Why Fatherhood Programs Are No Longer Optional for Pregnancy Centers — and WhyThe Time Is Now

For generations, pregnancy centers have focused on one central goal: helping mothers choose life. That mission is noble and heroic. But we now know something we can no longer ignore: the father is the single greatest influence on a mother’s decision to choose life or abortion. Ignoring him means ignoring half of the equation, and neglecting full efforts to save each baby.

Recent data from the Vitae Foundation reinforces this truth. Several Alpha Centers tracking outcomes found that 97% of fathers who saw an ultrasound and completed a fatherhood program chose life. Ninety-seven percent. The potential is enormous. And the stewardship responsibility is undeniable. If we’re serious about saving lives and strengthening families, then engaging fathers is no longer optional or “something we’ll eventually get to.” It is mission-critical.

Yet many centers ask the same honest question: “We’ve tried men’s programs before and they fizzled. Why are fatherhood initiatives suddenly gaining momentum?”

Let’s answer that clearly.

Why Men’s Programs Historically Failed

1. We offered men what we thought they needed, not what they wanted.

Traditional fatherhood efforts centered on basic parenting lessons or incentive-based classes. Valuable content, but not compelling enough to convince a 19- or 20-year-old father to return week after week.

If the pitch is: “Come learn diapering on a doll and eventually earn baby bucks for a car seat,” he will not prioritize it over work, friends, or distractions. Young men aren’t apathetic — they’re unchallenged. They’re hungry for purpose and masculinity, even if they lack the vocabulary to express it.

A program that doesn’t speak to that deeper hunger will lose them.

2. Centers are almost entirely staffed by women.

This is not a criticism, It’s a reality. Women built and sustained the movement. But women cannot form men into men. Young fathers need male mentors who model strength, responsibility, humility, and leadership. Without these men, even the best curriculum struggles.

Programs also commonly failed because they depended on:

• one enthusiastic volunteer,

• no structure or clear expectations,

• or inconsistent gatherings that never created momentum.

A fatherhood program cannot survive on improvisation. It must be intentional, relational, and rooted in community.

So Why Are Fatherhood Programs Taking Off Now?

1. Young men are starving for authentic masculinity.

Confusion around manhood has left boys without purpose and men without direction. Inside every young father is a quiet question: “Do I have what it takes?”

A program that answers yes — and shows him how — becomes a lifeline.

2. Mature men want to invest in the next generation.

When men learn they can mentor a young father, save a baby, and influence a family’s future, they respond. Not out of obligation, but because God designed men to lead, protect, and pass on wisdom. They simply need to be invited into a mission worthy of their energy.

3. Centers are recognizing the strategic stakes.

If the father is the #1 influence on the life decision — and if 97% of engaged fathers choose life— then not engaging him is a missed opportunity with generational implications.

4. Clearer structures now exist.

Across the pro-life movement, centers are discovering models that combine curriculum,

mentorship, and community. The momentum is real and growing.

What Actually Works: Two Essential Pillars

Pillar 1: Offer a program men want

Men will return when the program promises:

• identity and purpose,

• masculine formation,

• a path to protect, provide, lead, serve, and build a legacy.

• 
  

Teach diapers, yes — but frame the program around who he can become, not just what he needs to do.

Pillar 2: Surround him with real men

Male mentors don’t show up because you “need volunteers.” They show up because:

• the mission matters,

• the impact is eternal,

• and they know they can change a young man’s life.

• 
  

When mentors catch the vision, they willingly step into a space historically dominated by women and bring strength the center has long needed.

Practical Do’s and Don’ts

DO: Appoint a Fatherhood Champion

One person must own the vision, recruit mentors, and ensure consistency.

DO: Invite the father into the ultrasound

Seeing life makes him far more likely to defend life.

DO: Use a structured, identity-driven program

Men thrive with clarity, challenge, and purpose.

DO: Recruit mentors by casting vision, not tasks

Tell men, “You can save a child and shape the next generation of young men. You can help change the culture.” They will answer that call.

DON’T: Expect women to run the program alone

They can champion the strategy — but men must form men.

DON’T: Build a program around one enthusiastic leader

If the program collapses when he leaves, it wasn’t a program.

DON’T: Offer only what you assume he needs

Offer what captures his heart, then integrate what will strengthen his fatherhood.

The Recap: Why You Must Begin — or Rebuild — Now

Engaging fathers:

• saves babies,

• strengthens mothers,

• stabilizes families,

• disciples men,

• and shifts culture for generations.

  
  

There are 2,775 pregnancy centers in the country. If each reached just 50 young fathers annually, that’s 138,750 men impacted. At a 97% life-choice rate, that’s over 134,000 babies saved.

The potential is too great to miss. And the time to serve these fathers is now.

If you’re exploring how to start or strengthen a fatherhood program — structure, mentorship, curriculum, or vision — I would be honored to support your center.

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About the Author

Sean Corcoran is the CEO of Men for Life, a national nonprofit equipping men to protect

life, lead their families, and stand with women in unplanned pregnancies. A post-abortive

father, retired attorney, and pro-life speaker, Sean partners with pregnancy centers

nationwide to build effective fatherhood and men’s discipleship programs. He lives in

Louisiana with his wife Michelle and their five young kids, three of whom are adopted.

Contact: sean@menforlife.org · menforlife.org