Ending the tragedy of abortionone life at a time.

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion on demand. In April of 1975, the Chattanooga Women's Clinic (CWC) opened its doors for business on Vance Road. It was the only abortion clinic in Chattanooga, TN. In 1993, God used the mustard-seed faith of area Christians to replace this place of death and destruction with a ministry of healing and hope. Chattanooga, TN is now one of the largest cities in the United States without an abortion clinic. This is the story of a mighty victory, events which only point to the power of the Lord we love and serve!

In 1985, a small group of Chattanooga area Christians began to gather together in the public right-of-way outside the CWC premises. They would pray and attempt to counsel women as they came to have abortions. Despite harassment and litigation, counseling and prayers continued whenever CWC was open for business, rain or shine, day or night. But it wasn’t enough to stand against abortion; what was needed was a stand for life! In October of 1985, these individuals used their own resources to open AAA Women’s Services, Inc.

One of the early centers of the Christian Action Council, AAA was located in an office suite directly across the street from CWC. The name was chosen to be first in the telephone book and the location was crucial to offering women alternatives to abortion including real, practical help. The center was staffed by volunteers and was open during the same hours as the abortion clinic.

In the autumn of 1988, the Pro-life Majority Coalition of Chattanooga (ProMaCC) was formed. The coalition brought together individuals involved in all areas of pro-life efforts, from AAA to college groups to political activists to Operation Rescue to adoption agencies. Recognizing that the battle for life is fought on all fronts, these individuals presented a united front to the community. Events including public rallies and “Life Chains” were organized and media attention made it possible for the abortion issue to be addressed by people who attempted to speak the truth in love.

Abortion is nothing less than a matter of life or death. It is first and foremost a spiritual battle. For that reason, members of the coalition began to pray on the clinic parking lot at 6:00 on Sunday mornings. They specifically implored God to act by either saving or removing the people who worked at CWC. Within a short time, the clinic owner was diagnosed with cancer and was subsequently unable to return to work; she died soon thereafter.