June 24 marked the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and much has transpired in the pro-life movement during the past year. 

Ohio is one of 13 states considered to be a battleground regarding laws on abortion, and we continue to see this play out in our culture and with the upcoming special election in August and the November ballot initiative. It is crucial that we continue to pray and educate ourselves on the importance of building a culture that protects the sanctity of every human life.

Amid the ongoing obstacles and challenges, pregnancy help will always be needed. At Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC), on our hotline and in our centers, we continue to hear from and see women every day facing challenges and barriers with an unexpected pregnancy. 

As always, we listen, build trust and form relationships. We continue to meet an expectant mother’s immediate and ongoing needs physically, emotionally and spiritually so she never feels alone in her journey. 

We walk alongside, providing her with a vision beyond her circumstances and helping her to see her value and the life of her child through God’s eyes. We provide a community of support and help her resolve her issues and problems in a life-affirming way.

Father Jonathan Wilson, pastor at Westerville St. Paul the Apostle Church, enthroned the Pregnancy Decision Health Centers’ north Columbus center to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pictured (from left) are PDHC volunteer Janet Santana, Jeff Solinger of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, PDHC staff member Kate Hamrick, PDHC co-founder Mike Hartshorn, PDHC president Kathy Scanlon, PDHC co-founder Peggy Hartshorn, PDHC staff member Carolyn Klair and Father Wilson.

These new moms are impacted every day through “little moments” such as a smile and a listening ear, words of kindness and compassion and through prayer. These little moments lead to life-changing “big moments” that impact her life, the life of her baby and her family. 

As Mother Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” There is a generational impact because of the compassionate care, love and support individuals receive at PDHC. 

“I came to PDHC after finding out I was pregnant and truly didn’t believe it was possible,” a newly pregnant mom said at PDHC. She described how much time the team at PDHC spent with her, discussing her pregnancy and all her concerns and providing an ultrasound to see her baby.

“They allowed me to feel heard in my very difficult circumstances and in all that I have been through,” she said. “They continued to follow up with me all throughout my pregnancy, offering as much support as possible. I am taking parenting classes, too. 

“With the support and encouragement of PDHC, I was able to bring my beautiful and healthy daughter into this world after several losses. I am very grateful for PDHC and don’t feel alone because of them.”

We want every individual who comes to us for help to feel the love of Jesus Christ from the moment they walk through our doors. We welcome Jesus into our centers every day, and we want to entrust all that we do to Him. 

We are thankful for Bishop Earl Fernandes, Father Jonathan Wilson and Father Peter Gideon, who recently prayed a blessing over our centers, our team, our volunteers and the women who walk through our doors for help by providing a Sacred Heart enthronement for the workplace. PDHC founders Mike and Peggy Hartshorn joined us for this special blessing at our North Center.