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Mission: Possible!
The pregnancy help center movement is now over 50 years old and continues to stand the test of time. Beginning in the late 1960s, life-affirming pregnancy centers began opening their doors as abortion was becoming legal in the United States. In the mid to late 80s, centers began providing pregnancy confirmation ultrasound services to provide a window to the womb and help moms bond with their unborn babies. PDHC opened its doors on January 22, 1981, on the 8th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and joined forces with ultrasound services in 1995. PDHC and many other centers have continued to grow and expand programs and services to further meet the needs of women and families in the community throughout the decades. PDHC’s growth has included four resource center locations, sexual risk avoidance and character development education beginning in 1984, after-abortion support programs in 1989, and abortion pill reversal services in late 2019. Also added was our Family Empowerment Center in late 2020. In a survey of 2,700 pregnancy centers around the United States in 2019, the estimated value of services provided by pregnancy resource centers was nearly $267 million in aid to women and families. * The mission of pregnancy centers like PDHC is not possible without God at the center of everything we do, along with a community of support from life-minded friends, prayer warriors, volunteers, passionate team members, and our wonderful church and community partnerships. We are thankful for this year’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24th, giving the power back to each state to pass laws to ban, sanction, or regulate abortion. But abortion is still available. Depending on their state laws, Individuals are crossing state lines and looking for alternatives to receive abortion services. Chemical abortions via the abortion pill are readily available online and represented 80% of abortions in Franklin County in 2020. * The mission of PDHC continues and becomes even more critical than ever as we provide the resources families need in a post-Roe world. There will always be unexpected and challenging pregnancies, and women and their babies will still need love, hope, and practical help for healthy outcomes for their families. To accomplish this, we need to reach her first when she is on her phone during challenging circumstances and looking for help. Unfortunately, we are up against increasing efforts to censor pregnancy centers on Google. It is becoming necessary to spend more on Google Ads to get conversion rates. The abortion industry is targeting pregnancy centers as “Fake Clinics” and can spend much more in marketing dollars than what pregnancy resource centers are typically able to budget as non-profits. We need to continue growing and diversifying our efforts to compete against the abortion industry. Also, with this year’s events, pregnancy centers are experiencing increased threats from pro-abortion extremists. Many centers have been vandalized by graffiti with messages, “If abortion isn’t safe, neither are you,” fire-bombing, broken windows, destruction of property inside centers, social media attacks, and harassing phone calls. There have been times when special duty police officers are necessary. To further protect our centers, staff, volunteers, and the women who come to us for help, it was necessary for PDHC to install alarm systems with ongoing monthly security monitoring, panic buttons, and cameras at all five locations. We are currently working on a construction project that is needed at one of our centers to increase security. Despite these threats and with your help, PDHC will continue to meet the needs of women who are facing unexpected pregnancies as we have been doing for over 41 years. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and join us at our upcoming Celebration for Life galas to learn more about how you can help support us in these efforts and PDHC’s mission as we continue to stand the test of time. Mission: Possible! Blessings, Kathy *Charlotte Lozier Institute **Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
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The words, “We’re Here for You,” exemplifies who we are as a resource for women and families in the community. We are here to meet and serve individuals right where they are, at this moment in their life, during their time of need. We are a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment, providing programs and services free of charge. Every individual who crosses our path is treated with kindness, compassion, and in a caring manner.
Over the last several months, we have highlighted each of PDHC’s four pillars of service. We started with the impact of our Hotline and Center Services, followed by our Family Empowerment Program of parenting education and practical support. Last month, we highlighted our Common Sense Culture program, impacting middle and high school students with healthy choices education. This month, we focus on our Abortion Recovery Program, which helps individuals restore, reclaim, and recover from a past abortion experience. At PDHC, each program and service began because there was an essential need in the community. Our programs and services have continued to grow and evolve over the last 41 years, positively impacting thousands of lives and we will continue to provide the same love and compassionate care to everyone we serve. Unfortunately, the latest opposition to our excellent work happened on Monday, when the Columbus City Council passed three ordinances: 0143-2022, 2216-2022, and 2215-2022. Ordinance 2215 specifically targets pregnancy resource centers. For links to recent news article and coverage of the City Council meeting, see below. Columbus City Council to vote on bills protecting abortion reproductive healthcare Coverage of the City Council meeting with Proposed Reproductive Right Ordinances (starts around the 3:21 mark) Thank you for being there for us. Please continue to pray for the safety and protection of our centers, staff, volunteers, and those we serve. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 Making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved, Kathy We have just witnessed history! Today’s Supreme Court ruling has overturned Roe v. Wade, which gives the power back to each state to pass laws to ban, sanction, or regulate abortion.
See article on common myths associated with the overturning of Roe v. Wade See a copy of the final opinion For over 41 years, PDHC has stood as a beacon of hope for women who need compassionate care and support when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The mission of pregnancy resource centers does not change. Our work continues and becomes more important than ever, as women will still face challenges and barriers regarding their pregnancies. PDHC stands ready to provide practical resources and life-affirming options through our 24/7 hotline, free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, abortion pill reversal services, pregnancy and parenting education, much needed baby items, and outreach to a network of community support and resources. For individuals who are struggling with a past abortion experience, PDHC’s Abortion Recovery programs and services provide hope and healing in a judgement free, safe, and confidential environment where women gain a community of support and build life-long friendships. PDHC’s programs and services remain dedicated to the women and families we serve in the Central Ohio community. We are here for you! Thank you for walking alongside us throughout the years. Please continue to pray for the women and families we serve, our centers, and our staff and volunteers as we continue our life-affirming work, all for the Glory of God. Making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved, Kathy The leak of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health draft opinion has caused cautious hope for the pro-life movement and panic amongst abortion activists. As usual, the mainstream media has a strong bias against the pro-life side, and many sources are misrepresenting the facts of the case as well as its possible effects.
In all of the confusion, you may be wondering, “What does this mean for me, right here in Ohio? Will abortion be gone for good? If so, will we still need pregnancy centers?” Attached is a brief fact sheet with some key questions and answers about the case and what it may mean for the pro-life movement, both nationally and in Ohio (see email attachment). A few points we cover are:
No matter what happens in politics, though, we will hold fast to this belief: That every mother, father, and child is of infinite value and deserving of abundant life in Christ. We plan to weather this storm and to continue meeting the needs of every person who comes to us for help. We pray that you will continue to support this mission as well. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Blessings, Kathy For the next few months, President's Corner will highlight some of our staff leaders in their individual roles within our 4 pillars, beginning with Pregnancy Support. We begin from the heart of Rachel, who oversees staff and volunteers on our 24/7 hotline. Making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved, Kathy Scanlon  PDHC originated in 1981 out of a heart for life and love... with a phone by a bed and servants ready and available to listen at the point of a woman's greatest need. 41 years later, PDHC Connections staff and volunteers continue to serve families on the front lines 24/7 by answering calls, texts, and chats - most commonly as the point of a client's initial contact to PDHC. The opportunity to communicate God's grace and hope to the uncertain, the undecided, the hurting is a humbling privilege. Yet, the press to impart value and vision through anonymous and often brief platforms is a challenge only the Holy Spirit can achieve as we plant seeds in obedience to Him. Jesus assures us that He weeps when we mourn, and He shares in our joy when we celebrate. Ecclesiastes tell us, "There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance". There are moments we answer a call for a couple desperate to see two pink lines on that home test, or to confirm that occurrence in one of our centers "so it feels real", so they can believe that it is true. Yet there are many more times we consult with those barely able to put into words their fear, pain, and desperation not to see the very same lines. The juxtaposition of seasons in our lives and the lives of those seeking assistance at PDHC is rarely more obvious than in the case of clients requesting Abortion Pill Reversal services. Earlier this year, a young woman reached out to the national Abortion Pill Reversal hotline and was directed to PDHC as her closest provider, albeit nearly an hour and a half from her home. She shared honestly and frankly that she "wasn't 100% confident in [her] decision to begin with" and in just several hours "wanted to change my mind". A young, single mother 10 weeks pregnant in a fractured relationship, still living at home with her parents, she expressed being "ashamed" at her choices, but mostly in her decision to initiate an abortion procedure. Her commitment to walking out the change process included sharing hard details with strangers on the other end of the phone and with medical staff with whom she would interact over the next few hours. It included driving early and alone, hours round trip multiple times, to access medication and ultrasounds to establish ongoing viability of pregnancy. It included hard consequences like forfeiting finances paid to the abortion provider, as well as a significant amount of Progesterone induced nausea, vomiting and sleepless nights. Ultimately it included sharing those hard details again with ones closest to her, namely her parents, her former boyfriend, and her friends. When praying for the abortion reversal client, especially this one, God always impresses on my heart the humility, strength, and courage it takes to initiate this process: to say I was wrong, will you please help me? To share parts of a very personal story and choices made in secret and shame. To place faith in strangers and in an unknown outcome. I marvel at the heart of that mother, who although didn't think she was ready to be one, acted out a mother's heart in every decision thereafter. That's the Holy Spirit work in which we have the honor to share a small part - to be the tangible voice of reassurance, of hope, of the love of the Father. At the core, PDHC's greatest ministry is that of 2 Corinthians 1:4: "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." Most recent updates from this client are highlighted by linkage with ongoing prenatal care, sharing with family members "which went well", reunification with the father of her unborn child, planning a baby shower, and expecting a little boy in September. Glory be to the Lord for providing this garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3). We stand expectant of the amazing testimony this family will share and in the generational impact one brave phone call restored. We stand ready to witness the beautiful blessing this little boy will be to so many and to this world. Psalm 46:10 sums up this powerful transformation: Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. Thank you for sharing in this calling through your prayers and support. Be encouraged and do not become weary in doing good, for the Father is ever at work in the hearts and minds of those whom He loves. Rachel Myers, PDHC Connections Manager  Rachel Myers is PDHC's Connections Manager - she provides oversight of client outreach services to include crisis hotline, text, and online communication, as well as efforts to expand client contacts.
Everyone has a story. It is visible in the individuals we serve every day at PDHC. For many, they are sharing their moment of crisis with the supportive, calming voice of a stranger on the 24/7 hotline, or receiving kind and encouraging words of support in a text or chat conversation. For others, it may be bravely sharing their story with a caring individual on what led them to walk through the doors of one of our pregnancy centers. Maybe it’s a single mom or a struggling family who, despite personal challenges in their journey, have courageously chosen life for their baby, and through the power of parenting education and practical resources, their story turns to one of hope, strength, and empowerment. Our youth are determining what their story will look like as they maneuver through the challenges of middle and high school. And finally, the story that led individuals to a recent or past abortion decision becomes a journey toward healing and forgiveness, and often leads them to a future of helping others down the same path. With stories of their own, PDHC staff and volunteers are passionate and gifted individuals led here by God, to serve this ministry well. At our recent annual Board meeting, many staff members were able to share the impact of their programs and services provided. Story after story, testimony after testimony, it is clear the impact is boundless. All these individuals abundantly share their God-given gifts for the sake of others and the impact on the heart and soul of those they serve is extraordinary. As it says in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are so thankful for the support of the many individuals, churches, businesses, and numerous community partners that make this all possible. Thank you for walking alongside us and for sharing your stories of encouragement and hope. Making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved, Kathy Scanlon   Seeing the heartbeat of a baby during an ultrasound is a gift, a bonding moment, and precious time shared between a new mom and her nurse at PDHC. The ultrasound image shows the miracle of life to a woman who may be considering an abortion. In 2021, over 90% of abortion-vulnerable or abortion-minded women who came to PDHC for help and saw their baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound chose life, resulting in 831 life decisions. PDHC opened the doors to its first center in 1981 and added ultrasound imaging services in 1995. Ultrasound technology continues to be a powerful tool to pregnancy resource centers, especially with the increase in the number of chemical abortions via the abortion pill. According to the latest statistics from Guttmacher Institute, chemical abortions now represent more than 50% of all abortions in the United States. In Franklin County, however, that number is well above the national average at 80%.  In response, PDHC joined Heartbeat International’s Abortion Pill Rescue Network and now provides abortion pill reversal services to give a woman who regrets taking the abortion pill a second chance to save her baby. She has about 72 hours to reverse her abortion decision and PDHC stands ready to help in this critical time. She is quickly connected with a nurse in one of our centers who will perform an ultrasound to determine the viability of her pregnancy. A medical doctor will then initiate and supervise the reversal protocol. Abortion pill reversal is effective 64-68% of the time. The power of an ultrasound is undeniable. Thanks to your support and a wonderful partnership with Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound Program, PDHC is receiving FOUR new 3D/4D ultrasound machines. This will allow us to continue to offer the best in today’s ultrasound imaging to the women we serve. Below shows the difference between a 2D and a 3D/4D image.    Dr. William Lile, D.O., FACOG, and founder of ProLifeDoc.org, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with an active private practice near Pensacola, Florida. In 1999, Dr. Lile purchased the largest abortion practice in the Florida panhandle and stopped all of the abortions and abortion referrals. He founded prolifedoc.org, an online ministry, and produced a pro-life instructional DVD titled, “God’s Miracle of Life.”
Watch Dr. Lile’s presentation HERE at Cedarville University on God’s miracle of Life as reflected in Psalm 139:13. He also discusses the abortion pill and shares ultrasound images. Making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved, Kathy Scanlon On January 22, 1973 The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the historical Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in the United States. A year later, the first March for Life, founded by Nellie Gray, was held on the West Steps of the Capitol, with an estimated 20,000 supporters in attendance. On the 8th anniversary of the historical decision, PDHC opened the doors to its first pregnancy resource center on January 22, 1981. This year, the March for Life was held on Friday the 21st, and had an estimated 150,000 supporters in attendance. PDHC staff member Karoline Kress was one of those in attendance, representing the next generation of young adults standing up to protect the unborn and giving a voice to the voiceless. She shares her experience below:  Early Friday morning, I woke up in a hotel room in the city of Washington D.C.
The reason that I flew to our nation’s capital and stood outside for hours in the 20-degree weather was to give a voice to the voiceless. After dressing in layers of clothing, three layers of socks, and my coat as a final layer, I broke open my hand warmers and walked out the door. As I arrived at the metro to head to the national mall, I noticed all the youth groups with chaperones heading to the same spot I was. It reminded me of the years that I had attended March for Life in high school with my youth group. We would board a bus late Thursday night and arrive in D.C. Friday morning in time to attend the Pro-Life mass at the National Basilica and walk in the March for Life, just to board the bus after we marched past the Supreme Court for the ride home. The conviction within the hearts of youth and young people is such a witness to the sanctity of life. We truly are the Pro-Life Generation. This march is historical, and I am hopeful that it is the last march under Roe. It is a chance to make history and show up for the voiceless. The theme of this year’s March for Life is “Equality begins in the womb.”. This message was interwoven through signs, messaging, and speakers at the rally. When I arrived at the rally, I found my brother who had traveled with the pro-life group at Miami University in Oxford. During the rally, as the speakers were delivering their speeches to the crowd, several courageously shared their unexpected pregnancy stories – some chose life, while others chose abortion. Regardless of their past decision, the women were taking a stand for life in front of the nation. I was struck by the crowd’s reaction as they were sharing their testimonies. The stories of these women are what I hear every day at PDHC. The struggles of being young, scared, not feeling supported, worried about what others would think or say, buying into the lie that abortion would solve their problems, my list could go on and on. I was reminded of the gift that it is to work at PDHC and to be let into the vulnerable parts of a woman’s heart as she would sit across from me in a consulting room faced with an unexpected pregnancy. These stories that the speakers shared at the rally are of real women that I have the privilege to talk with every day. The crowd around me was captivated by the stories and hardships and the message of hope in Jesus that prevailed through it all. Among these testimonies were congressmen and women voicing their support for the pro-life movement and national speakers such as Lisa Robertson, Kirk Cameron, and Fr. Mike Schmitz. All spoke with conviction, love, and passion about the pro-life movement and upholding the dignity of all, especially the unborn children. Thinking back upon this rally, the words that have stuck with me and several others in attendance were delivered from Fr. Mike Schmitz, “Every child matters. Every woman matters. Every person matters. You Matter.” He also spoke of a young woman that had come to him for spiritual guidance during an unexpected pregnancy. She told him that she did not want to be a mom. And he responded, “you already are.” You already are. How many of our clients do I hear say, “I can’t do this” or “I am not ready to be a mom”?! And the truth is that they already are. How powerful. Science is on our side. On day one, a new life is formed - separate DNA, a unique being. At 21 days after conception a baby’s heart starts beating. At 12 weeks the baby has its own fingerprints. Each unborn baby matters. As the rally wrapped up, all 150,000 marchers traveling from various areas across the U.S. walked down Constitution Avenue towards the Supreme Court. Groups were walking in silence, praying the rosary, and some chanting cheers. One of my favorite parts of the march are all the different signs that marchers are carrying. Some are homemade while others were passed out by large groups supporting the march. I chose a sign in the shape of a heart that read “Love them both” from Live Action. I loved this sign because that is what we do within the pro-life movement. We have the opportunity to love not only the unborn baby but also the woman. March for Life is a testimony to life that has continued for 49 years. I march for the women and their unborn children that I have encountered at PDHC. I march to protect the sanctity of life. I march for the remembrance of all the lives that have been lost to abortion. I march against the narrative that society gives that empowering woman includes abortion. I march for a post-Roe America. I march so that equality may begin in the womb. If not us, then who? By Karoline Kress, PDHC Staff Member At the beginning of 2021, we selected our theme and Bible verse for the year. “Together for Life, 1981 to 2021”, reflected on PDHC’s first 40 years of Rescuing Lives and Impacting Generations. God has richly blessed this ministry through the founding generation, staff and volunteers over the years, relationships built through our community and church partnerships, financial supporters to sustain our mission, passionate prayer warriors, and life-saving services for women and families in the community. Isaiah 43:19 was chosen as our Bible verse for the year as we looked ahead with a renewed sense of hope following a challenging year due to the pandemic. “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” As 2021 comes to a close, we thank God for each of you and the richness of the blessings we have to celebrate:  PDHC’s Youth Development Program returned to the classroom in many schools in Franklin and Fairfield Counties this year, including some new schools. Thousands of middle and high school students were educated with medically accurate information regarding healthy relationships, life goals, decision making, media influence, peer pressure, bullying, teen pregnancy, STI’s and teen dating violence. When asked, most teens desire the same things in life: Success, respect, health, wealth and meaningful relationships. However, many of them differ in their perception of how to obtain the success they desire based on today’s culture. It is important in today’s society to teach teens they cannot simply choose their futures, they can only choose the HABITS that form them. Character is taught and modeled in every Common Sense Culture class and students are equipped with the knowledge to make healthy life choices for a brighter and empowered future. "I think this is an amazing program that really digs deep into how relationships work and what can happen, so they get stronger." ~ Student "Thank you for giving of your valuable time and sharing an important message with our students. You provided our students with a role model in which they could relate. Thank you for your time and your commitment to helping our youth. We would love to have you back next year." ~ Teacher  PDHC’s Pregnancy Intervention Services has helped over 2,300 women through over 9,800 visits this year. Many of these women in crisis visit multiple times during their pregnancy for personalized consultations, pregnancy test verification and ultrasounds. So far this year, more than 800 decisions for life have been made following a life-saving ultrasound. Abortion Pill Reversal continues to be a critical service provided at PDHC for women who have taken the first set of abortion pills, regret their decision, and want a second chance to save the life of their baby. In 2020, 80% of abortions in Franklin County were via the abortion pill. This year PDHC has been able to provide Abortion Pill Reversal Services to 10 more women. Unfortunately, some suffered a miscarriage or continued through with their abortion decision. For those struggling with their decision, we made sure to connect them with our Pregnancy Loss programs and services. Thankfully, 2 healthy babies have been born, and a few of the women are still pregnant. This year we have been challenged with our current ultrasound machines that are beyond their life expectancy and in need of replacement at our 4 centers. We are excited to announce that Focus on the Family will be covering 80% of the cost to provide us with 2 new 3D/4D machines through their wonderful Option Ultrasound Program in the new year. We were able to raise the other 20% at our Celebration for Life Galas in September, along with funding to add additional nursing staff at our centers to provide those crucial ultrasound services. PDHC’s 24/7 hotline continues to be the first point of contact for women in crisis with over 40,000 calls, texts and chats so far this year. “I cannot begin to thank the center enough for all of the unconditional love and support throughout the scariest time in my life. I felt like I had a family.” ~ PDHC Client "PDHC has been incredible! They treat you like family from the time you call and visit to the time you walk out! The nurses explained everything. Amazing staff! " ~ PDHC Client  PDHC’s Family Empowerment Programcontinued to grow this year with over 5,600 parenting class visits by more than 400 new moms and dads. Not only did they receive education to help them become better parents for a healthier family, but they also received crucial baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, car seats, cribs, clothing and many other needed baby items. PDHC continues to walk alongside moms and their babies all the way through the first year of the baby’s life. “PDHC offered me parenting classes that I needed so much. I have seen a lot of changes in my parenting. You grow up seeing things and dealing with stuff a certain way and it may not always be the best. You don’t want to carry that on to your kids, so having that knowledge and being shown other ways to approach different situations, it’s better for you mentally and your child. Definitely the classes were the most helpful, especially CPR, parenting techniques, swaddling, and the ABCs of sleeping, and the maternity clothes and baby clothes and diapers they gave us too. I appreciate that and them offering that. Some people don’t have that opportunity for that help.” ~ PDHC Class Participant  83 individuals participated in PDHC’s Abortion Recovery Program through more than 700 sessions, finding hope and healing from a past abortion experience. This included confidential consultations, drop in connection meetings, Living in Color Bible Studies, Rachel Vineyard Retreats, a Celebration of Restoration Luncheon, and other personalized healing programs. PDHC’s Abortion Recovery 24/7 hotline has helped individuals begin their healing journey through more than 2,000 texts this year. “Lasting friendships are built here. We fellowship and share God’s grace with each other. The healing continues at Connection Night.” ~ aR Program Participant 2021 has been filled with God’s grace through every life saved and changed with each of PDHC’s four pillars of programs and services. This will have a lasting impact on families for generations. Thank you for answering God’s call and walking alongside us to make it possible. Together for LIFE!  It is with Grateful hearts that we thank you for your partnership and the ripple effect of each life you have helped save, thus creating a wave of impact on thousands of families for generations. This year alone, you have volunteered nearly 12,000 hours of your time. Through your financial support, you have provided over 1,100 life-saving ultrasounds, already saving 744 babies this year. You have empowered and strengthened more than 430 new moms and dads through over 4,000 parenting education classes and supported them through much needed baby items at our Family Empowerment Center. Thanks to you, we have been the first point of contact through over 40,000 calls, texts, and chats to our 24/7 hotline. Thousands of middle and high school students have received healthy choices education and hundreds of individuals struggling from a past abortion experience have received hope and healing through PDHC’s abortion recovery programs and services.
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Mother Teresa You are making a difference every day, in every heartbeat, of every life saved. God Bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season. |
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