OPINION
As the nation observes Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, we are reminded of the enduring value of every life — born and unborn — and the profound need for communities to step forward in support of families.
For decades, pregnancy help organizations have been the quiet heroes of this mission, offering compassion and resources to women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Yet, the challenges of the past few years have underscored the urgent need for renewed commitment to policies that promote life and strengthen families.
The Biden administration, regrettably, targeted anti-abortion organizations and sought to undermine programs offering life-affirming alternatives to abortion.
For example, the Department of Justice (DOJ) aggressively pursued sidewalk advocates whose peaceful prayers outside abortion facilities represented a different vision of support while seemingly dismissing the more than 100 activists who vandalized — and even firebombed — pregnancy help centers.
Meanwhile, policy advancements, such as the unfettered promotion of abortion pills — even through mail delivery without medical oversight — prioritized ideology over safety, disregarding the inherent risks to women.
Abortion pills, which now account for over half of all abortions in the U.S., carry risks demanding serious consideration.
Complications, including hemorrhage and infection, are not hypothetical; they are well-documented by organizations such as the Charlotte Lozier Institute.
Yet, these risks were amplified by decisions to eliminate safeguards like in-person medical evaluations and follow-up care.
Reinstating these protections is not a political issue but a matter of public health.
No woman should have to navigate a life-threatening complication alone because basic standards of care were dismissed in the name of abortion expediency.
Pregnancy help organizations exist to address the root causes of crisis pregnancies, offering everything from parenting classes to material aid like diapers and formula.
These services do more than support a moment of choice — they build foundations for stronger families.
By empowering women with resources and mentoring, these centers foster healthy relationships and break cycles of poverty that often contribute to the decisions surrounding abortion.
Take, for example, the life-changing impact of Heartbeat International’s Option Line, a 24/7 helpline that connects women with nearby resources.
Whether a woman needs housing, counseling, or job training, Option Line is a lifeline to local solutions.
With nearly 3,000 pregnancy help centers in the U.S., this network offers a stark contrast to the abortion industry, which profits from despair rather than investing in long-term outcomes.
The pro-abortion agenda of the Biden administration reached far beyond individual policy decisions. It sought to normalize abortion as the primary solution for unexpected pregnancies, even at the expense of women’s safety and well-being.
For instance, policies expanded access to chemical abortions without appropriate oversight. Efforts to silence or delegitimize pregnancy centers through legislation and media campaigns escalated.
Funding priorities consistently ignored programs that promote family cohesion and support.
These actions reflect a troubling disregard for the comprehensive needs of women and families.
This moment in history demands that we move beyond these destructive trends to rebuild a culture that values both life and motherhood.
Thankfully, we now have an opportunity to support states leading the charge to create family-friendly policies.
Tax incentives for adoption, expanded childcare programs, and direct funding for pregnancy help organizations are just a few ways states can signal their commitment to life and the well-being of families.
Federal partnerships should amplify these efforts, not stifle them.
It is time to recognize that true empowerment does not come from eliminating life but from equipping women and families to thrive.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is not just a reminder of what we stand for; it is a call to action. By supporting pregnancy help organizations and restoring common-sense safeguards, we can honor the dignity of every life and invest in the future of our communities.
As leaders in pregnancy assistance, we call on the Trump administration, state leaders, and communities across the nation to ensure that every woman feels supported, every family has a chance to thrive, and every child is welcomed into the world with dignity and love.
Andrea Trudden is vice president of communications at Heartbeat International.