"State government can't do it anymore...It's up to the nonprofits, it's up to the faith community, it's up to us. It's up to our families and our friends and our neighbors to help out those we know, and those we don't know or never met." -- Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (AP, Jan. 1, 2011)

Contact: Kristin Hansen, Care Net, 703-554-8742

LANSDOWNE, Va., Jan. 21, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- As the nation remembers the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Jan. 22nd and celebrates Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde issued the following remarks reflecting on abortion in America:

"As Congress and state legislatures reconvene, they are faced with tough decisions about their budgets in order to keep our country and their states afloat. Many are looking to non-governmental sources to 'fill in the gap' for the critical services they must cut. In fact, Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire issued a clarion call to non-profits and the faith community to step up to the plate. Care Net and our network of 1,100 pregnancy centers are ready to respond to the call.

"Supported by a network of more than 29,000 volunteers, pregnancy centers offer free, practical services to women facing unplanned pregnancies -- services that are essential to supporting moms and growing healthy babies. In 2009 alone, Care Net pregnancy centers provided 70,000 ultrasounds, 329,000 pregnancy tests, 305,000 clients received material support, and 144,000 received parenting education, just to name a few of the services provided. All these services help to build a culture of life in our communities and reduce abortion -- goals we all can support.

"Sadly, in Washington state and other areas around the country, there is an effort afoot by abortion advocates to shut down the work of pregnancy centers. A bill currently being discussed in Washington (H.B.1366 and S.B.5274) would cripple pregnancy centers, if passed. With Gov. Gregoire's call to action, it's common sense that bills like these must be defeated. Pregnancy centers in Washington provide an estimated $18.6 million dollars of free maternal and infant services to women annually. Who else would provide these services?

"As we reflect on 38 years of abortion in America, Care Net is thankful and amazed at the network of individuals who are reaching out in their own communities -- without judgment and without cost -- to provide support for abortion alternatives. Since pregnancy centers don't rely on public funding, our work will continue with renewed passion."