By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
“There was a woman who was running with a baby!” the man exclaimed as we stood together at the periphery of a charity run for a local pregnancy resource center.
It was just one of the beautiful sights at this annual event which raises much-needed funds for a facility that is a beacon of life and hope in our community.
While some run—even with a baby in tow—others walk to show their solidarity with pregnant women and their families. It is a joyous spectacle, marked by music, food, a bouncy house and a carousel. The September event is just a little slice of heaven on earth.
Pregnancy resource centers do far more than hand out diapers and formula to families in need. They provide comprehensive counseling and support to women facing the most challenging of circumstances.
While the 5K walk/run was quite successful, Morning Star Pregnancy Services also relies on funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as administered by Real Alternatives. Sadly, pro-abortion Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro has threatened to cancel the contract of Real Alternatives. (He has yet to provide a reason, in writing, to Real Alternatives officials.)
This cold-hearted decision would wipe out the safety net for thousands of women throughout Pennsylvania. It is widely speculated that the Governor plans to take the $8.2 million that would have gone to Real Alternatives and award it to an organization that refers for abortions. Sickening.
It is up to us to send a strong message to the Shapiro Administration that we support Real Alternatives and want its funding to be continued. To send an immediate message to PA lawmakers calling for a continuation of Real Alternatives funds, please visit www.paprolife.org .
Women can indeed run to achieve their dreams with their babies by their sides. But they need support to do it. For the sake of babies and their mothers, we need to lend a helping hand to Real Alternatives.