CCDBR prepared to meet post Roe needs

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, through its vast array of outreach programs, has always been a pillar of support for women facing unplanned pregnancies.  

Perhaps that support has never been more integral in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Widespread speculation has focused on what will likely become an increase in the birth rate since abortion will be banned in many areas of the country. 

If that should happen, CCDBR appears to be well positioned to accommodate those needs. 

“We are always preparing for anyone who comes through our doors with an unplanned pregnancy so we can help them and educate them so they can make the best decision for them and their child. I think (adoptions) will increase post Roe, and I also think the need for more services for families will be increasing as well.” said CCDBR Director of Family Services Stephanie Sterling.  

“That’s a given, and we will be there,” said Carol Spruell, CCDBR director of administration. “And I think that is more of the story that is coming out, people talking about saving these babies from abortion and what are we going to do.” 

Through a variety of programs, CCDBR already provides assistance to  hundreds of women annually, many of whom are needy or experiencing unplanned pregnancies. 
Services offered include adoptions, Sanctuary for Life and St. Patrick’s House for  homeless pregnant women, financial assistance when needed, donation of baby care items, providing needy moms with newborn children a baby pack that contains at least a two-week supply of diapers and other necessities when leaving the hospital, weekly distributions of critical baby needs or simply answering the call when someone walks through the agency’s door seeking help.  

Adoption Matters, which is a presentation covering all aspects of finding families for children, experienced an increase in its most recent meeting. The meetings, many of which are held at local churches, are designed for families interested in learning more about the adoption process.  

The agency’s Parents and Children Together program  offers assistance for parents with children up to five years old in East Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee and St. Helena civil parishes. 

Because of the generosity of churches parishes, schools and the Junior League of Baton Rouge, basic items such as safety car seats and portable alternative cribs are available to those women in need. Sterling said the agency distributes about $25,000 worth of baby care items annually. 

Additional services include transportation, case management and counseling for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.  

“We also have direct assistance for rent and utilities for East Baton Rouge and Tangipahoa parish residents in need through a grant,” Sterling said. 

She anticipates the role of Sanctuary for Life also changing, with the need for housing for unwed mothers potentially on the upswing. The capacity at Sanctuary for Life is for eight women and four at St. Patrick’s House, which offers transitional housing before women are able to move out on their own.  

“I feel like the need is being met (but) the needs are endless,” Sterling said. “We are already doing a lot of outreach through community meetings, resource fairs, relationships with homeless shelters and St. Vincent de Paul. People who need our services know we are there.” 

Distributions of baby items for mothers in need are held each Wednesday morning.  Parents and caregivers must call ahead so CCDBR staff members can prepare whatever is needed. 

Although prepared in many ways, Spruell said people and resources will be required to maintain those services.

“It will take people who have the pro-life belief to support agencies like ours,” she said, adding that church groups, such as Walking with Moms, must also be involved.
“Those groups are going to be critical for women in our community who are having an unplanned pregnancy and in need of assistance.

For more information on the adoption process visit adoptccdiobr.org/thinking-about-adopting or visit ccdiobr.org.