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WASHINGTON
- Across the United States, approximately 2,750 pregnancy help centers
offer life-affirming support to pregnant and parenting women in need. In
recognition of their contribution to the common good, and in observance
of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week, November 11-15, Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following
statement:
“During Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week, we
celebrate the thousands of pregnancy care centers providing life-saving
help to the most vulnerable group in our society: pregnant women in
need. As Advent approaches, we remember the Blessed Virgin Mary who in
her hour of need found no room at the inn.
“Our country’s network of pregnancy care centers and
maternity homes work to ensure that no woman is left alone in her own
hour of need. These centers provide a spectrum of resources including
baby clothes and diapers, childcare and career services, referrals to
homes where pregnant and parenting moms can live for free, and many
other forms of housing, food, and financial assistance. Many pregnancy
care centers also provide some medical services, including ultrasounds,
prenatal and postnatal care, and referrals to hospitals for free or
low-cost childbirth. Their loving service and profound accompaniment
continues far beyond the birth of the child, with mothers reporting that
their pregnancy care center ‘never let them go.’ We commend pregnancy
help centers for their faithful love of Christ in serving vulnerable
mothers.”
Read the press release online.
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