Even as the COVID-19 pandemic forced people into social isolation and quarantine, pro-life students still managed to do incredible work to help mothers in need. Every year, pro-life students work to help save lives, but in 2020, their fundraising had to be mostly virtual — and they still managed to raise over $100,000.
According to an article from Students for Life of America (SFLA), their members were able to help 22 mothers to choose life, while also raising $108,000 to aid mothers in raising their children. These efforts included assembling over 400 “baby boxes,” which includes bibs, baby wipes, toys, clothes, and more, organizing diaper drives and creating resources on campus to help parenting students succeed.
Sarah Zarr, the southern regional manager for SFLA, spoke to the College Fix about how they were able to be successful in their fundraising, despite a pandemic. “Students for Life groups have adapted and continued to support women facing unplanned pregnancies by going digital. Three pro-life students alone raised over $700 for local pregnancy centers by organizing online donation drives,” she said, adding that students also donated to “Students for Life’s National Baby Item Drive in May, which raised over $15,000 in donated items for moms & babies.”
READ: How colleges and universities can help pregnant and parenting students
In addition to raising money, pro-life students gathered material donations for pregnancy centers as well, like formula, diapers, and baby clothes to help parents in need, while the money goes towards the programs offered. “Funds donated to these centers also support services like free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, adoption & parenting support/classes, and more,” Zarr said. She added that many students found that throwing campus baby showers were successful ways to help convince mothers not to abort their children.
“Students for Life students helped 22 young women choose life this year, many of whom were thrown a baby shower. One story that got a lot of attention happened in Toledo, Ohio. Students there witnessed a mother change her mind on the sidewalk outside of an abortion facility, then they threw her a shower,” she said. “Planned Parenthood’s [former] research arm, the Guttmacher Institute, notes that for 73% of women seeking abortions, ‘ability to afford a child’ is their driving factor. Students for Life groups who fundraise for scholarships, buy textbooks for pregnant & parenting students, and throw baby showers offer real, tangible help to women for whom finances make or break their situation.”
Many mothers choose abortion not because they don’t feel like having a baby. They often feel alone, desperate, and scared, and as if they don’t truly have a choice. By offering them other options, with help and resources, pro-lifers are saving lives and showing parents that there is support for them if they need it.
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