My name is Bill Blacksmith and I have been volunteering some time each week at WCN. My wife Debbie and I have 3 sons. My oldest and youngest were born with a chromosomal abnormality, Trisomy 8 and Monosomy 20, which causes them to be medically fragile and globally delayed. In the fall of 1994, we had seen a genetic counselor. One of the things that she said was “I’m glad you are here now because you can have an abortion up until 24 weeks” (Debbie was 22 weeks pregnant at the time). We were both shocked at the fact that this option was stated so abruptly and nonchalantly.


Debbie and I have always been pro-life, but now we were presented with abortion as an “obvious” answer. We decided that this baby was a gift from God and we wanted to choose life. Josh was born in March of 1995 and enriched our lives. Unfortunately, he passed away in September of 2017, due to kidney disease. He is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


Our middle son Matthew is a graduate student at the University of Michigan. He married his high school sweetheart Rachel in August of 2019 and they live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


Our youngest son Luke was born in 2002 with the same genetic breakdown as Josh, but they had different complications. He attends the Day School at The Children’s Institute in Pittsburgh and loves it.


I was a teacher/guidance counselor for 26 years. I felt the Lord leading me to become involved in a pro-life ministry of some kind. My desire is to make a positive impact on people’s lives.


At WCN clients can see sonograms of their unborn child and take part in numerous educational activities that will support them in parenthood. I so much appreciate that they offer hope and many resources that can help individuals choose life.

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