August 2025 Newsletter
Featured article: "For One, For All: How You Can Make a Difference For Pregnant Mothers"
Emily Duplechin
Parenting is a struggle. It’s a well-known fact. However, it is even harder for single parents, especially in difficult circumstances. Expectant single mothers often face extreme hardships after choosing life for their babies. Some hardships include financial difficulties, as well as worries about continuing education, but these are not the only trials that women face. For many, their concern is for lack of support from family members, judgment from friends or even people at their church, and the ever-present feeling of being alone. Fear and doubt are near-constant struggles, brought on by a culture that tells them, “You can’t do this.” As pro-lifers who stand for both mother and child, it is our responsibility to lovingly counteract that lie, to tell women, “You can do this, and I will stand with you,” and to help them along as they accomplish their dreams.
How do we achieve this, though? It’s a valid question. After all, it is impossible for one person to reach every expectant single woman out there. However, it is possible to reach one.1 A positive word, a helping hand, or a home-cooked meal can work wonders. Scientific studies have shown that social support during pregnancy can improve not only the mental and emotional health of the mother, but the physical health of both mother and child!2 Clearly, a solid support system is crucial during pregnancy and beyond, and not for only one reason. Even the smallest contribution, such as donating unneeded clothes to a pregnancy resource center, can make a huge impact, alleviating some of the stress and worry.
If we want to make a positive contribution to the pro-life movement, however, it is imperative that we approach with the right attitude. Aggression has never won a heart, and neither has an argumentative approach. Rather, love wins hearts. For this reason, we ought to approach any pregnant woman with positivity. If your friend tells you that she is pregnant, your first response should be something along the lines of, “Oh, congratulations!” Not, “Are you gonna keep it?” Lead with love, and break stigmas.3 You can’t imagine the difference it makes. When a single mom has already chosen life, she is faced with fear and uncertainty. Accusations from all sides ring in her ears. When someone shows excitement for her, or offers help with a smile, that fear is lifted. Even if it’s only for a moment, it makes a difference.
Clearly, expectant single mothers face extreme hardship. They worry that they won’t be able to provide for their babies, and often feel alone in the world. It’s up to us to prove these fears wrong. You can find a local pregnancy resource center to donate unneeded clothes to, or you could volunteer there. If you have a friend who is struggling with her decision to choose life, you can offer your time and talents to help her personally. Driving her to doctor’s appointments and bringing her food are only two of the many ways that you can get involved and make a positive impact! Even what looks to be the smallest contribution can mean the world to a mother in need. So get out there and make a difference for one woman. Your example can and will inspire change. Never underestimate the power of a simple act of love. I close with a quote from Mother Theresa:
“How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts.”
Sources:
- 10 ways to help a pregnant mom in need – Catholic Digest
- Women’s experiences of social support during pregnancy: a qualitative systematic review - PMC
- How Empowered Pro-Life Women Can Empower Women - Focus on the Family
Prayers
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.
Excerpted with permission. Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
Quotes
“Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid!” – St. Pope John Paul II
“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy
"Abortion and racism are both symptoms of a fundamental human error. The error is thinking that when someone stands in the way of our wants, we can justify getting that person out of our lives. Abortion and racism stem from the same poisonous root: selfishness." – Alveda King
"Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want." – St. Mother Teresa
Memes
News
Planned Parenthood to close its last Louisiana clinics | Fox News
Man sentenced for attacking pro-life activists at Planned Parenthood clinic | Fox News
Virginia teacher says she warned school 7 times about abortion scandal | Fox News
22 Republican attorneys general demand mifepristone safety protocols | Fox News
Upcoming Events
Rosary for Life: September 2nd @ 7pm
Apologetics Night: September 9th @ 7pm
Monthly Meeting: September 15th @ 7pm
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