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On this episode of “Hugh’s on First with the Catholic Church,” host Hugh Macken, Jr. speaks with Pro-Life Across America co-founder Mary Ann Kuharski and her daughter, Associate Director Angie Johnson, about a 36-year apostolate that pairs the non-political, scientifically sound facts with tender-hearted messaging and 24/7 help for women and families.
From holy frustration to a nationwide apostolate
Pro-Life Across America began in 1989 from what Mary Ann calls “holy frustration.” After years in advocacy, counseling, and public speaking, she and a few friends pooled donations—“kitchen-table fundraising,” no salaries—to test a simple idea: put life-affirming billboards where everyone could see them. Within two weeks of the first 42 billboards going up in Minnesota, a clinic director called to report that a woman scheduled for abortion had changed her mind because she “couldn’t drive past that billboard and go through with this.”
That early grace confirmed the mission. Today the apostolate places roughly 10,000 billboards across 46 states each year and pairs them with round-the-clock, live-answered support via phone and chat. In a recent month they handled 730+ incoming contacts—calls, emails, and web chats—offering practical help and referrals.
A positive, non-political message that opens hearts
Mary Ann is clear: Pro-Life Across America is a 501(c)(3) education and service ministry, not a political group. The creative is intentionally gentle and hopeful—smiling “donor babies,” short scientific facts (“Eyes form at five weeks”), and invitations to dads (“Real men love babies”). That tone is pastoral by design. Millions of women and men carry past abortions; the goal is to welcome, not shame. As Mary Ann shared, even those seeking help after many years often reach out because “the tenderness of your ad” made them feel safe to call.
Why the billboards work
Angie notes that the target isn’t only the expectant mother. Since many abortions happen under pressure from others, the billboards aim to plant a seed in the minds of boyfriends, parents, spouses, and friends—anyone who can encourage life. One man phoned after seeing “Real men love babies,” saying it gave him the courage to speak up and support the mother of his child.
The team also runs extensive digital search and display outreach, meeting people where they are online. Some callers dial thinking they’ve reached an abortion provider; the staff listens, explains fetal development and health risks honestly, and offers local, life-affirming alternatives.
24/7 real people, real help
A hallmark of the ministry is human accompaniment. Calls roll over after hours so a live person answers 24/7/365, with access to Spanish-speaking staff, nurses, and abortion-pill reversal resources through trusted partners. From housing and medical care to post-abortion healing, they connect callers to the closest help—supporting the network of more than 2,700 pregnancy help centers nationwide.
Stories abound: a father pleading for help after his wife began a chemical abortion; a woman brought across state lines who saw a billboard and had a change of heart; survivors of abuse quietly seeking a way out. The team prays daily for every person who will pass a sign or hear a radio spot, confident that grace uses even a highway billboard to save lives.
A family apostolate, sustained by prayer
Mary Ann and her late husband, John, raised 13 children (seven by birth, six by adoption), and the whole family has pitched in over the years; grandchildren have even appeared on the billboards. Angie, with 13 years in healthcare communications, now serves as Associate Director and partners with her mom in daily operations. Their guiding principles are disarmingly practical—“Never pay full price”—and deeply spiritual: everything begins with prayer, and every dollar belongs to God.
Stewardship and transparency
The operation is intentionally lean. Apart from Mary Ann and Angie, the staff is part-time, and less than 2% of donations go to administrative costs. The goal is simple: put as much as possible into outreach and direct help.
Inspired by St. John Paul II
Providentially recorded on his feast day, the episode highlights St. John Paul II’s call to build a “culture of love and life.” Mary Ann credits his witness and teaching as a major influence on the apostolate’s tone and approach.
How readers can help
Pray. Mary Ann and Angie ask first for prayers—for every driver who passes a sign, every listener who hears a spot, and every person on the verge of calling.
Share. Tell your parish, youth group, or friends about Pro-Life Across America; invite Mary Ann or Angie to speak; request brochures for your church.
Give. Sponsor a local billboard or make a gift of any size. The ministry often stretches each dollar through negotiated placements and donated creative.
A closing word of hope and a spirit of prayer
The episode ends, fittingly, in prayer—entrusting the apostolate to Jesus through Mary, the patroness who has guided Pro-Life Across America’s 36 years. As Mary Ann puts it, their work is simply to be Christ’s hands, feet, and mouthpiece so that the next person who needs hope will find it in time.
If you or someone you love needs help, or if you’d like to support the mission, visit Pro-Life Across America online at https://prolifeacrossamerica.org/ to connect with their 24/7 hotline, resources, and ways to support their work.
(This article was written with signifiant assistance by Chat GPT.)
