SOPC Walk for Life enjoys record turnout
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
A record number of walkers enjoyed a perfect late-summer morning for the 23rd annual Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center Walk for Life on Saturday, Sept. 19.
"Let's give God a hand for this beautiful day," Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center executive director Cathy Griffith asked the hundreds of walkers in attendance as they gathered outside the center and the Hillsboro Church of Christ on West Walnut Street in Hillsboro just before 9 a.m.
Griffith, who has served as SOPC director since 2007 and previously served as the chairman of the center's board, also asked for recognition for all the area ministers and church liaisons who were participating and supporting the annual fundraiser.
"Your presence here is so very important," Griffith said. "We can't do what we do without you. Thank you for all you have done."
Griffith also thanked the SOPC board members and volunteers and thanked Second District Congressman Brad Wenstrup for participating in this year's walk. The congressman was joined by his wife, Monica, and their son, Brad, Jr.
"Thank you," Congressman Wenstrup said. "We are happy to be here."
A day before the walk, Wenstrup joined a majority of his House colleagues and voted to suspend Planned Parenthood’s federal funding for one year, as an investigation into the organization continues.
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"Thank you for helping us honor life," Griffith said, and then gave final instructions to the walkers and those in the Ride for Life for motorcycle riders.
Upon leaving the center, walkers were instructed to follow the uptown route and circle the historic Highland County Courthouse twice. "After the first time around the courthouse, please release your balloons," Griffith said. "The second time, please stop and pray. It is in the courthouses of America where the worst decisions seem to be made. They need our prayers."
Following the release of three doves from the center's front porch, the walkers began their Saturday morning trek through the city's historic district. (One dove released was in honor of babies born in Highland County in 2014. One was in honor of those aborted in 2014, and one was in honor of all the children present for today's Walk for Life.)
SOPC was founded in 1991 to serve women with untimely or unexpected pregnancies. The office provides pregnancy tests, counseling, and educational material, all of which are free and confidential, and Griffith said that the center keeps baby clothes and supplies for babies birth to 24 months. Their eight-week workshops cover such topics as health and safety, nutrition, budgeting, and parenting. The SOPC also offers Bible studies.
Griffith pointed out that in 2007, Highland County ranked fourth in Ohio in teen pregnancies. Today, the county has reduced the number of teen pregnancies, and now is 16th in the state.
She attributes the success to abstinence education in the schools.
"If anyone tells you abstinence education does not work, send them to me, please," Griffith said.
The SOPC is funded by private donations and their two primary fundraisers, the Walk for Life and their SOPC Banquet. SOPC is located at 125 West Walnut Street in Hillsboro. For more information or to make a donation, contact the office at (937) 393-2990 or visit their website at http://www.sopcwecare.com.