FAYETTEVILLE — Two doors away from Northwest Arkansas’s only abortion provider, a small group of Catholic volunteers is providing pro-life resources to women in need.
AAA Women’s Services opened its doors just over a year ago, and the group has worked diligently since to help women find alternatives to abortion and to win the Church’s blessing of its work.
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor provided the latter, traveling to Fayetteville Dec. 11 for the official blessing.
“We’ve had it blessed, and that’s a huge concern when it’s a spiritual battle,” said board chairwoman Mary Frances Sulzen of West Fork. “We wanted to have it blessed. That’s one of our biggest concerns.”
Located at 1015 N. College Avenue, the small building is only a few steps from Fayetteville Women’s Clinic, where Dr. William F. Harrison regularly performs abortions. A vocal supporter of abortion, Harrison was the first visitor to approach the small building, Sulzen said.
“We were there addressing envelopes for people to send out for Christmas,” Sulzen recalled. Another volunteer recognized Harrison immediately as he had delivered her children years before.
“When he walked up, he said, ’May I come in.’ She said, ’No, we’re not open.’”
“He said, ’I want to be the first to welcome you to the neighborhood. … I’m just so happy you’re here.’” Sulzen continued.
The volunteer explained that the group was there to offer abortion alternatives. At that point, the doctor asked to come in and look around.
The volunteer said, “Sorry, we have absolutely nothing in common,” Sulzen said, and he left.
The center offers free pregnancy tests and provides information about fetal development as well as resources for food, clothing and other needs. Visitors may also be referred to other pro-life groups, such as Loving Choices, which provides sonograms, and St. Francis House in Springdale.
Most visitors are coming for the pregnancy test, Sulzen said. “If they’re not expecting, they might leave right away.”
In its first year, the center has consulted with about 50 women, the group said. Jennifer Sammons, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville, is volunteer coordinator. She’s recently done training sessions (mandatory for all the volunteers) for newcomers and now has about eight trained volunteers.
However, it’s not enough. Bishop Taylor suggested the group try to find enough volunteers by Lent so the office can be open the same hours as the abortion clinic. Lent is also when the 40 Days for Life national campaign begins. After a one-year absence, Fayetteville will again have a presence in the campaign with a prayer vigil across the street from the abortion center.
Finding enough people to commit regularly is difficult.
“That is our biggest need,” Sammons said. “We need volunteers who can come in for two or three hours a week (and) be steady and dependable. There are a lot of hours that need to be covered (and) girls that we’re missing.”
Sammons, a mother of four children, added, “I think (volunteers) find it rewarding. … But, you have to really have a heart for it.”
Volunteers don’t have to be Catholic. However, they must be aligned with Church teachings. AAA Women’s Services provides information on resources women might need but none for contraceptive services.
As it works to become better established, the group is working with St. Joseph’s Helpers in Little Rock and, at the diocese’s suggestion, joined two national groups, Heartbeat International, a Christian association of pro-life pregnancy centers, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, which provides pregnancy help centers with legal education, consultation and training.
The group is also trying to expand its board of directors. Currently, in addition to Sulzen, the board includes Msgr. Scott Marczuk, pastor of St. Stephen Church in Bentonville, and Dr. Kevin Richter, a physician from Berryville.
For information or to volunteer, call AAA Women’s Resources at (479) 443-5433.
