US bishops’ pro-life chair praises pregnancy help workers during appreciation week
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chair of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee, honored volunteers and staff who support pregnant and parenting women ahead of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week.
The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, has praised the people who provide practical help to pregnant and parenting women, calling their work “heroic.” In a statement issued October 27, he thanked everyone who works to supply women, babies and families with necessary resources during pregnancy and beyond.
The statement was released ahead of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week, which runs from November 9 to 13. Bishop Thomas said pregnancy help organizations, maternity homes, medical and resource centers, and adoption agencies provide services every day to anyone in need. The observance is an annual event created by Heartbeat International to honor staff, volunteers, nurses, directors and receptionists across pregnancy help organizations.
According to Bishop Thomas, many pregnancy care centers offer free medical services, including ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal care, and referrals for free or low-cost childbirth. They also provide baby clothes and diapers, childcare, career services, and housing referrals, among other resources.
Heartbeat International describes itself as an interdenominational Christian association of faith-based pregnancy resource centers, medical clinics, maternity homes and adoption agencies. Its website says that since 1971 the organization has supported, strengthened and started more than 4,000 pregnancy help locations on every inhabited continent to provide alternatives to abortion.
In the United States, the USCCB reports that approximately 2,750 pregnancy help centers offer life-affirming support to pregnant and parenting women in need. Bishop Thomas also recognized Walking with Moms in Need, a parish-based initiative launched by the U.S. bishops in 2020 to serve vulnerable pregnant and parenting women. At least one-third of U.S. dioceses have parishes participating in the program. The initiative aims to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic church and be connected with the resources she needs.
Bishop Thomas praised the countless volunteers in parishes who accompany vulnerable women and families and provide life-changing help. He said he hoped those who serve and protect life would be encouraged by prayers, good works and financial support as they work to build a culture of life.
The statement also highlighted local efforts such as the volunteer-run Prepares ministry in Washington state, which offers unconditional support to mothers, fathers and families as they nurture children through pregnancy and early childhood. Its services range from essential needs such as diapers, wipes and clothing to parenting education and support.
Source: nwcatholic.org
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