By: Amanda Douglas

Eve’s Restoration Ministries is an organization rooted in the pro-life movement. One of the reasons I chose to pursue building a non-profit to come alongside mothers and children was to show that all life is precious. Babies in the womb are just as important as a famous basketball player, the president, an addict, or an unwed mother. All are made in the image of God. All were bought at a price. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, He set us free from the bondage of sin. Jesus died for all people at all stages of life.

What does it mean to be pro-life?

Well, it means to value all life. Sometimes the misconception is that it means only unborn lives or innocent life. It really means ALL human life. The pro-life movement focuses heavily on unborn children because there is a threat to their innocent lives. This does not mean that those who are already born are of no importance to “pro-lifers.” Most pregnancy centers help the mothers throughout pregnancy until the child is 1–2 years old. One could argue they would love to help them even longer if there were more funding for these organizations—but that is a different story altogether.

In order to receive my Human Services degree, I needed to complete a 300-hour internship. I chose a pregnancy center in my area. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The thing that impacted me the most while I was interning was the way the staff and volunteers interacted in regard to the mothers in need. I don’t mean to their faces—I mean behind closed doors. Some women came in with an intake form that stated multiple abortions, STDs, and “baby daddies.” Some would come in with not the best attitude. I was sure that at some point, SOMEONE would make a comment on their lifestyle choices, foul language, or the like. I can say that NOT ONCE did I hear ANYONE say an ill word. Volunteer and staff conversations that I was a part of were always positive and filled with compassion. Instead of judgment, they were met with empathy. Mothers were of the same importance as the children in their wombs. The more help the pregnancy center could provide, the better.

The #1 reason for abortion is the lack of family/partner support and/or financial support. Another big reason is feeling they will be unable to be a mother and pursue their dreams. Pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting ruin lives—or at least that is the lie women are told. A child(ren) may change your life, but not ruin it.
This also goes for adoption. How many mothers would choose to parent if they had a stable family and resources available to them?

A part of being “pro-life” is being the true definition of “pro-choice.” To be “pro-choice” by society’s definition is to have the ability to CHOOSE abortion when you feel there is no other choice.
“Pro-life” is asking women, What choice do you WANT to make? How can we help you to parent your child? How can we help you to succeed in your goals in life? You CAN CHOOSE to parent. You CAN CHOOSE to go to school. You CAN CHOOSE to have a career. You CAN CHOOSE to provide a life for you and your child.
That is the goal of the pro-life movement: to EMPOWER women. When a mother feels backed into a corner and feels she has no choice but to abort, does that sound like “choice” or the “only choice”?

I recently watched a video online from a “feminist” who stated that she had an abortion and it was the best choice for her. The video encouraged others to tell their stories of how their abortion was the right choice. I felt that I couldn’t resist reading the comments, even though I was sure they would make me upset or angry. I read through several comments, and what the majority of them had in common was that they “chose” abortion because of… you guessed it… lack of resources or the inability to achieve success. Lack of housing, financial support, abusive relationships—you name it. Instead of anger, I felt compassion. If only they had felt they had the resources they needed. If only they hadn’t been led to believe by family, society, or their peers that abortion was not only their choice but the only choice!

How can we help make abortion unthinkable?

Have compassion for those who are different from you. Have empathy for women who have had abortions. Give of your time and/or finances to fund nonprofits that help women succeed. In this messy world we live in, where there is so much need, help must come from all angles: the unborn, women, children, preventative measures, education. There is not one clear, clean-cut way to end human suffering in a sinful world. The best we can do is SOMETHING.

Eve’s Restoration Ministries wants to open a home for women who seek to reunify with their children in foster care. This is an angle of the pro-life movement and a component of foster care that is lacking. I have heard many gripes from “pro-choice” individuals like: “What about when the child is born?” “What about women?” “What about children in foster care?”
My response COULD be, “Well, what are YOU doing to help?” Instead, my response is, “Where can I help? Lord, send me.”

Of course, I can’t do this on my own. I have a passionate team and a growing circle of support. I need more, though. One person can make a difference, but a crowd of people can make an impact.

Do you feel called to help the pro-life movement but don’t know where to start?
I encourage you to check out our website or reach out HERE if you feel called to join the pro-life movement to empower women and help children through our organization.

—Amanda Douglas
Founder & President of Eve’s Restoration Ministries & a mom to 7 children. Empowering women to pursue their goals while also building their families.