I have seen the dedicated Catholic congregants praying outside Planned Parenthood, and I am writing because I believe we share a common goal. We want women to be safe and to find alternative options if they want them.

I believe that when you stand at an abortion clinic you are shaming women that have had to make a difficult choice. Ending abortion services will not end abortion, it will only make it dangerous (and life-threatening) for those in need. Closing Planned Parenthood clinics will also increase unwanted pregnancies by making it impossible for low-income women to get birth control.

In service to our mutual goals, I have made this offer to the Holy Trinity Parish Pastoral Coordinator: If a list of all the social services available in Kitsap County can be provided, I will make a brochure for placement inside Planned Parenthood, where those facing a difficult decision will be able to see the alternatives that you are praying they find.

Please, allow a merciful God to judge them, and use the gifts God has given you to serve these women in tangible ways. Use your time and energy gathering donations for new moms, scholarships for them to get an education, build houses for them to have a safe space. Use your tools to help them build their life with their baby. These are the efforts that will create real change for women in difficult situations, not judgement from the roadside. Please end your visible prayers outside the clinic and begin the work that will make abortion obsolete.

Ani Pendergast, Bremerton

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