There has been a lot of discussion recently around the issue of abortion. Lines have been drawn as people have proclaimed that they are either pro-life or pro-choice. The battle for the life of the unborn has intensified as life itself in the United States has become a political issue. This sad reality has led some states to pass legislation that protects life when a heartbeat can be detected. Some states have opened up the availability of abortion to the full 40 weeks of pregnancy.

I have seen many churches partner with pregnancy care ministries in order to provide those facing unplanned pregnancies with excellent care, compassionate support, and honest information. At Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, we believe that the time these women spend with us gives them the opportunity to make a choice about the life growing within them from a place of hope instead of hurt, and from a place of faith rather than fear.

It is our privilege each week to unlock the doors and provide a place for women facing difficult decisions to come. It is an honor to answer questions and equip women with all the information they need to make a fully informed decision. It is a joy to see them find hope in the midst of hopelessness.

We are committed to offering compassionate care to women who feel hopeless and alone. We want them to have the resources, information, and emotional support they need in order to care for themselves and their families both during pregnancy and long after the baby is born.

We do not charge for our services. We believe women need a place to go that will not profit financially from their pain. We extend grace and offer truth.

We desire so much more for these women than abortion has to offer.

We long to be a place where women are met with compassion and receive truthful information so that they can leave feeling equipped and hopeful.

We are pro-women because we show the love of Jesus.

We are pro-grace because, as Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48).

We are pro-truth because Jesus said, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

We are for these women because God is for them.

We offer grace because we serve a God of grace.

We speak truth into their life because we are daily strengthened by the God of truth Himself.

God is calling us to this important work so that women facing tough circumstances do not have to feel alone. Pregnant women who feel that abortion is an option are guided to the truth that God honors all life. Such women need a place of hope, support, and knowledge. Each of them can have the chance to welcome life into the world with a smile. Abortion was never meant to be her fundamental right — HOPE was.

May our prayer today be that every step we take is in response to God, that every conversation will be ordained by God, and that every person we encounter will find hope in God.

Sherry Sherwood is CEO of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.

Written for devotions with Holiness Today.