By Terry L. Hapney, Jr.
The Ironton Tribune

People in southern Ohio and northeast Kentucky are gearing up for the National Life Chain event from 2-3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 6.
Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Centers in Ashland and Coal Grove will hold five “peaceful, prayerful public witness” events for “pro-life Americans” to participate in the national Life Chain movement—happening on this date and during this hour at locations across the United States, according to Sandy Bellomy, executive director of the nonprofit organization.
Bellomy said the event will take place in five locations in the Tri-State—Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lawrence counties in Kentucky, in addition to Lawrence County in Ohio:
• Park Avenue and 4th Street in Ironton.
• 13th – 15th streets and Winchester Avenue in Ashland.
• Carol Malone Boulevard and East Main Street in Grayson.
• Madison and Main in Louisa.
• Laurel and Hickory streets on Main Street in Greenup.
Two Hearts, celebrating its 24th year in 2024 serving the region as a nonprofit organization, operates on donations “from people who love the Lord and love these girls.”
“We’re a ministry to girls and women in unplanned pregnancy situations,” Bellomy said. “If a girl thinks she’s pregnant she can come in and take a free pregnancy test.”
The organization also offers free Bibles and maternity wear. Once women are established with Two Hearts, Bellomy said they go into an “earn-while-you-learn system.”
“It’s an educational program that teaches them the different developmental stages of their body, the baby—everything—car seat safety, how to keep a checkbook,” she said. “You name it. We cover all of it, nutrition. How to be a good parent and take care of this baby…”
Bellomy said the folks at Two Hearts are “truly blessed to help these women and be in the area.” The five walks are designed to draw awareness to the pro-life movement and “that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death.”
“We want to be there to offer an alternative to abortion,” Bellomy said. “We are pro-life, and that’s what we stand for. It’s a quiet demonstration—a time of prayer for this nation. We come together to pray for this nation and the lives of these babies.”
Bellomy invites individuals and families to attend, rain or shine. She suggests bringing water, lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers. In addition, Two Hearts will provide signs at each location. Attendees are asked to stand 25-30 feet apart. Those who attend should not park in front of an open business, according to Bellomy.
“We supply the signs,” she said. “We just need people to show up.”
Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Centers has two locations in the local area—the main center at 2200 29th St. in Ashland and the satellite center at 207 Marion Pike in Coal Grove. For more information, visit twoheartspcc.org. Those interested in learning more about these events or the organization may also call 740-532-7654 or 606-325-7654.