At the beginning of the month, Elle Magazine published an expose from the former CEO of Obria Group. Obria is a life-affirming network with 21 pregnancy clinics in six states across the US. In this article, Dawn Hughes, the former CEO, critiques the practices of pro-life clinics, particularly organizations like Obria, suggesting that their methods are problematic. However, this portrayal has sparked responses from many within the life-affirming community. Heather Lawless, Founder and CEO of Reliance Center offers a contrasting perspective on the work these clinics do.
A Response from Heather Lawless, Founder & CEO of Reliance Center:
“The recent Elle article featuring Dawn Hughes critiques pro-life clinics, particularly organizations like Obria, suggesting that their practices are problematic. However, this portrayal fails to capture the full scope of the compassionate and holistic care that many clinics, such as Reliance Center, offer.
Like many other pro-life women’s health clinics, Reliance Center exemplifies the gold standard of care in the pro-life movement by providing cost-free, comprehensive, holistic reproductive services. Our focus is not just on the physical health of the women we serve but also on their emotional and psychological well-being. We prioritize ensuring that every woman who comes to us feels valued and supported. Our goal is for women to recognize their worth and value before making any decisions about their pregnancy.”
Addressing the Misconception of “Real Medical Clinics”
“The article references how PRCs “call themselves medical clinics”—clinics like Reliance and Obria are, in fact, real medical clinics where licensed medical staff are employed or volunteer their services. Just because we don’t offer abortions or birth control on demand does not mean we are not a “real medical clinic.”
The narrative presented in the article often paints pro-life clinics with a broad brush, suggesting that our focus on the value of the life inside the womb is somehow detrimental to women. This is a false narrative. Highlighting the value of life inside the womb is not about diminishing a woman’s autonomy but about providing a holistic view that includes all aspects of the decision she faces. It is not wrong to ask a woman if she is considering choosing life or to inquire about her fears. These questions are asked with the intent of understanding her situation better and offering the most appropriate support.”
Empathy and Respect: Breaking Down Barriers
“When women come to Reliance Center, our approach is to address their fears and concerns with empathy and respect. Many of the fears women face can be alleviated through support and practical help. By addressing these concerns, we often find that barriers to choosing life can be broken down, enabling women to make decisions from a place of confidence rather than fear.
Dawn Hughes refers to the workers at pro-life resource centers as “zealots,” implying a fanatical or overly aggressive approach. This characterization is misleading. In reality, the work of pro-life clinic staff is driven by compassion and a genuine desire to support women. Speaking truthfully about the value of life and offering support is not the same as browbeating or zealotry. It is an expression of kindness and respect. We believe that providing honest, compassionate care is essential to supporting women effectively.”
Caring Beyond Abortion Services
“The insistence from the pro-choice movement that pro-life clinics do not care about women because they do not offer abortions is a misunderstanding of our mission. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive support and care tailored to each woman’s needs. We offer practical help, emotional support, and medical care because we genuinely care about the well-being of women and their children. Our focus on offering alternatives to abortion is not a reflection of a lack of care but rather a commitment to providing all the support necessary for women to make informed choices. The women, in fact, come first. We address all of her fears, her concerns, and her health before we even talk about the baby.”
Reaffirming Our Compassionate Mission
“The portrayal of pro-life clinics in the article does not fully capture the compassionate, holistic care that organizations like Reliance Center offer. Our goal is to support women in every aspect of their lives, their sexual health, and their decision-making process, ensuring they feel valued and empowered. Labeling our approach as zealotry misrepresents our compassionate mission. We are dedicated to offering care that truly respects and supports women, challenging the misconception that not providing abortion services equates to not caring about women.”
Moving Forward: Supporting Women and Life
As we reflect on the dialogue sparked by the Elle article, we hope others know the truth about our mission. Life-affirming pregnancy clinics, like Reliance Center, are committed to empowering women with the resources and support they need. They are there to give women the tools to make informed decisions about their pregnancies and overall health.
Do you want to help fund life-affirming pregnancy clinics and support women? Make a one-time donation or join us as a monthly partner to help us continue creating stories of hope and empowerment for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
