Contact: Al Gnoza, 717-238-9613
MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 25, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- There is encouraging news as far as abortion goes. The number of abortions performed in Pennsylvania during 2017 was the lowest number ever recorded -- just over 30,000. It's a decrease of 870 from the prior year and way down from the all-time recorded high of nearly 66,000 in 1980.
That news was reported just last month by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It is definitely a case of the glass being half-full or half-empty. There is still the fact that while 30,000 marks a low point, it is still 30,000 too many. So there is still work to be done.
One of the groups doing that work -- and one that likely deserves credit for bringing the number of abortions down -- is Real Alternatives, a group that has been offering free pregnancy support services for 24 years.
"In Pennsylvania, we have 400-plus counselors who will take the time and listen (to a pregnant woman), walk with her and be with her through the moment of conception through 12 months after birth," said Real Alternatives President and CEO Kevin Bagatta. "That empowers her to overcome obstacles so she doesn't feel she has to abort the baby.
"Surveys show that a lot of times women choose abortion because they are alone," Bagatta said. "They don't have anyone -- parents, boyfriends. They are by themselves."
Among the congratulations received about the program's success include Vice President Mike Pence.
"I send my special congratulations to everyone with Pennsylvania Pregnancy and Parenting Support Program as you celebrate serving 300,000 women and families over the past 22 years," Pence wrote. "With your caring and compassionate work, I have great confidence that we can continue to restore a culture of life in our nation and build a brighter future for generations to come."
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Al Gnoza is communications director for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania's Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.
