In 2004, I began my journey laboring in the ministry of the pro-life, pro-family movement working as Development Director for what was then known as Crisis Pregnancy Center in Anchorage, later to become Community Pregnancy Center.
That ministry, through the outpouring blessings of so many, now occupies a building in mid-town that was once an abortion facility. Think about that.
What was once a destination for ending a heartbeat and creating lifelong pain and regret, has been transformed into a hope-filled sanctuary where women and men alike enter to be educated about the life-affirming options of bringing an unexpected baby into this world. That may mean adoption for some and for others a new member of their family.
Abortion providers, as opposed to pregnancy resource centers, use ultrasounds to determine how far along the “growth” (what you and I know as a baby) is, so they can determine what kind of abortion should take place.
At that time, pregnancy centers were just starting to get ultrasound machines that provided clarity and truth to young, scared parents about what was actually taking place in their lives. In many circumstances, that moment was the point at which a decision was made to stand for something bigger and deeper than the real fears and doubts that swirled in the universe of an unplanned pregnancy.
Contrast that with the reality of Planned Parenthood’s policy explicitly preventing their staff from allowing clients to view the ultrasound screen. During a conversation I had with a Planned Parenthood executive about that curiously deceptive strategy (so much for informed consent) I was told it would create “emotional confusion” that would cloud their ability to make a rational decision. In other words, a parental bond.
Abortion providers, as opposed to pregnancy resource centers, use ultrasounds to determine how far along the “growth” (what you and I know as a baby) is, so they can determine what kind of abortion should take place. Show that baby image to the mother and an abortion becomes harder to pitch.
Day in day out…they are creating an environment where every child has a chance of seeing the light of day.
At the start of this new year, Alaska Family Council joyfully observes Celebrate Life Month, during which we recognize the dignity and worth of every life from conception to natural death.
Earlier this month, tens of thousands of Americans gathered in Washington D.C. for the March for Life celebration. We celebrate the exemplary work of pro-life pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) in Alaska.
These charitable centers are the frontline outposts of the pro-life movement, working tirelessly to help women and children in need. They offer options, counseling, free diapers and wipes, ultrasounds, STI testing and abortion pill reversal. All of this is completely free.
The Alaska Pregnancy Center Coalition, with 12 member centers all across the state, is a great first stop to learn about and engage with those who are boots on the ground in the fight for the sanctity of every life. Each year, they offer hundreds of thousands of dollars of assistance with no strings attached and no price tag.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Although pregnancy centers since the Dobbs U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade have been attacked and vandalized in record numbers and even targeted by Government officials in multiple states, they remain a powerful beacon of light and love in our communities.
Because of an out of control Alaska Supreme Court that has aggressively overturned any reasonable attempts to put up even the most minimal guardrails on abortion, our state remains, even after Dobbs, one of the most dangerous for pre-born Alaskans. Click here to view a short video Alaska Family Council produced a few years ago detailing the history of the pro-life movement in the Great Land.
Along with the pregnancy centers across Alaska, we will continue to advocate for innocent life at the public policy level in Juneau, in the culture and in the church. That is our calling and privilege.
Please, familiarize yourself with the God-honoring, life-saving, soul-reaching work of the pregnancy centers in Alaska. Day in day out…they are creating an environment where every child has a chance of seeing the light of day.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
4 Comments
Mr Minnery the following will sound like an attack on you and the desire to eliminate abortion in this state! Let me be very clear! I’m in complete agreement with you on the need to eliminate abortion!
Why are you playing both sides of the debate? Will you admit that Mike Dunleavy is not prolife in the traditional definition of prolife? Mike Dunleavy is prolife according to his definition of prolife! What is the difference many observers might be asking!? Mike Dunleavy’s definition is this: “ I want Alaska to be the most prolife state in the union “! A place where all forms of diversity are excepted, family friendly, no discrimination, male/female/ and other! Etc. Mike Dunleavy nowhere in his effort to give definition to his view of prolife indicated a desire to stop the killing of the unborn! Mike Dunleavy is pro government growth, not prolife traditional definition! His desire to keep the welcome mat out for any and all citizens wether perverts, illegal, or common everyday folks is motivated by one reason. Having enough revenue to grow his damn government! Mr Minnery I know you are aware of this and yet you refuse to call him out and use your influence to speak to power! An effort to question, expose, illuminate, shame, and any other way persuade Mike Dunleavy to man up and enforce policies that would save babies from slaughter might be something you want to reconsider!!!!!
Great article. Now let’s get the word out. MURDER (abortion) as some call it is NOT the way. If you don’t want a baby then abstain from sex.
There’s something amazing about hearing the heartbeat during a first trimester ultrasound. I’ve heard that sweet sound with 4 of my babies. It’s when reality hits that a baby is growing. Every pregnant woman should hear that sound.
Dunleavy’s definition of prolife: how many cranes are in Alaska!!!!!!!!