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A persistent false criticism leveled against pro-life Hoosiers is that we care little about mothers and babies once the child is born. Since Indiana took the significant step of banning most abortions in 2022, it has become demonstrably false.
Led by House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, the state has substantially expanded its support for women facing unplanned pregnancies and for young children. Since 2014, Indiana has partnered with Real Alternatives, the national leader in delivering life-affirming pregnancy and parenting services.
RA has successfully operated similar comprehensive programs in multiple states since 1996, building decades of expertise in compassionate, effective support.
During the 2022 special legislative session that restricted abortion, Indiana lawmakers did more than change abortion policy—they created and funded the most comprehensive support for pregnant women in state history.
Part of the program also boosted funding for supportive services offered through RA and other providers. These services offer practical, tangible help to protect maternal health, choose childbirth over abortion when facing a crisis pregnancy, explore adoption as a loving option and build stronger parenting skills for the long term.
Funded at $6.25 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 through the Indiana Department of Health, the program operates via a robust statewide network of 29 social service agencies, pregnancy support centers and maternity residences.
These nonprofit, non-discriminatory providers operate across Indiana, staffed by fully trained and deeply compassionate counselors. Each provider is monitored annually to ensure strict compliance with all state and federal guidelines, maintaining high standards of accountability and care.
Since March 1996, RA’s programs in Pennsylvania and Indiana combined have served well over 500,000 women. In Indiana alone, more than 145,000 Hoosier women have received assistance since the program launched. All services are provided free of charge to clients and remain strictly confidential. The comprehensive offerings include:
• Confidential counseling and mentoring in a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere.
• Free pregnancy self-test kits.
• Clothing, food and furniture assistance through pantries.
• Temporary shelter when needed.
• Classes on pregnancy, childbirth and effective parenting.
• Adoption information and supportive referrals.
• Abstinence education to help modify risky behaviors.
• Guidance with education and career decisions.
• Referrals to community medical resources and other essential social services.
By contracting with an experienced national organization like RA, Indiana ensures these vital services are delivered consistently, compassionately and in full compliance with all regulatory guidelines.
As someone who works with RA here in Indiana, I have seen firsthand the program’s professionalism. This gives me strong confidence that public funds are being used precisely as the Legislature intended: to support mothers and children effectively.
Hoosiers across the political spectrum rightly expect that tax dollars will be spent frugally and transparently. RA’s administrative overhead remains very low, at approximately 8%. This efficiency means the vast majority of resources flow directly to the women and families who need help.
Moreover, this professional structure enables many faith-based ministries to participate in serving their communities. They can deliver essential secular social services while fully complying with state and federal requirements that prevent the subsidizing of religious activities.
This careful balance allows the generous, life-affirming impulse present in many Indiana congregations to strengthen the state’s overall support system without crossing constitutional lines.
Ultimately, legislators and other Hoosiers can have confidence that these resources are being carefully stewarded to support the health and well-being of Indiana families through the most qualified, caring and compassionate providers available.•
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Smith is chairman of the Indiana Family Institute and author of “Deicide: Why Eliminating The Deity is Destroying America.” Send comments to [email protected].
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