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- Why Pro-Life? The Case for Inclusion | MCCL
The pro-life view isn't just a feeling or personal preference. It's not merely a belief that some people hold. It is supported by very good reasons. It is based on a fact of science and a principle of justice. Why Pro- Life? THE CASE FOR INCLUSION Abortion ends the life of a human embryo or fetus. Is this killing morally permissible? Or is it an injustice? More than 150 years ago, a Boston physician named Horatio R. Storer pointed to the heart of the issue. "The whole question," he observed , "turns on ... the real nature of the foetus in utero ." Does the unborn child have a right not to be intentionally killed? Does she matter like we matter? Does she count as one of us? Yes, she does. This position is based on a fact of science and a principle of justice . Science: The unborn is a human being First, the unborn (the human zygote, embryo, or fetus) is a human being—a living human organism at the earliest developmental stages. This is a fact established by the science of embryology. Four features of the unborn human are important: Distinct. The unborn has a DNA and body distinct from her mother and father. She develops her own arms, legs, brain, nervous system, heart, and so forth. Living. The unborn meets the biological criteria for life. She grows by reproducing cells. She turns nutrients into energy through metabolism. And she can respond to stimuli. Human. The unborn has a human genetic signature. She is the offspring of human parents, and humans can only beget other humans. Organism. The unborn is an organism (rather than a mere organ or tissue)—an individual whose parts work together for the good of the whole. Guided by a complete genetic code, she needs only the proper environment and nutrition to develop herself through the different stages of life as a member of our species. "Human development begins at fertilization when a sperm fuses with an oocyte to form a single cell, a zygote," explains the textbook The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology . "This highly specialized, totipotent cell marks the beginning of each of us as a unique individual." The scientific evidence , then, shows that the unborn is a living individual of the species Homo sapiens , the same kind of being as us, only at an earlier stage of development. Each of us was once a zygote, embryo, and fetus, just as we were once infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Related articles The pro-life view in three simple steps Responding to three main arguments for abortion A guide to effective pro-life dialogue Why the unborn is a human being Why unborn humans have rights My body, my choice? Excluding the unborn doesn't make any sense Equality and abortion are mutually exclusive How a shallow view of the self underlies arguments for abortion More articles Justice: All human beings have human rights Second, all human beings have human rights. Everyone counts. This is a principle of justice. Unborn humans are different from most born humans in a number of ways, but those differences aren't relevant to whether or not someone has rights. Unborn children may look different from older human beings, but appearance has nothing to do with value. Unborn children are less physically and mentally developed, but toddlers are less developed than teenagers, and that doesn't make them any less important. Unborn children are dependent on someone else , but so are newborn children and many people with disabilities. Defenders of abortion often argue that unborn humans aren't "persons" who have rights because they lack certain characteristics. One problem with this view is that it excludes more human beings than just unborn children. If unborn children aren't persons because they lack higher mental functions , for example, then human infants , people in temporary comas, and patients with advanced dementia aren’t persons either. Another problem is that this approach undermines equality for everyone . If characteristics like cognitive ability or physical independence make us valuable, then those who have more of those characteristics are more valuable than those who have less. None of us are equal according to this view. Historically, every single attempt to divide humanity into those who have rights and those who are expendable has proven to be a colossal mistake. Why think abortion is any different? The truth is that we have human rights simply because we are human —not because of what we look like, or what we can do, or what others think or feel about us , but rather because of what (the kind of being) we are. That's why every human being matters, and every human being matters equally. Why abortion is unjust The argument for the pro-life view, then, may be summarized like this: The unborn is a human being. All human beings have human rights, which include the right not to be intentionally killed. Therefore, the unborn human being has human rights. This is why abortion—the intentional killing of human beings in utero (through lethal suction , dismemberment , crushing, or poisoning )—is unjust. It's why both pregnant women and their unborn children deserve our respect, protection, and care. Answering arguments for abortion Here are some of the most common arguments offered in defense of abortion—and why they don't work. Choice Many abortion supporters say that women have a right to choose , or that we should trust women and let them decide . People do have the right to choose to do lots of things. But there are some acts that aren’t just and shouldn’t be permitted by law because they harm innocent people. The question at hand is whether abortion is one of those harmful acts. There are good reasons (see above) to think it is. (Read more about this argument.) Bodily autonomy Women have a right to control their own bodies, many defenders of abortion argue. Bodily autonomy is very important, but it must respect the bodies and rights of others . Most people agree, for example, that pregnant women shouldn’t ingest drugs that cause birth defects. And if harming unborn children is wrong, then dismembering and killing them (through abortion) is even worse. Moreover, parents should provide basic care for their children (including during pregnancy) because they are responsible for the existence of those children. (Read more about this argument.) Tough circumstances Pregnant women often face very difficult circumstances. But if unborn children are valuable human beings, like born children, then killing them is no more justified in tough situations (e.g., financial hardship) than killing born children in those same situations. Our response to the difficulties women face should be to provide support, resources, and ethical alternatives —so no woman feels like abortion is her only option. (Read more about this argument.) Rape Although rape and incest account for less than one percent of Minnesota abortions, these cases are very real. Rape is a truly horrific crime, and the crime is made even worse when the woman then becomes a pregnant mother against her will. Abortion, however, compounds the violence of rape by taking the life of a vulnerable human being who has done nothing wrong. Both the mother and child deserve support and care in the midst of this very painful and unfair situation. Adverse diagnoses An adverse prenatal diagnosis is heartbreaking. But just as disease and disability don't justify killing born children, they aren't good reasons to kill unborn children either. Moreover, support and alternatives to abortion are available, including adoption for children with special needs and perinatal hospice in the event of a terminal diagnosis. (Read more about this argument.) Saving the mother In rare and tragic cases, saving a pregnant woman's life requires ending her pregnancy (such as through premature delivery or C-section)—even though the child may not be able to survive outside the womb. This is uncontroversial, though, because it's better to save the mother's life than to let both mother and child die. It is not the same as intentionally killing the child, which is never medically necessary . Imposing a view Some people express personal opposition to abortion, yet don't want to impose that view on others by making abortion illegal. But the reason to personally oppose abortion is that it unjustly takes the life of an innocent human being. And surely the law ought to protect basic human rights and prevent violence against the defenseless. No one would say, "I'm personally opposed to sex trafficking, but I don't want to impose that view on everyone else." (Read more about this argument.) Forcing religion People often say that pro-lifers are trying to force their religious beliefs on the rest of society. But the pro-life position is supported by science and reason and is held by many non-religious people . Opposition to killing unborn children is no more inherently "religious" than opposition to killing teenagers (or anyone else). Moreover, the fact that a person's position on an issue may be influenced by religion should not exclude it from public consideration. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work in the civil rights movement, for example, was heavily influenced by his religious convictions. (Read more about this argument.) Danger of illegal abortion Before abortion was legalized, some say, many women died from illegal abortions—and this will happen again when abortion is banned. The truth is that antibiotics and other medical advances produced a dramatic decline in maternal deaths through the middle of the 20th century. This drop occurred before the 1973 nationwide legalization of abortion, which had no apparent effect on mortality rates. Indeed, a wealth of evidence shows that we can protect the rights of unborn children and have a high standard of maternal health at the same time. (Read more about this argument.) Punishing women Some abortion supporters warn that when abortion is illegal, women who have abortions will be put in prison. That's not true. Before the legalization of abortion in the United States, women who underwent abortion were virtually never prosecuted (practitioners of abortion were targeted instead). Post-abortive women deserve compassion , not condemnation. Gender equality Some feminists argue that gender equality requires legalized abortion. The challenges of pregnancy and childbirth do fall uniquely on women and not men (though men are equally responsible for their children). But the burdens of caring for five-year-old children fall on the parents of five-year-old children and not on everyone else—and laws against killing or abandoning five-year-olds are not unjust for that reason. Despite differing circumstances, everyone should be equally prohibited from taking innocent human life. More can and should be done, however, to hold men to their responsibilities as fathers and to accommodate the essential role mothers play in our society. (Read more about this argument.) Men and abortion Some people say that men shouldn't express an opinion about abortion. It's true that men can't fully understand the experience of pregnancy, but it's also true that abortion is either right or wrong irrespective of the experience of any particular person . The pro-life view is held by millions of women. That view cannot just be dismissed because of a trait of a person who happens to be advocating it. If abortion really is the unjust taking of innocent human life, then both women and men ought to speak up on behalf of the unborn girls and boys who have no voice. (Read more about this argument.) Additional arguments Do laws work to stop abortion? No, abortion is not health care Are pro-lifers misogynists and hypocrites? Is abortion actually good for unborn children? The frozen embryo rescue argument Abortion is the opposite of love Is there a moral right to abortion? The values of pro-choice people actually support the pro-life position Unborn children aren't constructed—they develop More articles QUICK LINKS RESOURCES Pregnancy help Why pro-life? MN's extreme policies Press releases Get updates Social media EVENTS March for Life Choose Life Drive Legislative Dinner Student Day @ the Capitol Life Leadership Camp Fair outreach GET INVOLVED Contact MCCL Contact lawmakers Book a speaker Donate Volunteer Privacy Policy
- Life Launch | MCCL
Pro-life conference for college students and young adults. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mall of America's Executive Center 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN Are you ready to step into your potential as a pro-life college student or young professional? MCCL is debuting its first-ever, one-of-a kind conference designed just for YOU ! Join other young adults at Life Launch to learn from leading pro-life experts, participate in advocacy activities, and build a network of pro-life peers across a variety of industries. It all takes place in the Mall of America’s beautiful Executive Center. I'M IN! Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Hear inspiring presentations from today's leading pro-life voices Connect with local pro-life organizations at featured tables Customize your experience with breakout sessions covering a range of topics Enter to win a variety of prizes throughout the day Enjoy a catered lunch Life Launch — General admission $50 Spring Break Special! $35 Full access to all sessions Catered lunch from CRAVE Swag bag (with a hat, stickers, and MORE!) Entries for giveaways Refreshments CLAIM MY SPOT Scholarships are available. Contact the MCCL office to learn more . Groups of 5 or more receive an exclusive ticket price of $25 per person! Monica Snyder Keynote Speaker Secular Pro-life, Executive Director Monica Snyder is the Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life, a non-religious organization that advances secular arguments against abortion and provides a space for non-traditional pro-lifers to engage in anti-abortion work. She brings a thoughtful, evidence-based perspective to conversations about life and ethics. Monica holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical biology from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in forensic science from UC Davis. She takes a particular interest in research and academic articles related to abortion, and enjoys analyzing data to make complex issues accessible and understandable. Having spent much of her adult life in secular, urban parts of California, surrounded by mostly pro-choice peers, Monica is passionate about fostering friendships and understanding across ideological lines. Her personal experiences, combined with her scientific background, allow her to approach discussions about reproductive choices with empathy, clarity, and insight. Additional Speakers Scott Fischbach National Right to Life, Executive Director Scott Fischbach is the executive director of National Right to Life in Washington D.C. He previously served as executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, where he oversaw the passage of many lifesaving bills in Minnesota and spearheaded efforts like MCCL Global Outreach, a UN-accredited international pro-life program. Since attending his first MCCL March for Life in 1977, he has spent his life working in politics and the pro-life movement in various capacities and on every level. Caryn Addante Retired Multi- Fortune 500 Company HR Executive Caryn Addante is an experienced professional, having served as an HR executive at multiple Fortune 500 companies, developing expertise in organization and talent development, mergers and acquisitions, employee relations/engagement, and executive coaching. She is a passionate pro-life advocate who challenges people across all industries to live out their convictions. Luke Spehar Always Intentional Man, Founder & Exec. Director Luke Spehar is an internationally known singer/songwriter and the founder and executive director of AIM (Always Intentional Man), a nonprofit that partners with frontline organizations to support and equip men to be good fathers. Through AIM’s flagship initiative, the Good Father Program, Luke has helped develop a practical, relational, and life coach–based approach to fatherhood formation—one that meets men where they are and challenges them to grow in accountability, responsibility, and intentionality. Ferdinand Uy Pregnancy Choices, Certified Life Coach Ferdinand Uy has served as a certified life coach with Pregnancy Choices for the past 7 years. He works with men in navigating the roller coaster of emotions that come with the news of a pregnancy and connects them with community services that can fill in the gaps of the material needs of their family. He is dedicated to walking alongside men and equipping them to be the partner and father they aspire to be. Dr. Mark Druffner Options for Women, Medical Director Dr. Druffner loves taking care of patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. He served for 20 years as medical director for Options for Women, a pregnancy resource center in Stillwater, Minnesota, where he began the prenatal program, which includes ultrasound and full prenatal care for pregnant women, including labor and delivery. Dr. Druffner has a calling to serve others, including through medical mission work in Africa. NICU Nurse and Birth Doula Bethie Wolf Bethie Wolf is a NICU RN with 12 years of experience and a birth doula for 5, devoted to supporting families at the very beginning of life. As a mother of four girls with a baby boy on the way, she brings both clinical expertise and deep personal understanding to her care. Her work has also included walking with families through loss, shaping a compassionate, grounded presence in every space she enters. She believes birth and early life are sacred moments, and considers it a privilege to walk on holy ground alongside the families she serves. Women's Life Care Ctr., Nurse Manager Patty Bradway Patty Bradway, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse with 31 years experience in Cardiology at Fairview University of MN Medical Center. Patty joined the Women's Life Care Center of Little Canada in 2019. Patty is the Nurse Manager at this Pregnancy Resource Center and is trained to perform Limited OB Ultrasounds which help confirm pregnancies for women who are looking for resources, options counseling, or material/financial assistance. MCCL, Co-Executive Director Cathy Blaeser Cathy Blaeser is co-executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL). She previously lobbied Congress on health care rationing and end-of-life issues for National Right to Life, and has served MCCL as a speaker, consultant, lobbyist, and member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. She has more than a decade of experience in the administrative side of health care and holds a master’s degree from the American Graduate School of International Management. Cathy is also an (almost retired) homeschooling mother of six children. MCCL, Communications Director Paul Stark Paul Stark is the communications director for Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the state’s oldest and largest pro-life organization. He contributes regularly to National Right to Life News and LifeNews.com and has been interviewed by the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and other TV, radio, and print media outlets. Paul often writes on the ethics of abortion, aiming to make the case for life clear and persuasive. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy. CliftonLarsonAllen, Assurance Associate Taylor McCoy Taylor is an Assurance Associate at CliftonLarsonAllen, where she serves a range of clients in State and Local Government. She graduated from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, where she had the privilege of serving on the campus pro-life club leadership team. The best part of leading that club was building great relationships and creating opportunities for people to serve and spread awareness. She is passionate about putting her pro-life beliefs into action by providing support to moms, kids, and community members. Carrena Falls MCCL, Graphic Designer Carrena Falls is a graphic designer and a graduate of the University of Northwestern, where she served as president of the Eagles for Life club. While pursuing a double major in Graphic Design and Art, she earned recognition through several national pro-life student fellowships and mentorship programs. Carrena has experience designing for a variety of prominent cause-based organizations nationwide, executing a wide range of creative projects including digital ads, print materials, billboards, and even a fully illustrated children’s book. Carrena currently works full-time as a graphic designer for MCCL, where she uses her skills to promote pro-life values in Minnesota. Zach Borneke MCCL, Legislative Associate & State PAC Coordinator Zach Borneke is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and now serves as a Legislative Associate and State PAC Coordinator at MCCL. During his time as a political science student, he led as an officer of the Students for Human Life Club, where he organized outreach and events for the group. He gained valuable experience interning for United States Congressman Brad Finstad, with a focus on constituent communications. In Zach’s time with MCCL, he has furthered the pro-life mission through managing numerous research projects, authoring informational articles, and lobbying for pro-life legislation. Rep. Max Rymer Representative Max Rymer is a legislator for Minnesota District 28B and a seasoned entrepreneur. After earning his BS in Marketing from the University of Northwestern, he launched his own digital agency in 2016 and later co-founded the John Galt Mortgage Company in 2023. Beyond the House floor, Rep. Rymer is a veteran of the campaign trail, having sharpened the digital and web strategies for numerous legislative and statewide candidates across Minnesota. MN State Representative Featured Organizations Secular Pro-Life is a non-religious organization dedicated to advancing the pro-life cause. They primarily work to advance secular pro-life arguments and strive to create space for individuals who identify as "non-traditional" pro-lifers. Secular Pro-Life supports a large community of individuals from varied backgrounds and viewpoints who collaborate to promote the value of human life. Seven Weeks Coffee is America’s pro-life coffee company, producing high-quality coffee while supporting pro-life organizations around the country with every purchase. Their delicious coffee is direct trade, 100% organically farmed, pesticide-free, and mold-free. Seven Weeks will have a table with free hot coffee for all Life Launch attendees! Guiding Star Wakota is a life-affirming, comprehensive health center serving women and families in northern Dakota County and Ramsey County, with an active presence in West Side Saint Paul’s Latino community. In the past two years, they’ve had nearly 14,000 client visits, providing a variety of services including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting classes, mental health services, and fertility awareness education. Prenatal Partners for Life is an organization of concerned individuals committed to advocating on behalf of children with adverse diagnoses and their families. Among many things, they raise awareness about the mistreatment of children with disabilities, share health and adoption resources, and support families with special-needs children. Pro-Life Action Ministries is an organization committed to defending the unborn, primarily through sidewalk counseling and peaceful prayer outside of abortion facilities across Minnesota. They were the first organized sidewalk counseling ministry in the nation, and in their 45 years of work, they have confirmed over 3,800 babies saved. Women’s Care Center is the largest chain of pregnancy resource centers in the country, with two locations in the state of Minnesota. Women’s Care Center provides free-of-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options counseling, parenting classes, material support, and more – all in a welcoming environment that leads 92% of women to choose life for their babies. Located in Apple Valley, Pregnancy Choices is a dedicated pregnancy resource center and AAA-certified outpatient clinic. As the first provider of the Good Father Program, they provide specialized support for fathers alongside a robust life coaching initiative for both men and women. Their facility offers a wide range of over 250 resources designed to support women, children, and families. Frequently Asked Questions What is Life Leadership Camp? When is Life Leadership Camp? Where will it be held? What does it cost? Who can attend Life Leadership Camp? How do I register? When is the registration deadline? Who sponsors Life Leadership Camp? Who will be leading Life Leadership Camp? What will the day look like? What topics will be covered? Who is the conference for? Who is responsible for this conference? Will there be food? Are there scholarships available? I'm having trouble paying for/arranging transportation. Is there assistance available? Do I need to stay the whole time? Find Life Launch promotional materials here .
- Latinos Por La Vida | MCCL Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
MCCL alcanza a la comunidad hispanohablante con nuestro mensaje provida a través del programa "Latinos por la vida." LATINOS POR LA VIDA Latinos por la vida es un programa de Ciudadanos de Minnesota Preocupados por la vida (MCCL) que se dedica a compartir el mensaje provida con la comunidad latina de Minnesota. Queremos proteger a bebés no nacidos, apoyar a mujeres embarazadas, y abogar por la dignidad humana en cada etapa. ¿Te unirás a la causa? Qué puedes hacer tú Invitar a MCCL a dar una presentación en tu evento o en tu iglesia hispanohablante. Puedes pedir una oradora en línea . Compartir materiales providas en español. Descarga los enlaces de PDF (a la derecha) o contacta a nuestra oficina para recibir estos materiales. Podemos ayudar a proveer recursos para tu iglesia, grupo, o comunidad. Donar para convertirte en miembro de MCCL y para apoyar a nuestra misión de provida . Aprende, promueve y asiste a los eventos providas de MCCL. Conéctate con nosotros por los redes sociales . Inscríbete para recibir actualizaciones providas por corréo electrónico . Materiales Provida Marcha Por La Vida La Vida Antes De Nacer El Problema De Planned Parenthood ¿Estás Embarazada? ¿Necesitas ayuda? La Política Extrema del Aborto en Minnesota
- Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
MCCL is Minnesota's largest pro-life organization. We work to secure protection for innocent human life from conception until natural death. MINNESOTA CITIZENS CONCERNED FOR LIFE The mission of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life is to secure protection for innocent human life from conception until natural death through effective education, legislation, and political action. LEARN MORE 2026 ELECTION MCCL's General Election Pro-Life Voter's Guide is coming soon. THE LATEST It's time the public knows the truth about the bizarre pattern of falsehoods about MCCL from state Sen. Nathan Wesenberg You might have seen attacks recently against MCCL on social media. You deserve to know not the gossip, but the truth. ... Jul 13 Does your vote really matter? The reality: Life-or-death policies in Minnesota often hinge on a single legislative race decided by a small number of votes. ... Jun 29 Down Syndrome shouldn't be a death sentence In the era of genetic testing, when we can know so much about babies while they are still in the womb, there has arisen an alarming practice of deciding to abort babies shown to have Down Syndrome by prenatal testing. ... Jun 19 UPCOMING EVENTS SUMMER 2026 COUNTY FAIR OUTREACH AUGUST 27 STATE FAIR BEGINS FALL 2026 MCCL FALL MEETINGS NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION DAY STATE FAIR OUTREACH Find MCCL at the State Fair in the Education Building! PRO-LIFE RESOURCES PREGNANT? Find help for your circumstances. GET HELP ABORTION IN MINNESOTA 14,358 abortions were reported in 2024, according to the Department of Health. LEARN MORE THE CASE FOR INCLUSION Every human being has human rights. Both pregnant women and unborn children deserve our support and protection. READ MORE Join us to save lives. DONATE NOW QUICK LINKS RESOURCES Pregnancy help Why pro-life? MN's extreme policies Press releases Get updates Social media EVENTS March for Life Choose Life Drive Legislative Dinner Student Day @ the Capitol Life Leadership Camp Fair outreach GET INVOLVED Contact MCCL Contact lawmakers Book a speaker Donate Volunteer Privacy Policy
- Contact MCCL | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Contact MCCL to learn more about pro-life events and programs, order resources, donate, or ask questions. CONTACT MCCL Thanks for your message! Submit Note: If you do not hear back from MCCL within a couple days, please contact us again to make sure our messages are going through. By providing your telephone number, you consent to receive calls and text messages. Messages may include requests for donations. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply “STOP” to opt-out & “HELP” for help. View Privacy Policy for more info. Phone: 612.825.6831 Email: mccl@mccl.org Fax: 612.825.5527 Mailing address: Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life 4249 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55409
- Pregnant? Need Help? | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Pregnancy care centers offer services including free pregnancy testing, counseling, practical assistance, information about alternatives to abortion, and more. PREGNANT? NEED HELP? ¿Estás Embarazada? ¿Necesitas Ayuda? 24-hour nationwide help: OptionLine -- call/text 1-800-712-4357 Birthright -- call 1-800-550-4900 Listed below are pregnancy resource centers throughout Minnesota and surrounding areas—scroll to find the one nearest you. Pregnancy resource centers offer services including free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options counseling, alternatives to abortion, and many other forms of assistance. Available services vary by center. Individual centers are sponsored by various organizations; some are faith-based, but all are open to women of all faiths. Please also see information about additional pregnancy services and post-abortion support . MINNESOTA scroll to find your city Alexandria Life Connections 320-762-1224 Anoka Women's Care Center 763-208-0076 Apple Valley Pregnancy Choices 952-234-9850 Austin Rachel's Hope 507-437-7595 Bemidji Northwoods Pregnancy Center 218-444-3035 Brainerd Birthright 218-829-8470 Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center 218-432-2439 Burnsville Amnion Women's Center 952-209-9990 Cambridge Lex Specialty Clinic 763-325-8709 Coon Rapids Birthright 763-757-0715 Epiphany Caring for Life 612-803-2225 Crystal Metro Women's Center 763-533-8642 Crystal Women's Clinic 763-531-9554 Deer River New Beginnings Pregnancy + Family Support 218-246-2010 Detroit Lakes Health Resource Center 218-844-8822 Duluth Women's Care Center 218-623-7100 East Bethel Lex Specialty Clinic 763-297-3311 Eden Prairie SW Options for Women 952-938-4496 Elk River Elevier Women's Center 763-441-7777 Fairmont Options Pregnancy Center 507-238-2330 Faribault Pregnancy Options LifeCare Center 507-332-7644 Fergus Falls Health Resource Center 218-736-6050 Forest Lake Lakes LifeCare Center 651-464-4340 Grand Rapids New Beginnings Pregnancy + Family Support 218-326-0404 Hastings TLC of Hastings 651-437-4200 Hibbing Family Life Center 218-262-5768 Hutchinson Birthright 320-587-5433 International Falls Northern Options for Women 218-285-7673 Little Canada New Day Pregnancy Care Center 651-644-3937 Women's LifeCare Center 651-777-0350 Long Prairie Pregnancy & Life Resource Center 320-533-0976 Mankato Birthright 507-387-7818 Catholic Charities 507-387-5586 Options for Women 507-625-2229 Marshall Birthright 507-532-3660 Choices Pregnancy Center 507-637-2534 Milaca Rum River Life Choices Center 320-983-3771 Minneapolis City Life Center 612-874-1808 First Care Pregnancy Center 612-286-0076 Abria Pregnancy Resources 651-350-1179 Tandem Family Resource Center 612-823-0301 Moorhead Birthright 218-477-1977 Women's Care Center 218-512-0453 Mora Mora Crisis Pregnancy Center 320-679-4493 Morris Options for Women Morris 320-589-0300 New Ulm First Choice Pregnancy Services 507-359-9800 North Branch Options for Women Chisago County 651-674-2121 Northfield Northfield Women's Center 507-645-7638 Ortonville Options for Women 320-487-0111 Park Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center 218-732-5212 Pine City Pregnancy Resource Center 320-629-2792 Princeton Rum River Life Choices Center 763-389-7876 Red Wing First Choice Clinic 651-267-4357 Redwood Falls Choices Pregnancy Center 507-637-2534 Richfield First Care Pregnancy Center 612-866-7643 Rochester Birthright 507-288-9374 Catholic Charities 507-287-2047 First Care Pregnancy Center 507-282-3377 Roseau North Region Pregnancy Care Center 218-463-0580 Sandstone Options for Women 320-216-7633 Sauk Centre Options for Women 320-351-4025 Savage Alpha Women's Center 952-495-0300 Staples Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center 218-432-2439 Stillwater Options for Women St. Croix Valley 651-439-5964 St. Cloud Pregnancy Resource Center 320-216-3280 St. Michael Options for Women Cornerstone 612-584-9449 St. Paul Abria Pregnancy Resources 651-350-1179 Birthright 651-646-7033 First Care Pregnancy Center 651-730-4342 Options for Women East 651-776-2328 Thief River Falls Aurora Resource Center 218-681-1279 Wadena Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center 218-432-2439 Waite Park Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center 320-252-4150 Pregnancy Resource Center 320-216-3280 Walker Walker Area Pregnancy Support Center 218-547-5433 West St. Paul Wakota Guiding Star 651-457-1195 Willmar Hope Pregnancy Center 320-235-7619 Winona Catholic Charities 507-454-2270 Birthright 507-452-2421 Woodbury Options for Women 651-340-9062 Worthington Helping Hands Pregnancy Center 507-372-2111 SURROUNDING AREAS scroll to find your city NORTH DAKOTA: Fargo Women's Care Center 701-237-6530 Grand Forks Relate Care Center 701-746-8866 SOUTH DAKOTA: Brookings Option 1 Women's Health Center 605-692-1600 Sioux Falls Alpha Center 605-361-3500 Birthright 605-809-8409 Teddy Bear Den 605-335-2730 Watertown Haven Center 605-878-0265 WISCONSIN: La Crosse Agape Pregnancy Resource Center 608-784-4966 Menomonie Options for Women 715-222-0777 River Falls Options for Women 715-425-8539 St Croix Falls Options on 8 715-755-2229 Superior Lake Superior Lifecare Center 715-394-4102 Organizations listed on this page are not necessarily endorsed by MCCL and should be evaluated by individuals who plan to use their services.
- Global Outreach | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
MCCL GO is an accredited NGO that works at the international level (U.N., O.A.S.) to oppose abortion and defend the right to life. GLOBAL OUTREACH MCCL Global Outreach (MCCL GO) is an MCCL program that works at the international level to oppose abortion and defend the right to life. We attend major international conferences, present written and oral statements, meet with delegates and ambassadors from other countries, and develop resources and materials regarding abortion, maternal mortality, and euthanasia. MCCL GO is an accredited non-governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations. We are also a registered civil society organization with the Organization of American States. More information about MCCL GO is available on the GO website . MCCL GO speaks at UN conference and brings University of St. Thomas law students to UN
- Educational Literature | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
MCCL's many printed pro-life educational pieces and other liteature may be downloaded, or ordered by contacting MCCL. EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS MCCL produces many educational brochures, fliers, and other materials about right-to-life issues. Some of them are posted below; click on them to view and print. You may order these and other materials by contacting MCCL . For MCCL Global Outreach (GO) brochures, visit the GO website . Recent materials Minnesota's extreme abortion policy (flier) Pro-life petition Pro-life heroes coloring book Other materials The dangers of chemical abortions (flier) Planned Parenthood: Abortion. Money. Politics. Scandal. (flier, legal size) Oppose the legalization of assisted suicide (English/Spanish flier) Why pro-life? The case for inclusion (flier) Life Before Birth (flier) | Spanish version How abortion hurts women (brochure) | Spanish | French Stem cell research & human cloning (brochure) Assisted suicide and contagion: How assisted suicide advocacy and legalization threatens the lives of vulnerable people (white paper) MCCL: Who we are and what we do Kids' materials Kids' science quiz "My Mom and Me" pro-life activity book Come see me in the womb Can you guess? Crossword puzzle Pro-life origami hand game
- Positive Alternatives | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Many pregnant women lack emotional and practical support and feel like abortion is their only option. This law empowers women with alternatives. POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES Note: The Positive Alternatives Act was repealed in 2023. Statistics show that women usually choose abortion for social or economic reasons. Many pregnant women lack emotional and practical support and feel like abortion is their only option. Minnesota's Positive Alternatives program exists to address these problems—so that no one feels like abortion is the only choice. The Positive Alternatives Act (2005) created a grant program within the Minnesota Department of Health for life-affirming organizations offering support to pregnant women. $3.357 million is now available annually through a competitive grant application process. The first Positive Alternatives grants were awarded in July 2006 to more than 30 organizations across the state. The grants are available to life-affirming organizations that provide direct care to pregnant women and their unborn children through counseling and supportive services. Organizations are also expected to provide continuing assistance after the child is born. Participating programs and organizations receive money to provide, either by direct care or referral, information and services to women in the following areas: Medical attention for the woman and the unborn child Nutritional services Housing assistance Adoption services Education and employment assistance Child care assistance Parenting education and support services Since the bill's signing in 2005, tens of thousands of women and families have received help and assistance through the Positive Alternatives program. More information about the Positive Alternatives grant program, including grant applications, can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health .
- Election | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Pro-life election resources in Minnesota. PRO-LIFE ELECTION RESOURCES IN MINNESOTA See our Voter's Guide August 11 Primary Election Early voting starts June 26 November 3 General Election Early voting starts Sept. 18 Does your vote really matter ? When you cast your ballot in the 2026 elections, you have the power to save lives. Learn More Election Information Find your district numbers, polling place, and who will appear on your ballot Vote early by mail or in person Learn more about voting MCCL's Primary Election Voter's Guide Voter's Guide If you are experiencing viewing issues, the Voter's Guide can also be downloaded here. See the full text of the questions answered by candidates for governor and state offices here. See the full text of the questions answered by state House and Senate candidates here.
- Donate Stocks & Bonds | Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Donating stocks or bonds as a charitable gift to MCCL is a wonderful way to support our lifesaving work. DONATE STOCKS + BONDS Invest in MCCL with stocks and bonds. Donating stock or bonds as a charitable gift to MCCL is a wonderful way to support our lifesaving work. Donors also can receive significant tax benefits by choosing this donation option. To make stock or bond contributions, please contact the MCCL state office at 612-825-6831 or email us at mccl@mccl.org to receive more information about how to transfer your security gifts to us.
- Who Are They Leaving Out? | MCCL
Minnesota lawmakers are excluding vulnerable members of the human family. Here’s who they are excluding — and who is doing the excluding. Who are they leaving out ... and why? Minnesota lawmakers are excluding vulnerable members of the human family. Here’s who they are excluding — and who is doing the excluding. PREGNANT WOMEN In 2023, the Minnesota legislature and Gov. Walz eliminated the Positive Alternatives program, which provided grants to support pregnant women and new mothers who need help and practical assistance. In addition, lawmakers and Walz repealed the Woman’s Right to Know informed consent law, which ensured that women receive basic factual information prior to undergoing abortion. They also repealed the requirement that only physicians perform abortion procedures. Now, without these longstanding laws, pregnant women are less supported, less empowered, and less protected. Who left them out? VIABLE UNBORN BABIES The Minnesota legislature and Gov. Walz enacted the PRO Act (HF 1), which created in state statute a “fundamental right” to abortion without any limits. Lawmakers and Walz also repealed a 1974 law that had previously limited abortion after viability (SF 2995). As a result of these changes, abortion is legal for any reason (not just health reasons) and at any time throughout pregnancy—including late in pregnancy when unborn children can feel pain. Viable unborn babies in Minnesota have no meaningful rights under the law and may be dismembered or poisoned to death for any reason. Who left them out? NEWBORNS Minnesota law now allows newborns to be set aside to die. Previously, the law guaranteed medically appropriate lifesaving treatment for infants who survive abortion. In 2023, though, the legislature and Gov. Tim Walz repealed the requirement that “reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice” be taken “to preserve the life and health of the born alive infant.” They replaced the requirement for lifesaving measures with a requirement for only “care” (which the bill’s author described as “comfort” care throughout committee discussions and floor debate). Moreover, the new law (SF 2995) no longer applies specifically to babies who survive abortion, but rather to all babies who are born alive. Under the new language, then, any viable infant could be denied lifesaving care and allowed to die. Babies born with disabilities, whose lives are often devalued, are especially at risk. Lawmakers and Walz went even further by repealing the requirement that practitioners of abortion report cases of born-alive infants and the measures taken to care for them (five born-alive infants were reported in 2021, for example). Now, Minnesotans won’t know when babies are born alive and left to die. Who left them out? PARENTS AND MINOR GIRLS Because of a 2022 court ruling, Minnesota no longer requires that parents even be notified prior to an abortion on a minor girl. Some lawmakers have gone further by seeking to erase Minnesota’s parental notification law from the books and deny parents their right to know. But parental involvement helps support minors and protect girls caught in human trafficking (traffickers often use abortion to hide their victims). Girls are harmed when parents are taken out of the equation. Who left them out? NURSING HOME PATIENTS Nursing homes are consistently underfunded, leaving vulnerable patients too often without necessary care. In 2023, Minnesota House members voted against considering a measure to provide nursing homes with the funding they need. Watch: Rep. Anne Neu Brindley exposed the nursing home crisis on the House floor . Who left them out? MINNESOTA VOTERS In 2023, lawmakers and Walz repealed numerous parts of Minnesota's longstanding abortion reporting law. Now, the public will not know about reasons for abortion, babies who survive abortion, and more. The new law also delays the reporting date so that Minnesotans won't learn the latest abortion numbers—which will show the effect of the recent legal changes—until late in the year (after the 2024 election). Minnesota lawmakers are hiding important information and keeping Minnesota voters in the dark. Who left them out? Copyright © 2024 Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. All rights reserved.


