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Sav-A-Life of Covington County and its Family Hope Center recognized the successes of the past year during the organization’s annual banquet held Monday at the Kiwanis Center in Andalusia.

Sav-A-Life is a non-profit Christian ministry that assists women in crisis pregnancies and teaching life choices to youth.  The group offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, maternity and baby clothing and diapers, as well as parenting classes. According to information provided at the banquet, the Covington County Family Hope Center has had 530 client visits year-to-date, providing 243 ultrasounds and 376 pregnancy tests. Of the 10 clients listed as “abortion vulnerable,” Save-A-Life reports that three opted to carry out their pregnancies.

Serving as the guest speaker for the event was Dr. William Lile who is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and a former OB-GYN department chair at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Dr. Lile is licensed to practice medicine in Florida and Alabama and is a medical advisor of the Florida Human Life Amendment. He serves as a member of the Focus on the Family’s Physician Research Council and is a frequent guest on both television and radio shows such as Focus on the Family.

Dr. Lile, who has delivered 4,000 babies and has been given the nickname of “The Pro Life Dr.,” spoke about babies in the womb as patients, citing “a patient is a person no matter how small.” He provided examples, including procedure animations, of babies who underwent major in utero surgeries, including spine, open-heart and brain procedures.

“When these procedures are done, two patients with two heartbeats go in and two patients with heartbeats go out. It is healthcare at the highest level. What happens with an abortion? Two heartbeats go in, one heartbeat goes out. That is not healthcare. All patients have rights,” Lile said.

While the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a big victory for the pro-life movement, Dr. Lile said there is still work to be done.

“We can win — and we are winning — this battle,” he said. “We need to keep pushing on because victory is ahead of us. We have science on our side, but our number one tool is the Gospel. It is the Gospel that changes hearts, minds and behavior. The ultimate win will come through the Gospel.”

Among those recognized during the event were Christy Watts, executive director for the Family Hope Center, as well as Dr. James Norman and Nurse Sarah Martha Miller who serve as the facility’s health professionals. Also recognized were the many volunteers who contribute through a range of duties.

Serving as emcee for the event was County Commission Chairman Greg White who is a member of the Sav-A-Life Board of Directors. Jan White was the banquet chairperson.

The event also included several testimonials from those who have benefitted from Sav-A-Life programs.

Members of the Sav-A-Life Board of Directors are: Leroy Cole, chairman; Linda Finlin, vice-chairman; Lori Stanfield, secretary; Greg White, treasurer; Dianne Gray; Don Herring; Pat Northrop; Laura Weaver; Jan White; William Worley; and emeritus members, Clyde Northrop; Tom Rider; Elain Walton; and Ferrell Walton.

Client Advocates recognized included: Cathy Bozeman, Nancy Darnell, Linda Finlin, Amy Henderson, Karen Kay, Carla Mooney, Renea Nichols, Becky Patton, Stanna Traver, Maureen Worley, Ann Whisnant, and Emily Yard.

Mark Rudd performed two songs during the event while Rev. Josh Wilson of Southside Baptist Church provided the invocation and Evangelist Lena Boswell gave the benediction.

To learn more about Sav-A-Life of Covington County and the Family Hope Center, or to make a tax deductible donation, call 334-222-0644. The Family Hope Center is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 116 Crescent St. in Andalusia.