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When
a woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, the news can come as a
shock and bring overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, anxiety, and
doubt. Without a strong support system, what should be joyful news, can
instead be experienced as a crisis. Often, a woman facing an unexpected
pregnancy may not know where she can turn for help and assistance.
Pregnancy
Help Centers respond to this urgent need every day, embracing expectant
mothers with empathy and love. Approximately 2,750 pregnancy help
centers across the U.S. offer life-affirming support to pregnant and
parenting women in need. These centers “provide a spectrum of care,
resources, and material goods to support new mothers—from diapers and
layettes, to babysitting and career services, to referrals for housing
and food assistance, and personal mentorship and support. Many also
provide certain medical services, including ultrasounds, prenatal and
postnatal care.”1
The most recent reports show that in 2022 alone, pregnancy centers
served over 3 million clients, providing an estimated $367 million in
free goods and services.2
This
work is made possible by the selfless service of those who dedicate
themselves to working in pregnancy centers. Their efforts are even more
notable when we consider that seven out of ten pregnancy center workers
are volunteers who offer their time and talent to surround mothers with
the compassionate support they need to welcome and care for their
children.
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