Crisis pregnancy center: Difference between revisions
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Funding and resources are generally provided by churches, individuals and small businesses who support the pro-life cause, matching gifts from large employers, and grants. Some centers are members of [[United Way]] and receive designated gifts as well as a percentage of non-designated gifts. Some centers may receive federal funding; however, many centers refuse such funding, on the belief that they do not want the government to dictate what religious counseling they can or cannot provide to women in need. Fundraisers are often used as well. |
Funding and resources are generally provided by churches, individuals and small businesses who support the pro-life cause, matching gifts from large employers, and grants. Some centers are members of [[United Way]] and receive designated gifts as well as a percentage of non-designated gifts. Some centers may receive federal funding; however, many centers refuse such funding, on the belief that they do not want the government to dictate what religious counseling they can or cannot provide to women in need. Fundraisers are often used as well. |
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A center will have a director, who may be a full-time paid employee. Most staffing is provided by volunteers. |
A center will have a director, who may be a full-time paid employee. Most staffing is provided by volunteers who have received no training and who usually spend their time trying to browbeat the visitors into joining their groups accepting the lesser place in society that these centres advocate for women. |
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[[Heartbeat International]] and [[Care Net]] are two major organizations with national networks of crisis pregnancy centers in the United States (centers may be affiliated with either or both networks). These two organizations have teamed up to operate [[Option Line]], a 24-hour telephone and web-based listing and referral service. Option Line can be contacted at 1-800-395-HELP (4357) or [http://www.optionline.org/ www.optionline.org]. |
[[Heartbeat International]] and [[Care Net]] are two major organizations with national networks of crisis pregnancy centers in the United States (centers may be affiliated with either or both networks). These two organizations have teamed up to operate [[Option Line]], a 24-hour telephone and web-based listing and referral service. Option Line can be contacted at 1-800-395-HELP (4357) or [http://www.optionline.org/ www.optionline.org]. |
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Revision as of 14:22, 18 August 2005
A crisis pregnancy center is a non-profit organization, generally established by Christian pro-life supporters, as a means of encouraging pregnant women not to have abortions.
A center may be affiliated with a church, or it may be independent. Church-affiliated centers are usually located off-site from the church in order to provide a non-intimidating setting.
Depending on its size and resources, a center may provide the following services:
- Pregnancy tests
- Information and counseling about the various options available to a pregnant woman (adoption, abortion, or keeping the baby), with an emphasis on the risks posed by abortion (generally, the center believes that these risks are not fully disclosed by abortion supporters such as Planned Parenthood)
- Information and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases, with an emphasis on abstinence and a strong belief in marriage for non-married couples
- Religious literature, including Bibles
- Medical services such as ultrasound (generally, the center believes that a woman considering abortion, once she sees the developing fetus on the ultrasound, will decide to carry to term instead); however, abortions are NOT performed by the centers
- Information on social services available by other organizations
- Baby-related items such as clothing (for mother and child), food and diapers, and furniture
Some centers offer access to support groups for women suffering from post-abortion syndrome.
Services are provided on a free and confidential basis to any woman, regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. (However, centers must report to the police any visits where statutory rape may be present.)
Due to their pro-life stance, crisis pregnancy centers will NOT recommend abortion under any circumstances, nor will they provide referrals to abortion clinics.
Funding and resources are generally provided by churches, individuals and small businesses who support the pro-life cause, matching gifts from large employers, and grants. Some centers are members of United Way and receive designated gifts as well as a percentage of non-designated gifts. Some centers may receive federal funding; however, many centers refuse such funding, on the belief that they do not want the government to dictate what religious counseling they can or cannot provide to women in need. Fundraisers are often used as well.
A center will have a director, who may be a full-time paid employee. Most staffing is provided by volunteers who have received no training and who usually spend their time trying to browbeat the visitors into joining their groups accepting the lesser place in society that these centres advocate for women.
Heartbeat International and Care Net are two major organizations with national networks of crisis pregnancy centers in the United States (centers may be affiliated with either or both networks). These two organizations have teamed up to operate Option Line, a 24-hour telephone and web-based listing and referral service. Option Line can be contacted at 1-800-395-HELP (4357) or www.optionline.org.