By: Chaney Mullins Gooley

False claims about pro-life support for women and infants are all too commonplace. Supposedly, we don’t care about serving women, only passing pro-life laws. Supposedly, we don’t care about babies after they are born, we are only “pro-birth”. Supposedly, we don’t care about the woman and her future, but only care that she doesn’t abort her baby. 

These accusations are now, and have always been, entirely untrue. In this post-Dobbs era, we are as committed as ever to help them both – mom and baby – before and after birth. We want to continue to grow the safety net so when moms turn to life instead of abortion, the pro-life movement is ready to receive them. 

That is what Her PLAN – a project of Susan B. Anthony Pro- Life America – is all about. In 29 states, Her PLAN offers a directory of resources that help pregnant and parenting women and families in their communities. Resources include support during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and until a child turns 2. Many organizations serve even further. Together these resources address the medical, social, and material needs that might otherwise cause a woman to resort to abortion. 

This directory connects otherwise siloed providers, helping them connect their clients to specific help they need. Providers are organized across seven categories of care, selected to address the reasons why women have abortions. The categories are: Care Coordination and Pregnancy Support; Women’s Health; Finances, Work, and Education; Material or Legal Support; Recovery and Mental Health; Prenatal Diagnosis; and Care for Children. 

Far from the trope that pro-lifers care merely at the moment of a pregnancy decision, the Her PLAN Directory reflects the ongoing care offered through pregnancy centers, maternity homes, adoption agencies, food banks, legal clinics, prenatal care, life-skills classes, addiction recovery homes, counseling centers, medical practices, and so much more. No one organization can do it all but by working together, organizations ensure that women and babies can get their needs met. This is how we live out the Help Them Both philosophy! 

Her PLAN operates in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

The states listed above in bold, Her PLAN has local staff who help interested churches of all denominations meet unmet needs in their community. Send us a message at herplan. org/contact to connect with Her PLAN staff in your state. No matter where you live, you are welcome to download the Pathways to Life Guide at herplan.org/national-pathways-to-life to learn about ways your church can be more engaged in serving women and young children. 

Mission or community care programs offered in Anglican parishes qualify as an assistance provider and should enroll in the Her PLAN Directory. Examples of church programs that qualify include food banks, benevolence funds, adoption or foster family support, addiction recovery like Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery, single mom support groups like Embrace Grace, and other support groups. If that’s you, enroll at directory.herplan.org/enroll! 

We need your help to get the word out! If you are any of the 29 Her PLAN states, check out your local directory on directory. herplan.org/signup, and if you see resources missing, email us at [email protected] to suggest we add them.