That was the sentiment of a recent Newsweek op-ed written by pro-life leader Chuck Donovan in response to how pregnancy centers have come under increased attack in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision two years ago.
Donovan, president of the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), penned an article entitled, “End the War on Pregnancy Resource Centers” on May 22, 2024.
From violent assaults on facilities to proposed legislation designed to choke the effectiveness of centers, to lawsuits from attorneys general in states like California and New York, Donovan details the degree of vitriol levied at organizations that graciously serve women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies.
“Americans continue to deeply disagree over abortion and its impact on our families and society. But it’s time for the assault on pregnancy centers, and attacks on women who want to reverse the effects of abortion drugs, to end,” he writes.
It’s time for the war to end, especially in light of all the good that pregnancy centers bring to communities, Donovan stated. To accentuate that reality, he cited key findings from a recent report entitled, Hope For A New Generation: A collaboration of Charlotte Lozier Institute, Care Net, Heartbeat International, National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, and Option Ultrasound Program by Focus on the Family [Full Report].
According to Hope For A New Generation, over 2,750 pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) in the U.S. served families with material goods and services valued at $367 million in 2022. Most notably:
- The estimated total value of goods and services provided by PRCs (including ultrasounds, education, health care, diapers, baby formula, and much more) was $367,896,513, an over $100 million increase since 2019.
- The total number of both in-person and virtual client sessions was 16,050,312.
- More than 8 in 10 PRCs provide medical services.
- 97.4% of pregnancy center clients reported a positive experience/satisfaction.
“This data underscores the transformational influence that pregnancy centers have on communities nationwide,” said Roland C. Warren, CEO and President of Care Net. “These remarkable organizations serve as beacons of hope and support, tirelessly assisting hundreds of thousands of women and men each year.”
The report, prepared by CLI Associate Scholar Moira Gaul and CLI Senior Associate Scholar Michael J. New, details how pregnancy centers continue to innovate and connect with a panoply of community services to promote maternal, child and family health and well-being.
Other key findings, according to the report, were stark increases from 2019-2022 at PRCs in the following areas:
- + 41% growth in attendees for parenting and prenatal education programs
- + 12% increase in ultrasounds performed
- + 27% jump in STD/STI tests provided
- + 194% increase in material services/baby items delivered
The study also chronicled how pregnancy resource centers are responding to the increased availability of the abortion drug, mifepristone. From 2012-2023, APR (Abortion Pill Reversal) saved over 5,000 children’s lives after mothers regretted taking the abortion drug, according to the Abortion Pill Rescue Network. From 2019-22, there was a 142% increase in PRCs providing and overseeing the APR protocol and providing resources and support for women following drug-induced abortions.
In a press release that accompanied Hope For A New Generation, Donovan lauded the resiliency and steadfast commitment to serving displayed by the nation’s pregnancy centers.
“In the Dobbs era, the demands upon pregnancy help centers have increased daily,” he said. “Some would find these challenges daunting, but as our report shows, pregnancy help center leaders see in this situation new opportunities to serve generously with love and compassion for those in need.”