pray that abortion would become unnecessary. Pray the women who feel that abortion is their only choice would be connected with the resources and encouragement they need to make healthy choices for their future and to choose life for their children. Pray for the volunteers and staff meeting women and families in their time of need.
The Pregnancy Network has a volunteer prayer team that prays together over the phone each week. Please email us at info@thepregnancynetwork.org if you’d like to join.
Serve
In 2020 The Pregnancy Network served nearly 943 women in the Triad. Our volunteers are crucial to The Pregnancy Network’s ability to provide tangible support to women in our community. If you’d like to find out more about ways you can get involved and serve, we’d like to invite you to our next Open House. You can sign up here, we’d love to help you get connected!
Give
The Pregnancy Network is funded through the generosity of our community. Through your support, we are able to offer excellent free services to women in Greensboro and now in Winston-Salem. Partner with The Pregnancy Network through your giving, you can find more information here.
You can also sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.
Together, we can empower women to face their unplanned pregnancies without fear. When we work together to care for one woman at a time and to love our neighbors, we believe we will make abortion unnecessary in the Triad.
You can read more about Sanctity of Human Life Month here:
Why The Church’s Response To Abortion Matters On Sanctity Of Human Life Sunday
Kacey Minor
Kacey is the Strategic Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.