CHARLESTON—Keynote speaker Abby Johnson, whose story was depicted in the 2019 movie “Unplanned”, rallied pro-life advocates at the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center (LPC) annual banquet held March 12.
Johnson was a clinic director at a Planned Parenthood who had a change of heart while participating in an ultrasound-guided abortion procedure. She now works to promote life.
During the gala, Johnson, who has eight children and has converted to Catholicism, said that it is only through Jesus Christ that the abortion wounds will be healed and the battle will be won, according to the pregnancy center press release.
LPC has three locations to serve women: DAZZ- West Ashley at 843-225-3010, LPC in North Charleston at 843-553-3505, and DAZZ-Orangeburg at 803-937-3010. Staff and volunteers are still available to take phone calls to offer assistance and help to those in need, but the centers are currently closed to walk-in clients due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to statistics provided by the center, it offered 1,833 pregnancy tests in 2019, which represents one-on-one counseling. The largest age group represented was 20-24 years old. Adoption education and ways to make an adoption plan were also shared as a regular part of the counseling.
In addition, through a counseling approach regarding relationships, 221 women commiteed to abstinence before marriage. Over 1,600 parenting classes were taught and 2,027 families in need were assisted with diapers, baby food and clothing. Another service performed by the pregnancy center included 685 ultrasounds. The press release stated the ultrasounds give clients “a window into the womb”.
The center also provided 511 tests for sexually transmissible infections to women.
“Through counseling, education, and the intervention of God’s grace and mercy, 651 of these women at risk for abortion chose life,” the press release stated.
Father Gregory West, pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Parish on Daniel Island, attended the event.
“Abby Johnson held the giant hall spellbound with her courageous testimony, peppered with her captivating humor,” Father West told organizers. “Next year I hope to see plenty of my brother priests in attendance.”
The banquet organizers said over 1,240 people registered for the event.
For more information and to watch client testimony videos, visit the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center website at www.lpcfriends.com.
