In a post-Roe world, the myriad forces at play in each community mean the abortion landscape is constantly evolving. That proved to be true in two neighboring states — Indiana and Kentucky — where state leaders responded to the persistent voices of pro-life citizens, and abortion facilities finally shut their doors because these communities made clear: abortion wasn’t welcome there!
Since opening in 2019, Whole Women’s Health Alliance in South Bend, Indiana, has performed over 1,000 abortions. After the fall of Roe last summer, Indiana legislators passed protections of the preborn that were then stalled by a court challenge.
Despite the law still being under review, the tide seemed to be turning in favor of all those who had worked to shift the culture in the state, including stalwart Sidewalk Advocates. South Bend SAFL team leader Melanie Lyons spoke to this dedication:
We’ve been at the facility since it opened in 2019. I was there the first day it opened in June. And we’ve had a very consistent presence at the facility whenever it’s been open we’ve had volunteers there.
Their commitment was rewarded when the news came down that the facility was not only ceasing abortions, but it was also withdrawing from the lawsuit challenging the state’s legal protections! Melanie shared:
This is a victory for human rights in our community. Its closure while abortion is still legal in our state is a testament to the power of prayer and the consistent presence of South Bend’s Sidewalk Advocates for Life team.
Unfortunately, this location will continue to refer for abortions. Melanie’s team will remain committed to helping pregnant moms before they are convinced to travel for an abortion.
Just one state away, in Kentucky, our Louisville team celebrated when EMW Women’s Surgical Center stopped performing abortions. Over the past 30 years, EMW has been responsible for the death of thousands of preborn children — performing approximately 3,000 abortions each year, according to the center’s website.
The pressures of legal changes in the state helped lead to the shuttering of this facility. Thanks to the culture of life built in this community by Sidewalk Advocates and so many more, the facility will not be transitioning to a referral center, and is instead for sale! SAFL’s Vice President, Nate Robertson, who began his pro-life journey on the Louisville sidewalk, reflected on this victory:
I was elated to hear the news that, after years of dedicated outreach, our Louisville team could finally rejoice in the end of abortion in their city! I pray the EMW building will be bought by someone who will use it to shine light and hope in downtown Louisville!
These closures mark two of many more we will be announcing soon thanks to the culmination of years of local pro-life efforts to shift the culture and the long-prayed-for response of our state leaders to protect the preborn. It is only when we work together on all fronts — from the sidewalk to the pregnancy resource center, from our schools to our courts, from our homes to our state houses — that real change is possible, and an abortion-free future can be realized!
EMW Women’s Surgical Center picture credit: louisville.com