Preg. Counseling

When the result of the test is positive, clients are presented information on fetal development, abortion procedure and risks (if contemplating abortion), and positive options, such as parenting or adoption. When the result is negative, clients are given information about sexual integrity, STDs and abstinence. In all cases, the truth is shared with compassion, in a loving, caring and non-judgmental atmosphere.

The “abortion issue” isn’t just about saving babies – it’s also about meeting the mothers at their greatest point of need and working through the issues that they are concerned with. At all of our Centers, our greatest mission is to share the love of Christ and the Good News of the gospel with everyone who walks in our doors.

Ultrasound Program

Research shows that when an abortion-minded woman is shown a picture of her baby on ultrasound, 92% of the time, she will reverse her decision.

	When Sarah* called Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers, she thought she might be pregnant and wanted information on abortion. She said that abortion was her “only option,” that she was a college student and a baby did not fit into her plans. She said her father would be particularly unhappy with the news.
	Sarah’s boyfriend, on the other hand, wanted Sarah to keep the baby and even said he would raise the baby while Sarah stayed in school.
	When Sarah’s pregnancy test came out positive, Sarah was devastated. Her counselor quickly checked the schedule for ultrasounds, but discovered it was full. However, a cancellation arrived just in time, and Sarah’s boyfriend agreed to drive her to the appointment. Before they left the Center, both Sarah and her boyfriend prayed to rededicate their lives to the Lord.
	Even though Sarah was early in the pregnancy, the sonographer was able to see a tiny heartbeat. Sarah was visibly excited and began to smile. When asked afterwards if her decision had changed, she replied, “I am about ready to have the baby. Seeing the heartbeat made the difference.” She also said she had decided to tell her parents.

An integral part of our pregnancy counseling program involves offering free ultrasounds to our clients considering abortion. Ultrasounds are offered two or three evenings a month by appointment at the Manassas center. The ultrasound program is manned by volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and sonographers.

Referrals

Part of peer counseling involves providing referrals for housing, prenatal care and other community resources. Sometimes an agency can “fill the gap” and provide our clients with some of the things that we cannot. We regularly attend meetings sponsored by local agency networks to keep current of new programs and offerings that might benefit our clients, such as food banks, emergency shelters and organizations that will help with clothing for older siblings and rent.