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Pregnancy Help Centers

What They Do

     Pregnancy tests and options counseling: Client Advocate Volunteers (or staff when needed) discuss the client’s situation, intentions, and options. After the pregnancy test, there is further discussion about her plans, the resources the client needs, and what the center and other community organizations might be able to provide. If pregnant, an ultrasound will be scheduled.*  The client is invited to discuss spirituality and have the advocate pray with her.*

     The center also provides classes in subjects pertinent to pregnancy, infant care and parenting. By participating in the classes, the clients can earn vouchers for baby items such as diapers or clothing.*   All services are without cost, and client information is kept strictly confidential. 

* The large majority of pregnancy centers can provide limited obstetrical ultrasounds, are faith-based, and provide classes.

 

nervous young woman sitting on a couch across from another woman (only seen from back)

What They Need

    Volunteers: The most critical need is for volunteers to train to be  client advocates who work with the clients one-on-one and follow up with them after the visit. Other volunteers can help with the baby items and operation of the “Mommy Store”, teaching classes, fundraisers, babysitting during classes, office cleaning and repairs, and other tasks.

      Donations:  to fund staff salaries, rent or mortgage, advertising, utilities, program and office supplies and other expenses.  Pregnancy centers are 501(c)(3) organizations; donations are tax deductible. 

 

What They Face

The mainstream media and even respected medical professional organizations (such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who regard abortion as essential health care) portray pregnancy centers as deceptive “anti-abortion” organizations who falsely represent themselves as medical clinics, but don’t provide abortion or contraception. Liberal states try to deny pregnancy centers their right to free speech, claiming they are dispensing false information, or by requiring “forced speech” (posting information about state-subsidized abortions).  Some states have even posted consumer alerts  against pregnancy centers.  One medical ethics journal published an article entitled “Why Crisis Pregnancy Centers are Legal but Unethical.” 

““I’d rather stand with God and be condemned by the world, than stand with the world and be condemned by God.

– Denzel Washington