Rep. Chris Smith, who has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981, has written an opinion piece calling for greater support and protection for pregnancy resource centers across the United States. In his article, published on January 23, 2026 by The Washington Times, Smith shares his long-standing commitment to the pro-life movement and highlights legislative efforts to safeguard these centers.
Smith recounts his personal history with the movement: “I met my dear wife, Marie, more than 50 years ago in the pro-life movement — and today, like you, we are more committed, hope-filled, determined and impatient than ever to see ‘Life is a Gift’ embraced in hearts and laws.”
He urges continued advocacy: “We say to you today, ‘With indomitable faith, compassion and tenacity, we must double down and do more!’” He also emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting: “Above all, we must pray, and fast — claiming God’s promises as in 2 Chronicles 7:14: ‘If my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land.’”
According to Smith’s op-ed, there are over 2,700 pregnancy resource centers nationwide that offer services such as counseling and support for women considering alternatives to abortion. However, he argues that some state governments—including New Jersey—are attempting to undermine these centers’ work by compelling participation in abortion-related activities.
Citing recent polling data on public opinion regarding these centers he states: “The Knights of Columbus Marist poll found last year that 83% of all Americans — including 79% of Democrats — support pregnancy resource centers.”
In Congress, two bills have been introduced related to this issue. H.R.6945—the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act—was introduced by Rep. Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota to maintain federal funding eligibility for pregnancy resource centers under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Smith himself introduced H.R.2226—the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025—which seeks to prohibit discrimination against entities not participating in abortion services.
Smith expresses concern about the growing use of medication abortions: “Tragically, more women are using unsupervised and potentially dangerous abortion pills. In 2023, abortion pills were used for almost two thirds — 63% — of all abortions.” He further criticizes what he describes as efforts by various groups to normalize or promote abortion access.
He discusses health risks associated with medication abortions by referencing a report released on April 28, 2025 by the Ethics and Public Policy Center: “The dangers of the abortion pill…are being studied and revealed…‘The Abortion Pill Harms Women: Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event.’ This report found that more than one out of 10 (10.93%) women who take the chemical abortion drug mifepristone experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging or another serious adverse event within 45 days.”
Smith concludes with optimism about ongoing efforts within the pro-life movement: “Each day…many unborn children and their mothers have been, are being and will be protected. We know that the injustice of abortion need not be forever. Life is an amazing gift. There are no throwaways.”
Chris Smith was born in Rahway in 1953; he currently lives in Manchester Township after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975. More details about his career can be found at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/23/protect-pregnancy-resource-centers/.
