CONTRIBUTED

The subject of abortion can be a divisive issue in the political arena, but most people can unite around a common concern: helping women who face a life-altering unexpected pregnancy.

That's the idea behind the appearance of Abby Johnson, author of "unPLANNED," taking place at the Pinecrest High School auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. Johnson will tell the story of being a former director at Planned Parenthood and her unlikely allies - a group of pro-life advocates who were praying in front of her abortion clinic.

Like many who work for Planned Parenthood, Abby Johnson wanted to help women in crisis. But one day, as she assisted with an ultrasound-guided abortion procedure, she found herself face to face with a disturbing reality.

She began to remember her own ultrasound scan when she was pregnant with her daughter at the same stage of development. Her own daughter was now very much alive, but as she watched on the monitor, Johnson saw the life of the other baby end.

Shaken to the core, Johnson admitted to herself that "good intentions can be warped into poor choices," and reached out to the pro-lifers who'd been praying peacefully outside her clinic day after day. It was an experience that helped to break stereotypes on both sides of the sidewalk.

As Johnson reached out, she found unexpected kindness, not judgment or condemnation. And her new pro-life friends realized on a deeper level that those inside the abortion clinic are often motivated by good intentions to help women. The difference between the two groups was bridged not by ideology, but by the ultrasound scan: Where Johnson had once seen only one person - a woman in need - she now saw two, and wanted to help both.

Johnson made the decision to leave her position at Planned Parenthood and, instead, now works to provide women life-affirming alternatives to abortion. That's why she has given her time to promote pregnancy resource centers and clinics, which offer their services at no charge to women who are facing unexpected pregnancies. She will be here in the Sandhills to raise funds for Life Care Pregnancy Center. There will also be a book signing following her presentation.

"We believe that women at risk for abortion deserve medically accurate information and compassionate counseling on all their options, without pressure or coercion," says Suzanne Clendenin, executive director of Life Care Pregnancy Center, in Carthage. "We'd like people to know that they can turn to us when their friend, their sister or their daughter is pregnant, knowing that we will treat her with the respect and resources she needs and deserves."

There is no charge to attend the event, but those who would like to attend are asked to call (910) 947-6199 or email lcpc01@embarqmail.com to reserve a seat.