Recent months may prove to be one of the most monumental for the pro-life movement since the passage of Roe v. Wade. While still rejoicing over the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 2021 announcement to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which the National Review dubbed, “the biggest case concerning abortion regulations to come before the justices in three decades,” a Texas law prohibiting abortion after fetal heartbeat detection was implemented and is saving lives today.
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During this time, many pregnancy help centers (PHCs) are wondering “what is the best way to support more women?” Meanwhile, the attacks on pregnancy centers are on-going. Just recently the State of Connecticut passed a blatantly unconstitutional bill: Raised S.B. No. 835: in early May 2021. We know this: Regardless of the outcome of the Dobbs case, PHCs will remain of the upmost importance, and they will also face increased aggressive attacks from an even more militant pro-abortion opposition.
PHCs should be encouraged. More and more we see positive developments supporting PHCs. Many states continue to fund, and even increase funding for PHCs, such as Texas budgeting $100 million for its Alternatives to Abortion program. Currently, thirteen (13) states actively fund PHCs. These states include Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Additionally, at least 20 states have passed one or more Resolutions honoring PHCs (see Map 1). These states include: Alabama-2011, Arizona-2011, Florida-2019, Georgia (between 2010-2012), Kansas (between 2010-2012), Kentucky- 2018, Missouri-2011, Michigan-2021, Nebraska (by way of a "proclamation")-2014, New Hampshire (between 2010-2012), Ohio-2014, Oklahoma-2010, South Carolina- (2011-2012 session), South Dakota-2011, Tennessee-2018 (for one PHC), Texas-2011, Utah (between 2010-2012), Virginia (between 2010-2012), West Virginia-2021, and Wisconsin (between 2010-2012).
The Susan B. Anthony List has created a model bill with accompanying research and data for any state desiring to pursue Alternatives to Abortion funding. Additionally, a model PHC resolution was drafted by Americans United for Life. Both models can be adapted to the needs of individual states.
These increased efforts are often due to the diligent work of PHCs coming together under state coalitions. All but five (5) U.S. states have a state coalition, state funding network, regional coalition, or are considering forming a state coalition. (see Map 2) As PHCs unite together with the support of national organizations, they prove to be a formidable force.
Most importantly, PHCs should maintain hope and determination. As Jesus instructs us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Editor's note: Jeanneane Maxon is an Associate Scholar for the Charlotte Lozier Institute
Desanctis, Alexandra. “The History of the Case That Could Topple Roe,” National Review Online. 25 Aug. 2021.
Available at: https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/08/the-history-of-the-case-that-could-topple-roe/(Accessed 13 Sept. 2021).
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-0835
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/08/texas-abortion-budget/
For more detailed information on Alternatives to Abortion funding, email Jeanneane Maxon at
References are available by emailing Jeanneane Maxon at
A copy of SBA’s Alternatives to Abortion Funding package can be obtained by emailing Jeanneane Maxon at
Available at: https://aul.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Joint-Resolution-Honoring-Pregnancy-Centers.doc
For more information on state coalitions, email Jeanneane Maxon at
