When disaster strikes, it’s amazing to see how people band together to lend a helping hand. Even uncharitable hearts are moved to give of themselves to help others who have lost homes, belongings, even loved ones. There’s always that nagging question in the back of our minds as we witness other people’s misfortunes: “What if that had been me?”
Charity can take many forms; whether it’s local heroes risking their lives to save others, neighbours opening their homes in times of need, or generous donors giving their money, each charitable act goes some way to help people rebuild their shattered lives…
But one organisation’s “charitable” offerings to Hurricane Harvey victims begs the question: Can we really call it “charity” when there are major, life altering costs to the recipients?
Whole Woman’s Health Clinic, a national abortions provider with four clinics in Texas, is offering free abortions to Hurricane Harvey Victims. It has offered six free-of-charge abortions in the clinic’s San Antonio location and nine in Austin and many women have already signed up for the offer.
Amy Miller, founder of Whole Woman’s Health, was quoted in SELF Magazine as saying, “There are countless ways a natural disaster can make it difficult to find a health center that offers abortions or make it possible to pay for one. That’s why we’re here to help.”
When asked why such a service is needed, Miller summarized the logistical headache that women would have to face getting to the clinic given the damaged caused by the hurricane. The organisation also plans to provide transport and cover the costs of accommodation.
Anti-abortion group, Texas Right to Life, have opposed the move stating, “There is no such thing as a free abortion… Abortions are never free.” Dailywire have called it an “unholy charity”, emphasizing that while others are trying to help victims find housing, food, clothing, etc., Whole Woman’s Health Clinic are offering them a way to kill their unborn babies at “no cost”.
CBN News quoted Dallas Morning News saying that 80 women had already taken up the provider on their offer. They also encouraged Christians to become the “hands and feet of Jesus and to help pregnant women in need.”
If we add the 80 abortions mentioned above to the current Hurricane Harvey death toll, it would double it.
Louise Carter
