About Pregnancy Resource Centers

What is a Pregnancy Resource Center?

Pregnancy resource centers, also called crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), are agencies staffed with caring individuals who want to help you through this most challenging time in your life. Most centers are funded by private donations, and a few are supported by local churches. Many centers are medical clinics with a full range of free services. The staff are non-judgmental and most are volunteers who give of their time because they care about you. If there is a pregnancy resource center nearby, no woman has to face this challenge alone.

Why should I visit a Pregnancy Resource Center?

The choice you make regarding your pregnancy will have a profound effect on your body, your relationships, your emotional well-being, and countless other aspects of your future. The center can offer support, practical help, and options counseling. You owe it to yourself to get all the information and support you can. Since pregnancy resources do not profit from your decision, you don't have to worry about being pressured into making choice before you are ready.

What can a Pregnancy Resource Center do for me?

Most pregnancy resource centers offer:

• Free Pregnancy Tests
• Physician and Clinic Referrals
• Sensitive and Confidential Crisis Counseling
• Counseling for Sexuality and Relationship Issues
• Free Maternity and Baby Clothes/Foods
• Baby Supplies and Furniture
• Abortion Information and Alternatives
• Post-Abortion Counseling or Support Groups
• Educational Literature and Videos
• Housing Referrals
• Pregnancy Information
• Fetal Development Information
• Referrals for Childbirth and Parenting Classes
• Referrals for Adoption Agencies
• Referrals for Legal Advice
• Peer Support
• Spiritual Encouragement

Some centers are also medical clinics and may offer:

• Blood Test for Pregnancy
• STD Testing
• Prenatal Ultrasound
• Prenatal Care
• Official Letters for Public Assistance

How will I feel about my visit to Pregnancy Resource Center?

Most women in a crisis pregnancy situation already feel scared and anxious. The counselor will not judge you or make you feel bad about mistakes you may have made. However, the counselor will try to help you learn from your mistakes, and this may involve asking you to reevaluate your current sexual practices.

Most women are relieved to find someone who can answer their questions and lend support and practical help. In fact, 98% of women who have visited a pregnancy resource center felt very positive or somewhat positive about the services they received.*

What kind of women visit a Pregnancy Resource Center?

Women of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds avail themselves of the services offered by their local CPCs. This includes women of all faiths or of no religious persuasion, single and married women, pro-choice and pro-life women in equal numbers, poor and wealthy women, students, parents, and many others. One in ten American women have visited a crisis pregnancy center.*

What will the counselor say about abortion?

The counselor will explain fetal development using medical pictures or models. She will want to make sure you understand both the physical risks and emotional difficulties you may face if you choose abortion. She will discuss your reasons for your choice and ask how your choices fit in with your belief system. She will make sure you understand that no one can force you to have an abortion you don't want. If you choose abortion or have had prior abortions, she will give you additional information about post-abortion support groups or counseling.

What will the counselor say about adoption?

The counselor will explain the adoption process and discuss various types of adoption plans. She may also show you some profiles of prospective adoptive parents. She will want to make sure you understand that your partner may have some say in the adoption process but that no one can take your baby by force. She will never pressure you to choose adoption if you are not interested. Crisis pregnancy centers never benefit financially from your choice to make an adoption plan for your baby.

What will the counselor say about single motherhood?

The counselor will explain some of the challenges inherent in single parenting. If you are a student, she will help you find a way to finish high school or college as parent. She will make sure you understand how the crisis pregnancy center can support you in your choice to give birth and educate you about your legal rights as a pregnant woman. She will inform you that your boyfriend is legally responsible to provide child support. If you decide to carry your baby to term, she will make sure you know where to go for affordable prenatal care.

How can I find my nearest Pregnancy Resource Center?

Counseling and Referrals by Email:

International: CPC World

On-Line Directories:

• Pregnancy Center Listings On-Line
  
• CPC World's Nationwide Database
  
• Heartbeat International's Worldwide Directory
  
• Canadian Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Telephone Hotlines:

Call any of the following toll-free hotlines to be connected to a phone counselor:

• Birthright International - 24 hours
  1-800-550-4900
  
  
• America's Crisis Pregnancy Helpline
  1-800-67-BABY-6
  
  
• Bethany Christian Services
  1-800-Bethany or 1-800-238-4269
  
  
• CareNet
  1-800-395-4357

* Source: FRC sponsored Wirthlin Worldwide Poll, 1999.

    
   Visitors Since 2-17-00

 Updated: May 19, 2002