By Tanna Friday
For The Tribune
On Jan. 13, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a Proclamation designating Jan. 22 National Sanctity of Human Life Day (same day in 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states). Today, many churches celebrate and reflect on the Sanctity of Human Life for the entire month of January.
It’s been over 30 years since President Reagan called Americans to “gather on this day in homes and places of worship to give thanks for the gifts of life, and to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of every human being and the sanctity of each human life.” Abortion has been legal for 45 years. Each year over 1.2 million lives are lost to abortion.
This Sunday, Jan. 21, St. Clair Sav-A-Life and Positive Choices invite the public to join in celebrating God’s gift of life.
“We recognize Sanctity of Human Life Month each January to ‘reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of every human being and to remember those lives lost or hurt through abortion in our nation’,” said St. Clair Co. Sav-A-Life Director Angie Cantrell.
Each year, these centers reach out to the local communities and churches to help raise awareness.
“Our goal is to help raise awareness about the services that we provide both for families facing an unplanned pregnancy and to women who experienced a past abortion,” said Cantrell. There are currently over 30 churches who are participating including Pinson First Baptist, Ridgecrest Baptist and Trussville First Baptist Church.
“We know that each abortion takes the life of an unborn baby, but each abortion also represents a woman who has made a choice and is living with the consequences,” said Cantrell. “One in three women in American have had an abortion. Many women silently carry guilt and shame from this choice that she feels can never be forgiven. These women are in our community and in church who need healing from the scars from abortion.”
“One child has died, and one mother is injured,” said Jan Monski, Executive Director, Positive Choices. “No girl wants to have an abortion. It’s just a choice that was made in the pressures of circumstances and a decision they later regret. What is important to know is that abortion is not an unforgivable sin.”
“We offer a 12-week Bible study in February, Forgiven and Set Free, to walk them through this healing process,” said Cantrell. “They just need to know we are here to walk with them on this journey of healing. Cantrell said that not only will the study be confidential, but will also be available at multiple locations. For more information, please visit www.stclairsavalife.com.
“We find that from 20 to 40 years after their abortion that they decide to receive that healing,” said Cantrell. “They carry that burden for that period of time. It sometimes takes a while for a woman to get to that place because of the shame.”
“We want her to know that she doesn’t have to walk in that shame and guilt. There is forgiveness for her.”
“We are all about showing them love and compassion without judgement,” said Cantrell.
“That applies for all of our centers. There is no judgement. It is all about love and compassion.”
If you would like to partner St. Clair Co. Sav-A-Life or Positive Choices, they are in need of financial support and volunteers.
Please find contact information below.
Positive Choices
Jan Monski, Exec. Dir.
1120 Gadsden Highway
Birmingham, AL 35235
P (205) 836-0550
E pregnancybirmingham@gmail.com
Positive Choices (Satellite office)
5317 Old Springville Road
Pinson, AL 35126
P (205) 854-9252
E pregnancybirmingham@gmail.com
St. Clair Co Sav-A-Life
Angie Cantrell, Director
6426 AL-7
Springville, AL 35146
P (205) 467-7322
E stclairsavalife@yahoo.com