“The Sidewalks & The Elections”
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July 31, 2023Two fifteen-year-olds, “Brittney” and “Brian,” walked out of the Columbus Planned Parenthood (PP) after coming from another state. Brittney’s mother had drove them to Ohio for an abortion. As they walked out, our sidewalk counselor Lorraine offered them help. She was able to share the story of her own experience as a young mother and the joy and beauty of a child despite the circumstances. At her urging, they decided to go across the street to the Women’s Care Center, where they received an ultrasound.
The center’s staff were able to connect them with resource centers back home as well. As they left in smiles, the counselor at the center asked their permission to call Lorraine to let her know that they were keeping their baby! We all rejoiced at that call!
Aside from Brian and Brittney, we reached a mother leaving the Your Choice Healthcare (YCH) abortion pill facility who sobbed, “I feel so bad, I already took it!” We pray she sought the reversal! A couple who had previously taken literature from us passed us after their follow-up appointment. The husband exclaimed, “I just wanted to let you know that you are doing God’s work… For us, it is too late.” We reiterated the infinite mercy of Jesus Christ and the grace He offers us through His Catholic Church. Chrystal was mother that our counselor Kevin prayed with her before she went inside for her appointment. After they prayed, she left and did not come bac
k! Praise God!
We also had a couple turn-away at Planned Parenthood and gave two other mothers abortion pill reversal information. Thirty-seven other people took literature from us! One pregnant woman who was just passing by took information on resources to pass on to two pregnant friends she has. We identified a n
ew doctor at Planned Parenthood, which also had another ambulance pick up a mother. That is two ambulances within just two months’ time. Two new volunteers have joined us on the sidewalk.
This month, I took on leading the Respect Life Ministry at my parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church. Long-before I was born, they have held all-night adoration in vigil before a monthly Mass and a rosary at an abortion facility. Created Equal, the pro-life ministry I was part of for six years, brought me back to do some trainings for their eight summer interns, which I greatly enjoyed!
Much of our other work this month was focused on the proposed late-term abor
tion amendment that is on the ballot this November and the special August election amendment that would protect our constitution and make it more difficult for the abortion amendment to pass in Ohio. Our outreach events included passing out information on the Ohio amendments to voters at the Statehouse and Columbus State Community College. Catholics for Life also hosted an orientation for eight of our staff and volunteers to join Protect Women Ohio Action in their canvassing efforts for the August and November elections. We hope to spend many hours talking to targeted voters! An estimated 30,000 children per year depend on our efforts to defeat the abortion amendment! Please pray for many Ohio voters to open their hearts to truth and grace! May God bless you for all of your support! AMDG!
