Sep 20, 2023 1 min read

Mona Charen’s recent op-ed, “Pro-Lifers should change tactics,” made a number of very valid points, suggesting that pro-life forces should put more emphasis in emulating the Jewish program “Shifra,” which offers counseling, support, advice and financial assistance to women who find themselves pregnant but facing severe obstacles.

Pennsylvania does have such a program — “Real Alternatives” — started by Gov. Robert Casey 29 years ago. This organization uses 81 Catholic Charities Centers, pregnancy support centers, maternity homes and adoption agencies to provide support services to women in unexpected pregnancies from the time they find out they are pregnant until 12 months after the birth of their baby.

These organizations have served more than 346,000 women in over 1.8 million visits. In fact, this program has been so successful that it has become a model and is being copied by several other states.

Now Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to end funding for Real Alternatives on Dec. 31. How does this conform with his pledge to “ensure that women in this commonwealth receive the reproductive health care they deserve”?

His actions are cruel and sadly hypocritical. He needs to align with his Shifra brethren.

Jerry Falso

Washington