June 23, 2019

Pro-life billboard to go up on I-391 in fall

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

(Photo courtesy of Pro-Life Across America)

EASTHAMPTON – Bethlehem House Pregnancy Care Center will put up a billboard in September to help spread the pro-life message. The billboard will be located in Chicopee at Exit 3 on I-391. The message will read, “Save the Babies … heartbeat 18 days.”

“We need to get the word out especially with the law they’re trying to pass,” said Diane LeDoux, who is helping with the fundraising effort. LeDoux, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam, said they have raised more than $2,000, which will pay for the month of September. But they’re hoping to raise enough money to keep the billboard up until the end of December.

Pro-Life Across America is designing the billboard. The national non-profit has been using billboards, newspaper and radio ads to spread the pro-life message nationwide since 1989.

“If this law goes through in Massachusetts, I get so emotional when I think about it. They’re going to let babies die. God does not want this,” said LeDoux, referring to two bills being considered by Massachusetts lawmakers which would expand abortion up until birth.

“Life is precious. We have to preserve the sanctity of life. All babies deserve a chance. They have no one to speak for them so we have to speak for them,” she said.

The billboard will include Pro-Life Across America’s number, (800) 366-7773. Operators will refer people who call to Bethlehem House.

“I felt really called because of the times we’re in. We have to put something out there to save the babies. We just put the word out there and miraculously we got the funds,” said Pam Hibbard, the director of Bethlehem House.

Bethlehem House has more than 200 volunteers and helps families with baby supplies up until the child is  3 years old. They also provide referrals for free confidential pregnancy testing, assistance in obtaining prenatal care, financial and legal aid, job training, and emergency food.

“We see a lot of hard cases where people are abandoned by their friends and family. If it wasn’t for Bethlehem House, people would have chosen abortion,” said Hibbard, who adds they have seen an increase in the number of clients in recent months.

Donations for the billboard can be sent to Diane LeDoux, 183 River Road, Agawam, MA 01001.