On March 1st, the 2025 Induced Abortions in Ohio Report was released, revealing heartbreaking information. There were 25,135 reported abortions (19,892 Ohio residents and 5,243 out-of-state residents) in our state, a 15% increase from the previous year. Franklin County was shown to have the 2nd highest percentage in the state at 19.3% of total abortions.
With the passing of Issue 1 in November of 2023, which enshrined abortion into our state constitution, Ohio has increasingly become a destination state for abortions due to neighboring states with more restricted laws. Locally, chemical abortions via the abortion pill represented 70% of abortions performed. Individuals can receive the abortion pill from area clinics located near our centers or order it online and have it delivered right to their doorstep to complete a self-managed abortion in their home. This is today’s reality.
But there is hope. Since 2019, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC) has been an affiliate of Heartbeat International’s Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN). When a woman reaches out for help after initiating a chemical abortion, she is immediately connected to the nearest facility providing Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) services. Thankfully, here in central Ohio, that is PDHC, and many lives have been saved.
Sierra was one of these women. During a time of fear and desperation, she found herself in an abortion clinic, swallowing the abortion pill. “I felt this was my only option, based on where I was at in my life. I took the pill and immediately knew I messed up. I wanted to cut it out of my throat,” she said.
As she was leaving the abortion clinic, she saw a sign that read, “If you’ve taken the first pill, it’s not too late.” That sign led her to the APRN. PDHC was the closest pregnancy center to her that provided APR, and she drove 2 hours to reach us. By God’s grace, the reversal protocol was successful, and the life of her baby continued to grow and thrive. We joyfully celebrated the birth of her beautiful, healthy daughter, Sawyer.
What began as a moment of fear has become a testimony of life. Sierra continues to share updates, pictures, and videos. Her daughter turned two years old last fall. “Sawyer doesn’t know a stranger, waving hi to everyone we see, making strangers’ days everywhere we go. She really is something special. It’s hard to explain, but people are just drawn to her. I know it’s a God thing! I just can’t wait to see what she does with that one day,” said Sierra.
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In an ever-changing landscape and with the expanded availability of drug-induced abortion, the need for APR services has never been more critical. APR gives hope to a woman who has taken the abortion pill, experiences regret and desperately wants a second chance to save her baby’s life. Over 8,000 lives have been saved worldwide through this service.
Despite these intervention services, some women make the decision to continue with their abortion. Afterward, they may experience a sadness they can’t explain. They may feel conflicted with emotions between relief and regret. They may be dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, or anger. Whether an individual experienced an abortion last week or 20+ years ago, the emotional and spiritual harm of abortion is real. PDHC provides hope and healing through Abortion Recovery (aR) programs and services and will walk alongside women and men harmed through abortion. There is help through a 24/7 talk or text CareLine at 614.721.2100, email at aRinfo@pdhc.org, or the website at abortionrecoveryinfo.org.
PDHC will be holding our 35th annual Golf for Life event on Monday, May 11th, at Heritage Golf Club. If you are a golfer and want to participate or sponsor, go to SupportLifePDHC.org/golf.