Pregnancy Crisis

Your Visit to a Pregnancy Center

by Staff

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

Most women in a crisis pregnancy situation already feel scared and anxious. The pregnancy center 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 helping you to reevaluate your current behaviors and relationships.

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 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.

Pregnancy Center Services

Most centers offer:

  • Free Pregnancy Tests
  • Pregnancy Education
  • Physician and Clinic Referrals
  • Fetal Development Information
  • Pregnancy Options Counseling
  • Abortion Information and Alternatives
  • Post-Abortion Counseling or Support Groups
  • Counseling for Sex and Relationship Issues
  • Free Maternity Clothes
  • Baby Clothes, Supplies and Furniture
  • Educational Literature & Videos
  • Housing Referrals
  • Referrals for Childbirth and Parenting Classes
  • Referrals for Adoption Agencies
  • Referrals for Legal Advice
  • Peer Support & Encouragement
  • Spiritual Guidance
Many are also licensed medical clinics and may offer:

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

Visit Heartbeat Internatonal’s Worldwide Directory of Pregnancy Centers to find help near you.

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