The pro-life community officially lost an advocate in a key swing state, when Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio announced he had changed his stance on abortion in an op-ed published online at Ohio.com.
While the news is not as shocking as it might first appear, the finality of Rep. Ryan’s declaration is nonetheless a disappointment to those embroiled in the daily battle for life.
However, we must not become discouraged. Not while the growing number of pregnancy help centers, medical clinics, maternity homes and non-profit adoption agencies continues to save lives and abortion clinics—more unwanted now than ever—continue to go out of business.
So, how do we look with optimism and insight into what Rep. Ryan actually said in his now-infamous op-ed?
“There is no clear and easy answer.”
Raised in a Catholic household and once considered pro-life, Rep. Ryan's 12 years in office were reflective of pro-life advances in legislation. He voted for numerous abortion restrictions, including parental notification laws, restrictions on abortion funding in health care reform, and a ban on abortions in federally funded military hospitals.
So, as predictable as the announcement may have been in some quarters, it’s no less heartbreaking to come to terms with the fact that someone who once fought for those who have no voice, has once and for all relinquished the battle on their behalf.
However, in his op-ed, Rep. Ryan did shed light on the very principles pro-abortion advocates so stridently voice: Government infringement on reproductive rights.
There are endless stories about women in troubling situations — the woman who became pregnant and has a violent spouse; the woman who lost her job and is unable to afford another child; or the underage girl worried she’ll be thrown out of her house if she reveals her pregnancy.
These are just a few of the many stories I have heard. Each of these women lived through difficult and personal situations with few options and no clear path to take. This is why there is no easy answer.
Yes, Representative, we agree. Something must be done on behalf of the woman who becomes pregnant and faces endless obstacles, including an abusive husband or boyfriend, financial difficulties, or the unfathomable plague of parental rejection.
Yes, Representative, we agree. There is no easy answer to these situations.
But there is another response. Several, in fact, that do not involve the intentional killing of a child in the womb, robbing a child of his or her life and exposing a mother to a lifetime of pain in the process.
Pregnancy help organizations are the answer for those women who face such troubling situations. That’s because the best alternative to abortion is another person.
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One who will hear her. One who will give her time to slow down and consider her options. One who will invest their lives in hers, whether for a short time or a lifetime.
To the woman who faces a seemingly impossible situation with precious few options and no clear path, we, the pregnancy help community, are waiting to help. Willing to reach out. Longing to offer support.
Pregnancy help centers do not represent the “heavy hand” of the government. We do not infringe on any individual’s rights. We do not make any decision for women or families. What we do is meet a mother exactly where she is, in her crisis, and LOVE her—as our own family.
“I have come to believe that we must trust women and families—not politicians—to make the best decision for their lives.”
Correct, Rep. Ryan. We couldn’t have said it any better.
Because no woman should face a “troubling or difficult situation” alone, we provide a better way.
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