Celebrate ‘sanctity of human life’ today

Sanctity of human life is celebrated on Jan. 20 this year. What does it mean to celebrate the sanctity of human life? The 40 years that have come and gone since Roe v. Wade remind us of the need to see human life as precious, as unique, as a gift to be cherished. To this end, our nation has set aside a day to commemorate the sacredness of all human life.

Since 1983, Americans have observed the day to celebrate the intrinsic value of all human life. We have a moral obligation to say yes to life and care for it in its many forms. Is the unborn one of us? If so, killing him or her to benefit others is a serious moral wrong. Conversely, if the unborn are not human, elective abortion requires no more justification than having a tooth pulled.

I don’t think this is a debate between those who are pro-choice and those who are anti-choice. I am pro-choice. Every pro-life advocate that I know encourages women in their life choices — their choice of a career, their choice of a husband, their choice of education, their choice of a doctor. But I believe some choices are wrong, like killing innocent human beings simply because they are in the way and cannot defend themselves. We shouldn’t be pro-choice about that.

This important day provides our pregnancy and family resource center, HeartReach, an opportunity to share information about the work that we do. We have pledged to bring life-affirming resources to our Valley and help empower women and men to choose life for their unborn. We exist to help women and men make better life choices and create positive life experiences for their children. We want to promote a culture of life within the Mat-Su. The choices that we, as a people, make regarding sexual issues and family issues can be difficult, but we must view them as God-given opportunities to choose life.

HeartReach Center was founded in the Valley more than 25 years ago. The work of HRC is based on a solid vision of the founders — that women with unplanned pregnancies know they have a place to go to receive help and information about pregnancy options and to offer practical assistance in following through on life-affirming decisions.

Since its conception, HeartReach has helped more than 10,000 women and families. The vision has expanded over the years. The goal of helping fathers and extended family has resulted in a much broader impact in our community while remaining true to its original task. In July 2011, the center became a licensed medical clinic providing limited OB ultrasounds.

We at HeartReach have two arms of our ministry. One is for women seeking guidance in unplanned pregnancies and life-related choices. The other is the Embracing Parenthood Program. We provide tools to help parents in child rearing. We have more than 200 classes and a team of trained mentors who come alongside parents to help in the challenging task of parenting. We also give diapers, wipes, baby food and formula all free of charge to our clients. These services are made possible by individual donors, businesses and churches within our community.

Although are services are free of charge, we are not a welfare system. Clients earn while they learn through our parenting classes. We have a baby market stocked with maturity clothes, infant clothes ranging to size 4T, and baby equipment. Clients earn “parent bucks” from attending our classes, doing their homework and various other incentives they can spend in the market. Our center is located at 924 Leatherleaf Loop in Wasilla. Our phone number is 373-3456 and you can find us on the web at heartreachalaska.com or matsuoptions.com. Also, check us out on Facebook. We have great opportunities for volunteering or giving. You can make a difference in your world, the Valley. Make an impact on a life, join our team!

This Jan. 20, please remember to celebrate with us the precious life that our Creator God has given us. Life is truly a gift to be treasured in all its forms.

Joyce Moropoulos is the executive director of the HeartReach Center in Wasilla.

Opinions expressed on the Faith page are the author’s and are not necessarily those of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, its staff or its parent company, Wick Communications Co. To submit a column or other news for the Faith page, send email to news@frontiersman.com, or call 352-2268.