Reflections
from the desk of Sara Patterson, CEO
The last few days and weeks have been filled with emotion. Beginning with the Supreme Court leak to the historic day on June 24, 2022, when the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was officially announced. Tension, anticipation, worry, fear. Elation, feverish energy and — I confess — dismay at the war that is waging, and yes, exhaustion.
In 1865, our constitution was ratified so that slavery was no longer permitted in our country. But Black men, women, and children had to wait 100 years for the Civil Rights Act to pass, making segregation and discrimination illegal. They waited many more years for hearts and minds to change to align with God’s view that all life is created in His image. And this battle still continues today, 157 years later.
The preborn child—and the pro-life movement—will face the same uphill battle. Our movement has been vilified and factions of the pro-abortion movement have been attacking, vandalizing and harassing life-affirming organizations like Care Net. Heartbeat International says that one in six pregnancy centers has been targeted at the time of this writing. Groups have called for clinics like ours to “close down,” and if we don’t comply, they threatened violence and “a night of rage” which has now turned into a “summer of rage.”
We counter this darkness with light. Despair with hope. Rage with prayer and praise.
Care Net’s guiding verse this year reminds us of what God called us to be: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Though we are threatened, maligned, and discredited by the world, we are protected, honored, and uplifted by our Savior. We are called to be a light in the darkness.
I’m so grateful for your support and your faithfulness over the years. Because of you, we’ve been in continuous operation for over 35 years. We have built a reputation of “judgment-free care” with our patients. Over 305 moms and babies have called The Elizabeth House their home since launching a pilot program in 2003. We’ve shown unconditional love and acceptance to these women and children and, by doing so, many lives have been transformed.
Our work is not over. In fact, it’s ramping up.
We don’t make laws, but they greatly affect us and those we serve. If the Pre-Roe abortion ban laws go into affect in Wisconsin, there will likely be many more women in need of our help. We are committed to continuing to do all we can to support women facing the reality of an unintended pregnancy. That might mean providing more housing options for pregnant women. Providing more of everything—from parenting classes and baby supplies to ultrasound appointments and social worker sessions. Finding ways to connect with women who might believe their only option is to cross state lines and get an abortion elsewhere.
With your continued support, we can do all of the above and more. Please sign up to attend a Care Net 101 and come talk to us about how you can get more involved. We need your support, your care and your continued prayers now more than ever.