<![CDATA[Greater Columbus Right to Life

<![CDATA[Greater Columbus Right to Life - Blog]]>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:18:26 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Vote for the Voiceless]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:36:40 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/vote-for-the-voicelessAre you prepared to vote for the voiceless this November?

We are called to be faithful stewards of the opportunities entrusted to us, including the privilege of participating in national, state, and local elections. Though it seems like every election is contentious lately – this election year is shaping up to be especially contentious. And yet, according to Pew, 36% of eligible voters did not vote in 2024. We have a responsibility to make our voices heard. If you are eligible to vote, make sure that you are registered, prepared, and that on (or before) election day you take the time to vote. When you do, vote pro-life.

GCRTL does not endorse candidates at this time, but in the weeks and months to come, we will be sharing some candidates and resources with you. But before we get to that, we wanted to give you some updates and reminders that might be helpful.

For Ohio’s November 3, 2026, General election, the deadline to register to vote or update your registration (if you have moved, changed names, etc) is Monday, October 5. You can register online through the Ohio Secretary of State or find additional election information online.

Ohio also offers early in-person voting at your county board of elections before Election Day and any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by mail. If you choose to vote in person – either during early voting or on Election Day, you must present an acceptable photo ID, such as a valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID, a passport or passport card, US military or National Guard ID, or a Department of Veterans Affairs ID.
Young people should also remember that if you will turn 18 years old on or before November 3rd, you may register to vote before your 18th, provided they are otherwise eligible to vote.

Lastly, consider talk to your pastor or priest about if it is appropriate to honor both faithful citizenship and the 250th Birthday of the U.S. with a voter registration drive!

]]><![CDATA[Remembering the Unborn Victims of the Culture of Death]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:31:51 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/remembering-the-unborn-victims-of-the-culture-of-deathThis week brings two heavy memorials to mind. The first is September 11th. It is a day that is heavy on my heart. Like so many, I have vivid memories of that day, a college senior sitting in Econ class and watching the news. For many years, I have made it a practice to visit the Memorial at the Ohio Statehouse and walk to my church for some time in prayer.

I’ve mostly stayed off of social media, as others have much more poignant things to say.

That changed a few years ago when a friend visiting the NYC memorial sent me a photograph of the memorial where etched into the stone depicting the names of the victims were the words “and her unborn child.” Those words actually occur 11 times. Ten times for the victims of the Twin Towers and once for a victim of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

When I was sent that photograph, I had been working in the faith based and pro-life community for some time. But it resonated on a few levels. What has stuck with me is that arguably the most identifiable memorial in the United States specifically recognizes the humanity of the unborn child. It is a moment of clarity in a world clouded by confusion. It is a small step to make the invisible victim visible.

The second memorial is September 12th, the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. It is a day set aside since 2013 to pray at gravesites where aborted children have been buried and memorials dedicated to the children lost to abortion. It is intended not only to mourn children lost to abortion, but to offer hope and healing to mothers, fathers, grandparents and others affected by abortion.

There is something powerful about visiting a physical memorial or a gravesite.

Here in Central Ohio we do not have any gravesites set aside for the victims of Abortion listed on the national page for public remembrance, but we do have a number of places where those children are permanently remembered.

St. Andrew Catholic Church (1899 McCoy Rd, Cols)

Holy Family Church (584 W Broad Street, Cols)

Pontifical College Josephinum (7625 N High Street, Cols)

St. Matthew the Apostle Church (807 Havens Corners Rd, Gahanna)

St. Patrick Catholic Church (280 N Grant Ave, Cols)

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (1033 W 5th St, Marysville)

Northside Church of Christ (4427 Marion Rd NE, Newark)

Sunbury Christian Church (870 Admiral Drive, Sunbury)*

Service at 9am on Saturday September 12th

There may be other memorial sites or services planned that we are not aware of. If so, please share with us so that we can update our lists as we can.

Abortion seeks to destroy the humanity of the unborn child, and it leaves behind survivors who are in need of help, hope, and healing.

This week, remember the unborn victims that our culture has tried to make invisible. Their lives were brief, but their humanity never diminished or defeated.  ]]><![CDATA[Policy Pulse 9.10.26]]>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:59:17 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/policy-pulse-91026As Ohio courts continue to interpret the impact of the 2023 abortion amendment, there are two recent decisions to keep in mind.

On August 20th, the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously dismissed a challenge brought by Trumbull County Judge David Engler.  Engler questioned if the constitutional amendment was being applied in a way that eliminated the judicial bypass process for minors seeking abortions. The case was novel in its approach, with Judge Engler arguing that anecdotal evidence regarding the number of minors seeking judicial bypass in his court violated a key check to the law provided by the judiciary. The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed the case.

This dismissal does not likely give any insight into how the larger legal fights over the Amendment will play out. A separate challenge remains pending in Butler County, and other cases continue to work their way through Ohio courts, including the state’s 24-hour waiting period, telehealth and other abortion pill restrictions, and even requirements related to the disposition of fetal remains. We’ll talk about the fallout over the abortion pill case further below.

On August 21, Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals issued a decision in Women’s Med Dayton v. Vanderhoff, a case involving state regulation of abortion-providing ambulatory surgical facilities. The court allowed the underlying constitutional challenge to continue and upheld, with limits, an order requiring Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff to be deposed regarding licensing and variance decisions. The abortion clinics allege that Ohio has applied its regulatory discretion in a discriminatory manner toward facilities that perform abortions.

Recent Ohio Court decisions have tended to focus on procedural questions: who has standing, which questions move forward, who can be deposed, and which laws will be enforced or enjoined while the litigation moves forward.

It can be very frustrating, because the fallout from those decisions is very real. Real lives hang in the balance. The abortion industry propped up their campaign with the false rhetoric that it would be protecting the status quo in Ohio, but it has actually been the radical expansion we predicted. There is nothing that showcases this like the abortion rate and policy over the abortion pill.

Prior to Issue 1, the abortion pill had to be administered in person, by a licensed physician who would report severe side effects that hurt women and provide full informed consent at least 24 hours prior before starting the pill. Those requirements are all suspended pending various legal cases post Issue 1.

The most recent fallout has been the serious complication reports which were reported to the State Medical Board. These reports, which had no patient identifying information, were public records that we were able to publish. They provided important information over the years that we have been able to review to identify concerning patterns, ensure women had accurate information, and file complaints against abortion providers who were flouting the law. A Judge has now blocked the requirement to issue these reports.

This is not a pre-Dobbs status quo, it does nothing to help protect and advance the rights of women, and it certainly harms babies.  It leaves us completely unable to educate the policymakers of Ohio – in this case the voters, about the consequences of what they voted into our Constitution.
All of this comes at a time when medication abortion is rapidly becoming dominant. At the federal level, mifepristone is once again receiving significant scrutiny. A federal lawsuit brought by states seeking to challenge FDA expansion of the death drug, including changes leading it to be delivered by mail and evade what legal protections still exist in Ohio, was recently paused until December 1, 2026, or until the FDA completes a safety review.

According to ODH monthly reports, more than 5000 abortions were reported in June and July. About 3200, or 64%, were medication abortions. These are just the ones that are being reported.

We are on track for 30,000 abortions to happen in Ohio, a number we have not seen in Ohio for nearly 20 years.

How does that make you feel?

Are you shocked?

Do you grieve?

Does it anger you sufficiently to move you to action?

It should.

Response is not optional. Our response at GCRTL takes the form of prayer, education, and advocacy.

40 Days for Life and our several advocacy trainings are great places to start.
We are also expanding our educational programming on Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). We’ve partnered with PDHC to provide a joint training to the community, and they are scheduling quickly (we can only accommodate a few more in 2026, and our 2027 books are open).

This program will help you to understand how the abortion pill regimen works, what women may experience, and what options may be available when a woman changes her mind after taking the drug. If someone asked you – would you know what to do?

We also have a growing collection of educational and outreach resources available for you to use, including Spanish language materials. If you speak Spanish or another language in use in our community and are willing to help us with translation, presentation, or outreach skills – we have a role for you.

These programs are optimal to bring to your church or school and compliment programs such as the USCCB’s recent national initiative focused on stopping the spread of the abortion pill.

Lawsuits. Laws. Federal debates at the FDA. These may all seem far away or distant or insurmountable. But the truth is that you can have more of an impact that you think. This is no longer niche work in the movement. It is the work of the movement, and you can impact it today. ]]><![CDATA[Organ Donation Headlines are a Wake-Up Call]]>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:57:07 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/organ-donation-headlines-are-a-wake-up-callRecent federal action to decertify Network for Hope, the organ procurement that serves Kentucky and parts of Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia has raised questions about the integrity of our organ donation system. Among pro-life voices, these concerns are expressly valid.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cited patient safety concerns as the reason they initiated decertification. Network for Hope has disputed the allegations and indicated it will appeal.

This is a timely reminder that every person should understand how end-of-life decisions are made and why each person should choose a trusted health care agent through advance directives. People of faith should not fear ethical organ donation. For example, the Catholic Church teaches that organ donation, when freely given after death, with proper respect for the dignity of the human person, is a “noble and meritorious act” that is an authentic expression of charity and love. As we often say, however, it is critical that a person is truly dead, before this charitable and life-giving act is permissible.

Rather than discouraging organ donation, these headlines should encourage us to become better informed. One of the strongest safeguards against unethical practices is ensuring that patients, families, and healthcare agents understand faithful end-of-life bioethics. This includes the role of advance directives, the moral principles that guide life-affirming decision-making, and how we determine death.

If your church or group has not yet hosted a Faithful at the End of Life presentation, now is an excellent time to schedule one. It is an opportunity to help the pro-life faithful to make informed, faith-based decisions that protect the dignity of the human person and affirm the life-saving gift of ethical organ donation. The program and presentation are available in both a General and a Catholic edition.

To schedule Faithful at the End of Life or any of our speaker series, visit our website today and fill out a Speaker’s Bureau request form. ]]><![CDATA[Policy Pulse 7.2.26]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:58:55 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/policy-pulse-7226Abortion Pill: Legal Landscape -

The legal and political landscape surrounding the abortion pill continues to change rapidly. California’s Attorney General continues to pursue litigation harassing Heartbeat International over Abortion Pill reversal, while the U.S. Supreme Court is once again considering whether the abortion pill may continue to be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed nationwide. They had temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that restored in-person dispensing requirements while the litigation progressed. As of print time, the dispensing had begun again. In the meanwhile, members of the Ohio General Assembly continue to consider legislation that would restore some regulation on the abortion pill after they were decimated by passage of Ohio’s abortion amendment.

Local Snapshot -

Here in central Ohio, utilization of the abortion pill continues to expand. At least four providers now distribute the abortion pill in Franklin County, and numbers suggest additional providers are popping up in the surrounding counties. Until this spring, Aria Medical and Jenson Family Health (abortion pill providers) operated along the Just Center – a self-described “pregnancy help center” that refers to and helps facilitate funding for abortions. Their slogan, “We want to help you, not save you,” is an unmistakable jab at faith-based pregnancy resource centers that have faithfully served women for decades.

Covering New Clinic in Prayer -

In May, Aria and the Just Center relocated to an office building near the corner of North Broadway and High Street, which has long been the home to several respected organizations and health care providers, including the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio – a group that has done so much to help families and adults navigating and living with Down Syndrome. We should all be mindful of the vulnerability of children when there is a diagnosis of Down’s – a discussion brought back into national attention when a social media influencer couple made an elaborate announcement that they chose abortion rather than have a child with a disability. It was a tragic reminder that prenatal disability continues to place countless children at risk of abortion and it is a warning that overwhelmed parents seeking help for their pregnancies could be steered toward abortion.

Responding -

These developments reinforce that if Big Abortion is going to bring abortion to every mailbox, sidewalk, and school, then we must bring pro-life advocacy and abortion pill reversal there too. And we continue to expand opportunities for you to get involved to do just that. We are continuing to recruit and re-invite sidewalk counselors and prayer volunteers to maintain a peaceful, compassionate witness wherever abortions are taking place. If you are interested in becoming a more effective advocate – on the sidewalk or anywhere, consider attending one of our Advocacy Training classes on July 16th or July 18th. If your church, school, or community group would like to host the training -we’d be happy to bring it to you!

New APR Program -

Finally, we are so excited to launch new Abortion Pill Education and Reversal program jointly with PDHC at the Summer Social. Participants will learn how the abortion pill works, the science behind reversal, practical advocacy and apologetics and how to respond if God places someone in their path who regrets taking the first does. We will also be adding this program to our Speaker’s Bureau and making it available free of charge to schedule at your church, school, or group meeting.

The laws may constantly change, but we are staying true to our mission. More than ever, protecting life depends on informed, compassionate, and faithful people who are prepared to meet women wherever the abortion industry seeks to reach them.

Disappointing Federal Funding

The federal "Defunding" of abortion providers has been allowed to expire, which has been a boon to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, including affiliates in Ohio who have already announced that they will go back to accepting Medicaid.

Advocates for Life, including GCRTL, continue to work to call on the continued defunding, but thus far results have been disappointing.

We also have not seen much movement at the proposed new location on Michigan Ave, although - unsurprisingly - it seems neighbors have already complained about the property being unkept to the city. We are continuing to monitor the situation and see if they are planning to expand their offerings like hormone treatments for transgender and aesthetic treatments in addition to abortion and other services. ]]><![CDATA[Policy Pulse 4.30.26]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:43:59 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/policy-pulse-43026House Bill 835 has recently been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly. It seeks to legalize Oregon-style assisted suicide in Ohio. While the proposal is unlikely to gain traction in the current legislature, its backers have launched ana aggressive public relations campaign to build support, with favorable coverage appearing in Ohio newspapers. To help you better understand what’s at stake, we’ve prepared an overview called "Compassion Requires Care, Not Killing, explaining the issue, presenting arguments against it, sharing more information about the bill and outlining effective ways to oppose it.

As next steps, we encourage you to take action:

Invite a GCRTL speaker to your church, school, or organization to present on end-of-life issues - including the “Faithful at the End of Life” program and a powerful new documentary from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition examining Canada’s MAiD program, Both are offered at no cost and now booking for the fall;
Contact your State Representative and respectfully ask them to oppose HB 835. You can easily identify and message your lawmaker through our provided link. Please remember that submissions become part of the public record, so do not include confidential information; and
Consider a donation so that we can maintain the current work that we are doing and also expand to take on this new challenge. Our team, and our budget, are pushed to their limit, and yet we have increasingly more to cover: we need your help. Making a one-time gift of $25, a monthly gift of $5, or by registering for our banquet, are all powerful ways you can partner with us in this work.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in First Choice Women's Resource Centers v. Platkin, a case arising from actions taken by Matthew Platkin against a New Jersey pregnancy help center. Platkin, the New Jersey Attorney General, had issued a subpoena seeking donor information and internal records as part of an investigation into alleged deceptive practices, prompting the center to raise serious concerns about free speech and donor privacy. While the case does not directly address abortion policy, it focuses on whether the center can challenge the state’s actions in federal court before enforcement occurs.

In a unanimous decision, the Court allowed that challenge to move forward, recognizing that compelled disclosure of supporters may raise significant First Amendment issues. The ruling does not settle the underlying dispute but ensures that pregnancy help centers can defend their constitutional rights in court.]]><![CDATA[Policy Pulse 3.6.26]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:15:14 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/policypulse3626There have been four major Ohio related stories that we want to draw your attention to. Note that some articles may require a subscription. When possible, we have shared open access versions of the stories.

Ohio Abortion Statistics Report: In case you missed it, we covered the heartbreaking news of Ohio’s latest abortion statistics report showing a dramatic increase in the number of abortion related deaths: 25,135 unborn children and 1 mother. Take a look at our initial review here. We are also working on more in-depth analysis and will be modifying our presentations to include the update. If you would like to bring one of our programs to your church or school, let us know here.
Assisted Suicide push: While not totally unexpected, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has entered the discussion about assisted suicide (or as proponents like to call it “medical aid in dying.”).
Telemedicine Abortion Expansion: Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio also announced earlier this week that it was expanding telemedicine abortion appointments to every county in Ohio. Opponents (like us) point that this poses a risk to patient safety, where proponents laud the expansion into rural counties. It also elevates the work that we are doing to educate on and disseminate information about abortion pill reversal.
Organ Donation Litigation: One of the most frequent questions that we get during our presentations on Faithful at the End of Life relates to the permissibility of organ donation. This has been especially marked in light of a recent scandal related to designation of death criteria. Most major religions, as well as pro-life advocates, affirm organ donation in general, with the caveat that a donor must meet stringent standards to have a death designation. We strongly advocate speaking to your family and advocates about organ donation and encourage individuals to understand that certain designations (such as the driver’s license designation in Ohio) do not suggest a preference, but actually constitute a contract with Ohio’s donor agencies. This occasionally comes up when there is a disagreement about what constitutes “death” in an individual patient and has led to some litigation. A recent case in Ohio has put a spotlight back on this provision of Ohio law when a family supported their loved one’s decision to donate organs but objected to the donor bank’s use of mechanical methods to keep organs viable while various transplant teams were assembled. It is an interesting story that underscores the message we share during Faithful at the End of Life programs – to understand the process and talk to your loved ones. If you would like to host a Faithful at the End of Life seminar, we are currently scheduling for the spring and summer.

]]><![CDATA[2025 Abortion Statistics Report]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/2025-abortion-statistics-report2025 Ohio Abortion Statistics Report
This is an initial analysis of the 2025 Ohio abortion statistics report from Greater Columbus Right to Life. Each year the Ohio Department of Health provides information on the previous year’s abortion statistics as required by Ohio law. We review that report and publish it to our friends and supporters in a way that we think will be helpful. Note that this document may be updated by GCRTL due to additional review and analysis or because of unintentional errors in reporting or calculating information. While we make every effort to provide accurate data, on occasion we make mistakes. If you think there is an error or if you have any questions, please contact our office. If you would like a member of the GCRTL team to come talk to your organization or church about this report or the status of Ohio’s abortion climate in a post Article 1, Section 22 environment, please contact our office at 614-448-8508 or reach out to our Speaker’s Bureau. Please note that the statistics in this document only represent the intentionally induced abortions that happen in Ohio and are reported to the Ohio Department of Health as required by law. It does not include abortions that happen outside of Ohio or that are not reported as required. Please also note that because Ohio’s reporting law has changed, we may report numbers differently this year than in years past.

Statewide Look:
We are sad to report that 25,136 persons died from an abortion in 2025. That was 25,135 unborn babies and one mother. That is about a 15% increase in the number of abortions performed in 2024.

About 21%, or 5,243, of those were women who traveled into Ohio for an abortion. About 60% of the abortions statewide were performed via nonsurgical methods – mostly the abortion pill. By comparison, in 2024, about 46% of abortions statewide were performed via nonsurgical methods. 293 of all abortions statewide were performed after the 20th week of gestation.

In 2024, we noted that there had been an “explosion” in the number of abortion complications: 186 in 2024 from 41 in 2023. This number has once again significantly increased. There are two types of complications detailed in this year’s abortion report. Procedural complications included 63 patients with 68 complications including: perforated uterus (1), cervical laceration (5), hemorrhage (16), incomplete or failed abortions (8), hematometra (1), infection (1), and “other” (35). In addition, one woman was reported to have died. In a second “post abortion care” table, 195 patients experienced a combined 208 complications, including: perforated uterus (1), hemorrhage (10), hematometra (13), incomplete or failed abortion (156), infection (16), and “other” (12). It is possible that some double reporting has occurred, but the numbers suggest that there were likely more than 250 distinct patients who experienced post abortion complications.

Abortions Locally:
Abortions are reported not only by the location where the procedure was performed, but by the county (and zip code) where the mother lived.
In looking at the Greater Columbus MSA (metropolitan statistical area), we see modest increases in the number of local abortions. This excludes Licking County, which saw a decrease. This trend is also reflected in the number of abortions that took place in Central Ohio (next table) but further suggests that we are increasingly an abortion destination.

The data available also suggests that distribution of the abortion pill (and use of all nonsurgical methods), while increasing in total numbers locally, has become a smaller percentage of the overall abortions performed (70% in 2025, compared to 72% in 2024 and 81% in 2023). There are several things that could impact this. It could be part of a general trend (see statewide numbers), it could reflect the number of women traveling to central Ohio from out of state (more likely to be surgical procedures), or it could be that there are simply more counties where a local provider is offering the abortion pill (For example, Richland and Athens Counties). Abortion pill education and reversal information will continue to be a top priority of ours. Notably, the Abortion Pill Rescue and Abortion Pill Reversal network recently announced that more than 8,000 babies have been born after Abortion Pill Reversal.

Due to time (and space) constraints, we are only including the Columbus MSA counties. However, in recent years we have expanded to serve a large portion of central and southeast Ohio where there is no other organized pro-life organization. Note to those living outside of the MSA area – the numbers for your county and zip code are available in the full report and in the months and weeks to come we will expand our look to your counties.

Minors and Abortion:
An amendment to Ohio law changed several items related to Ohio’s abortion statistics reporting. One change was that preliminary monthly reports are now available. Another change was in the way that abortions on minors are counted in the Ohio Department of Health data – making changes to both the age bands and requiring more information on where the abortions were performed.

New data differentiates between minors under the age of 16 and those ages 16-17.

Statewide, there were 148 abortions performed on girls 15 or younger and 412 on girls ages 16 and 17. Here in Central Ohio, we know that the Planned Parenthood East Surgical performed 22 abortions on girls 15 or younger and 54 on girls ages 16 or 17. Your Choice on Karl Road performed 7 on girls 15 or younger and 24 on girls ages 16 or 17. Data confirmed information shared by GCRTL earlier this year that abortions are now being provided in at least two Cleveland Clinic facilities. By far, the most abortions on minors are being performed at PP of SWO, with 35 girls younger than 15 and 89 on girls ages 16 and 17.

Abortions by Community
Historically, abortions that are reported to the Ohio Department of Health occurred at one of the surgical or non-surgical clinics located in the five counties that correspond to Columbus (Franklin), Cincinnati (Hamilton), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), Dayton (Montgomery), Cuyahoga Falls (Summit), and Toledo (Lucas). This year, we added Richland and Athens Counties, where Planned Parenthood has started offering the abortion pill, and Delaware – which also had an independent abortion pill provider. One substantial change that is concerning is the number of abortions (3776) where the county was unreported. We will be following up with the Ohio Department of Health to understand this better.

In Conclusion
What does this mean? Well, we know that 69 babies are aborted each day (on average) in Ohio and 483 each week. That means that for each hour that passes, about 3 babies will die in Ohio. For those living in Central Ohio, that is about 13 a day, or 93 each week.

It is heartbreaking, but we are not without hope. Greater Columbus Right to Life and pro-life organizations around the state are working with partners in the pregnancy help, abortion pill reversal, and post-abortion healing communities to get more information and life-affirming help to the people who need it most. Churches, schools, and families have an opportunity – and an obligation, to speak the truth about the dignity of every human life. The 2025 abortion statistics report is a call to action. We cannot count on the laws to protect unborn children any longer; it is time to lace up our boots and speak out – in our families, at our churches, on the public sidewalks, and in every space touched by our culture.

You can download a copy of this report with any updates here.

Churches, schools, and families have an opportunity – and an obligation, to speak the truth about the dignity of every human life. The 2025 abortion statistics report is a call to action. We cannot count on the laws to protect unborn children any longer; it is time to lace up our boots and speak out – in our families, at our churches, on the public sidewalks, and in every space touched by our culture.

ACTION PLAN:

Can you pray with us for one hour? Or invite your church to pray with us? Our Spring 40 Days for Life Campaign is happening now. We have already witnessed one turn away!

Every dollar counts. Can you chip in $20 to help us fund a life-saving sign and Abortion Pill Reversal information for one of our Sidewalk Ministry Members?

Would you like to join us for our upcoming advocacy training? Or host a pro-life talk at your church?

]]><![CDATA[Valentines 2026]]>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:32:30 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/valentines-2026Current Events, Valentines Day, and Pro-Life Themes.

This week has been a bonanza for sports lovers. From the winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, many of us have been glued to the TV.

While competing half time shows, the back flip of a skater, and a broken leg of a decorated skier have dominated headlines, there have also been some remarkable cultural moments highlighting the dignity of life, the joy of motherhood, and the beauty of adoption.

If you missed it, here’s a recap of these moments:

Some watch the Super Bowl for the football, others watch for the commercials. This year one ad stood out. The ad highlighted adoption as a choice, beyond parenting or abortion, for unexpected pregnancy.
Created by an organization called Adoption is an Option, the ad drew many positive reviews, especially from those who have experienced adoption or have been close to adoption in some capacity, but it also drew critical, pro-abortion responses.

Linebacker for the Patriots, Christian Elliss’ family proves that adoption is, indeed, an option, as his seven adopted brothers and sisters cheer him on during his first Super Bowl.

Turning toward the Olympics we can draw incredible inspiration from speed skater Lollobrigida, who, upon winning Italy’s first gold medal, reminds the world that life does not end after becoming a mother saying, “Milano-Cortina for me was to show people you can be a mum and come back stronger.” Pro-abortion activists so often spew the manipulative lie that life cannot continue after motherhood, attempting to convince women that abortion is their only option.  Lollobrigida, however, shows us that the pursuit of aspirations and personal successes can continue hand-in-hand with motherhood.

In these stories, and the pro-life thread woven throughout, we find needed encouragement. Even in the darkness of the abortion landscape and the weightiness of the fight to protect the dignity of all human life – there are reminders that life is valued and that love does win.

This love is not the commercial, surface-level love sold by what we know as Valentine’s Day, but rather, the love found in and around the goodness of God’s design for marriage, family, and life itself.  St. Valentine was martyred defending this love.

As we approach Valentine’s day, let’s consider how we can remember this hope and continue to defend the goodness of God’s design in all that we do. ]]><![CDATA[Remembering Roe 2026]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:46:05 GMThttps://www.gcrtl.org/blog/a-word-from-beth-the-anniversary-of-roeIt feels weird to be writing this note in the days leading up to January 22nd and not making last minute adjustments for the Roe Remembrance, which we made the decision not to host this year. A number of considerations went into that decision, ranging from an increase in the number traveling to D.C., cost increases for the applicable Statehouse permits, and the scheduling of ancillary events. With Dobbs, the October Ohio March for Life, and now the oppressive language of “Issue 1” (passed on 11-7-23), it seemed prudent to reimagine our efforts. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas, and as we work to bring onboard a new Executive Director, we will be sure to include them in the planning process.

It is not the first time the program has changed. In years past, it was an actual March – sponsored by big name box stores and covered by the local news stations. When I took over, it had become the “Roe Rally” – held outdoors, irrespective of the weather. When school policies adjusted and Statehouse event guidelines updated, we made the decision to move it indoors and rename it the Roe Remembrance (“rallies” being prohibited inside). In each instance, it was intended to be an alternative for those who could not be in DC for the March, but held simultaneously in solidarity and prayer. A few years ago, the National March for Life shifted so that it was not specifically on the 22nd, but on a constant Friday to encourage youth participation and advocacy, but we continued to observe the 22nd. (Note – for great coverage of the National March for Life, including links to schedules and how to livestream it and related events, this piece has been very helpful).

So, while this feels strange, it is less a seismic disruption and more a sign that our strategies and events will continue to adjust because we remain focused on our mission: advancing the dignity of innocent human life from conception until natural death, and our vision to see an end to abortion in Central Ohio by 2033.

Tomorrow, our team will still be Remembering Roe. I’ll be stopping by the Statehouse for the Catholic Conference’s invitation to Eucharistic Adoration (from 10-2pm), and I’ll be talking to at least one legislative leader about some priorities. We’ll be working with some amazing volunteers in the office to get out some communications, and we will be focusing on upcoming events: an educational event on the abortion pill, one on threats at the end of life, 40 Days for Life, two upcoming advocacy trainings, and our annual banquet. We already have a handful of churches who have adopted a day or partial day for 40 Days. On my way home, I plan to stop for Mass to pray for all those killed, wounded, or touched by abortion and for those traveling to DC. On Friday, I’ll tune in to EWTN and St. Gabriel Radio to watch and listen live. I’m especially looking forward to hearing Ohio’s JD Vance speak, fresh on the news that his wife and he are expecting a baby in July. Admittedly, I'm a little extra excited – not just because I remember when VP Vance was just one of us young Statehouse staffers, but because I find myself equally torn between hoping for an Independence Day baby and one born on the 7th of July (incidentally, my own birthday). More importantly, it sounds as though this may be the first time there has been a pregnancy and a newborn to the Second Family, ever. It is not only an historic event and a subtle witness to the miracle of Life to the whole world, but because babies have a way of bringing us together to focus on what is most important – something that is sorely needed in these tumultuous political times.

While we are not holding the Roe Remembrance, know that on January 22nd, and every day, we are Remembering Roe. Because Life is a Gift.]]>