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Bridging the Divide: Why I Support Both Planned Parenthood AND Precious Life

How Does a Pro-Choicer Feel About Pro-Life?

A Case for BOTH Planned Parenthood and Precious Life

Over the July 4th holiday, I returned to my hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania—partly to escape the oppressive heat of New York City, and more so to reconnect with friends and family who remain deeply rooted in my heart.

One afternoon, a longtime best friend invited me on a river float with her family. If you’ve never been on one, it’s just as serene as it sounds: floating down a quiet river in inner tubes and kayaks, surrounded by nature and the rhythm of good conversation. [minus my consistent failure of sunscreen #burnt]  She’s now the CEO/Executive Director of a local organization that supports women who have chosen to carry their pregnancies to term. The mission is faith-based and proudly pro-life.

What struck me most about our time together wasn’t any debate or disagreement—it was our deep mutual respect. We didn’t need to argue or “agree.” Instead, we honored the work we each care about, and the friendship that transcends ideology. That afternoon reminded me of something important: the heart of these conversations doesn’t have to be about being right. It can be about listening, understanding, and above all—love.

Where I Stand: A Pro-Choice Perspective Rooted in Respect

I am firmly pro-choice. That means I support a woman’s right to decide what’s best for her body, her future, and her family. But that also means I support women who choose to carry their pregnancies to term. Choice means honoring all decisions—especially when made thoughtfully and with care.

So yes, I can stand firmly in my values and support my friend’s work in the pro-life space. There is room in this conversation for complexity, compassion, and community. We don’t need to caricature each other into extremes.

The Stereotypes Hurt Us All

Far too often, the conversation becomes a shouting match:

  • “Pro-lifers just want to control women’s bodies.”

  • “Pro-choicers are heartless baby killers.”

Both are unfair, oversimplified, and untrue. Most people I know on either side care deeply about women, children, and families. What differs is often how we believe that care should be delivered.

If we stay in the realm of stereotypes, we lose the humanity of the people doing the work—and the people being served.

So let me share, from my lived experience, why I support both Planned Parenthood and Precious Life.

The Case for Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is often painted solely as an “abortion provider,” but in reality, their mission is far broader: they are a healthcare organization rooted in accessibility, education, and nonjudgmental support.

My first encounter with Planned Parenthood wasn’t about birth control or abortion. It was about health.

Growing up in Altoona, conversations around women’s health were limited. I got my period in 5th grade, but there were no real discussions about reproductive care—not at home, not at the doctor’s office, and not in school. My sister paved the way for me, bravely going to Planned Parenthood when she needed information, support, and eventually, birth control. Under her guidance, I did the same.

Planned Parenthood gave me my first gynecological exam and my first pap smear. They didn’t push anything. I wasn’t sexually active at the time. But I was treated with respect, welcomed into a space where women’s health was normalized and prioritized.  

When I did need birth control later in life, I turned to them again. I wasn’t shamed. I wasn’t afraid. I was helped.

Further - into my early twenties [just out of college] when doctors were confusing and daunting, I visited them for regular care until I could find my right fit from another medical professional.

And yes, they provide abortions. But they do so with deep care and gravity—because no woman takes that decision lightly. Nor do the medical professionals who support her through it.

Later in my career, I had the honor of supporting Planned Parenthood as part of their Corporate Advisory Council—thanks to a colleague I met at the American Red Cross. The mission wasn’t about politics. It was about ensuring that all women, regardless of income or circumstance, had access to compassionate care.

The Case for Precious Life

Precious Life’s mission is to “provide hope and help to young women facing unplanned pregnancies.” This is a mission of care and community.

They support women who choose to carry to term. And they don’t stop there:

  • They partner with adoption agencies for women who choose to place their children in loving homes.

  • They provide essential baby supplies, parenting education, and emotional support.

  • They even offer transitional housing for young mothers who need a safe, stable environment to begin this new chapter.

One thing that especially moved me is that their care doesn’t end with birth—it also extends to post-abortive care. For women who have chosen abortion and are seeking emotional or spiritual healing afterward, Precious Life offers compassionate, nonjudgmental support. That’s not something you often hear in conversations about pro-life organizations, and it speaks volumes about their mission to love and serve women through every chapter of their story.

This isn’t just pro-life advocacy—it’s hands-on, human-centered service. They rally around women with dignity, kindness, and tangible help. I’ve seen it. And I celebrate it.

Two Truths Can Coexist

The idea that someone who is pro-choice cannot also appreciate pro-life service work is, frankly, limiting. My belief in bodily autonomy does not preclude me from supporting organizations that offer love, resources, and shelter to pregnant women. In fact, I think choice means more when a woman has meaningful support in all directions.

I’m proud of my best friend for dedicating her life to the women in her community. I’m proud that she shows up every day to offer them hope and help. I’m proud that we can talk openly about our differences without needing to convince the other. We each walk our paths with integrity—and we walk them in friendship.

A Call for Grace

We don’t have to agree on everything to be in relationship with each other. We don’t have to win an argument to deepen understanding. We don’t even have to reach consensus to find common ground.

What we do need is grace—for one another, for the messy middle, for the nuance that defines real life.

So yes, a pro-choicer can be friends with a pro-lifer. And more than that, we can respect one another, support one another, and even admire the different ways we show up for women.

There’s love in this conversation. We just have to be willing to look for it.

If you are looking for assistance - here are both resources:

Planned Parenthood

Precious Life





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