Church of the Resurrection has 30 years of involvement in the pro-life movement. We are deeply grateful for the ways that members of our congregation have been a voice for both mothers and children in difficult situations. This work involves praying, marching, advocating, and walking with mothers during and after their pregnancies.
Our partner organization Caring Network has a unique calling and role to meet abortion-vulnerable and abortion-minded women at their point of need. We have been honored to partner with them as part of our pro-life work. I spoke with Debbie Case, Rez member and V.P. of Clinics for Caring Network, about how they fulfill their calling in the pro-life space. – Fr. Matt Woodley, Interim Dean
Fr. Matt: At Rez we use the term “pro-life,” but I noticed that Caring Network does not. Why is that?
Debbie: The term “pro-life” was coined in the context of a political debate, but Caring Network is not a political organization. Some aspects of the pro-life movement focus on ideological engagement, protests, or debate, our mission is different.
We do not approach abortion as a theoretical issue—we focus on real women in crisis and the children impacted by abortion. Our goal is not to win arguments but to offer compassionate, life-affirming support that empowers women to choose life.
That’s why in order to reach abortion-vulnerable women we use the term “life-affirming” rather than “pro-life”—because our work is about practical care, hope, and real solutions for women and their children.
Fr. Matt: What does it mean to be “women focused” rather than “baby focused”?
Debbie: Being women-focused means addressing the real reasons a woman is considering abortion. She already knows abortion ends a life—this is why she is in such turmoil. Her decision isn’t based on a lack of knowledge but on deep internal tensions:
- My Life vs. the Baby’s Life: She fears having a baby will destroy her identity and future, seeing abortion as an act of self-preservation.
- Bad Life vs. No Life: She worries her child will suffer in hardship and believes abortion may be kinder than bringing them into an uncertain future.
- Guilt vs. Shame: She doesn’t want to live with the guilt of abortion, but her fear of judgment is so strong that abortion seems like the best way to protect herself.
Our role is to help her resolve these tensions. Instead of simply saying “every life is valuable,” we show her that life is possible for both her and her baby by connecting her to housing, financial aid, and material support.
We create a safe, non-judgmental space where she can process her decision and make a choice that aligns with her values and preserves her character.
More importantly, we give her time to imagine a positive future with her child, helping her see that choosing life is not just possible—but hopeful.
Fr. Matt: Over the years, at Rez our approach to being pro-life has included attending marches, advocating in the political realm, serving vulnerable women in our Baby Bank, etc. We still value those facets of being pro-life. What is your goal in supporting women who are considering abortion?
Debbie: Our focus is on meeting the needs of the abortion-minded woman. We operate under the assumption that no woman truly wants to have an abortion. (There are no little girls dreaming of growing up and having an abortion some day.)
Women have abortions because they feel insecure and unsupported, they feel trapped and see abortion as their only way out. But when they are provided peace of mind and security, more often than not they will choose life.
That means that our job is not to convince or persuade or talk them out of having an abortion but to give them a sense of peace and security so that they can be free to make the choice they truly want—the choice to have their baby. Our job is to meet the needs of the mother. If we do that, she will take care of the child. Adoption could be one way she chooses to care for her child.
Learn more about Caring Network’s compassionate approach on Sunday, Feb 23, from Debbie Case and Kirt Wiggins, President of Caring Network. Time for questions will be included.
Join us 12:30-2pm, upstairs in St. Gregory. If you sign up by Feb 16, lunch will be included. Sign up here.
