A recent download of a photograph onto a mobile phone depicted a cherubic infant grinning for the camera, eyes alight with joy. This infant was the beneficiary of assistance provided by the Pennsylvania Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program, which is administered by Real Alternatives, Inc. Pennsylvania Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro has threatened to terminate the program, which has served over 350,000 women over the past 30 years. This represents a significant period of time, during which numerous mothers and their infants have received comprehensive support.
Despite the Governor’s assertion that he is in favor of “choice,” a cancellation of the program would result in many women perceiving themselves to have no alternative but to undergo an abortion. This prediction is supported by research indicating that, among women who had abortions and subsequently regretted them, 85% stated that they would have chosen to continue the pregnancy if just one individual had been supportive of their pregnancy.
The individual in question is frequently found at a pregnancy resource center, maternity home, or adoption agency—the very organizations the Governor wishes to defund. It is both alarming and cruel to dismantle the safety net for women who are in desperate need of the services provided by the Pennsylvania program.
It would be beneficial to present the Governor with a photograph of the infant in question. Could he view this image and still deny the mother the assistance she required during a challenging period in her life?
The Governor’s plan to cancel Real Alternatives’ contract has the potential to place thousands of women at significant risk. To convey an urgent appeal to your state legislators to safeguard this vital program, kindly visit www.paprolife.org.