Making Choosing Life A Reality

“Choose life.” It’s a simple motto but a significant endeavor. I often see it posted on signs and hear it chanted at pro-life marches, but how does this choice play out in real life? Sometimes the choice is easy. We see excited parents-to-be posting ultrasounds on Facebook and having gender reveal parties for their tiny, new human. They stock up on the latest baby gadgets and create the perfect nursery in their home.

But it doesn’t always look like this, because sometimes choosing life is hard. There are several women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. They don’t know where to turn, who to confide in, and how to proceed. What about them? How can we make choosing life a reality in their situation?

It turns out I’m not the only one asking these questions. Pregnancy centers throughout the United States have been trying to serve this population of women for many years. After visiting a local pregnancy center and consulting information on others throughout the country, I was blown away by the aids available to expecting mothers. From my research, I collected a list of resources and supports that may be available at pregnancy centers:

1. Pregnancy tests: This is the most common service provided by pregnancy centers. It is necessary to confirm a pregnancy since this will determine the next steps a woman should take.
2. Ultrasounds: If a pregnancy test is positive, many centers offer an ultrasound to determine if a pregnancy is viable. The pregnancy center I visited had free 3D ultrasounds available. It was incredible to see the detail of a child only a few weeks old!
3. Options counseling: Many centers will overview the options available to a women. This can include information on what happens during an abortion, how adoption works, and what parenting may look like in their circumstances. The center I visited took this portion of a woman’s visit very seriously. The staff spends time getting to know the woman, her story, and her circumstances to best help her make a choice.
4. STD/STI testing: Some centers offer STD and STI testing since having one can greatly impact a pregnancy. Ensuring the total health of a woman is the utmost priority, so if this service isn’t available, they might recommend affordable places to get tested.
5. Referrals: Many pregnancy centers are well connected in the local community. They use these connections to help women find affordable, quality doctors and other medical supports. Some centers go beyond the medical and help women find financial resources, housing, social assistance, and employment.
6. Parenting classes: A goal of some pregnancy centers is to educate families on topics such as prenatal care, nutrition, newborn baby care, discipline, life skills, etc. This was by far one of my favorite features of my local pregnancy center. These were more than just classes; it was a lively community! The staff cared for these women as if they were their own and continued to invest in them after the child was born.
7. Free baby items: Having a baby can be extremely expensive! Pregnancy centers want to help ease the financial burden by providing free baby items. Among the items women can get are diapers, formula, wipes, car seats, pack ’n plays, and clothes.

Obviously, pregnancy centers cannot provide every single support a pregnant woman needs, and not all centers provide every service listed. That being said, I think it’s important to show just how many centers are trying to reach women with whatever help they can provide, often for FREE. When I visited one of my local pregnancy centers, the director said all of their supports are free, but they are struggling to get the word out. What a unique problem to have!

If you are reading this, take the time to check out your local pregnancy centers to see what they offer. Let’s work together to educate women AND men about resources that can help them choose life!