Should I go to a Pregnancy Center?

My guess is if you are reading this that you have found yourself in a very unexpected situation. You are pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy, and you aren’t quite sure what to do next. Well, let me offer you a suggestion: visit a pregnancy center near you. Why should you? Here are a few reasons why you should go to a pregnancy center.

An unexpected pregnancy can be very overwhelming. The people, usually women, who run the pregnancy centers, want to help you sort through the emotions and thoughts that you have whirling around inside you. They truly care about you and want to walk through this journey with you.  Staff will welcome you with a kind smile and offer you a listening, non-judgmental ear. They are not going to shame you or guilt you into any decision. They will truly hear you and present you with the life-affirming choices that are available.

Pregnancy centers are a safe haven for women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Some clinics only see you as a number with a problem to be eliminated. Pregnancy Center staff see you and long to help you see your value and the value of the life inside you. They want to offer you support at the beginning, in the middle, and after your pregnancy no matter what choice you make for your baby. You are more than a number or a client. You are a human being who is carrying another human being. They will not force a decision on your or judge you for making a decision they don’t agree with. (Some centers may offer anonymous abortion recovery classes to help you if you made that choice.)

Pregnancy Centers may not be health clinics, but many offer limited ultrasounds, giving you a chance to see and hear the baby. You have choices other than abortion, choices that are life-affirming and life-changing, for you and your baby. Your choices are parenting or adoption. I personally know of many brave women just like you who were in similar situations. Some chose to parent their child. Pregnancy Centers can sometimes help you become the best parent you can be for your child by offering parenting classes and supplies. Pregnancy Centers can connect you with local agencies and/or adoption lawyers should you decided adoption is the best option for you and your baby. Some women choose to place their babies for adoption. They chose to carry the baby to term and place him or her in the arms of another family. Two of those women are why I have both of my sons. The women were in unexpected pregnancies and chose life: something for which I am forever grateful. 

I hope you now see that you have choices and that you don’t have to go through this unplanned pregnancy alone. There are places and people who genuinely care for you and want to help you. One more thing that should encourage you to visit a pregnancy center is the fact that every client visit is completely confidential and most offer their services free of charge. In summary, pregnancy centers are staffed with genuine people who desire to support you during this time by listening, offering options and supporting your parenting endeavors. So, breathe. Visit a pregnancy center and see for yourself. Love, grace, and hope are offered there.