Centers Guide Women Through Crisis Pregnancies

When a woman learns she has an unplanned pregnancy, one of the first things she seeks is answers. 

Respect Life month is celebrated in October and highlights the mission of crisis pregnancy clinics and centers in letting a woman know that abortion is not the answer by walking with them through the pregnancy and beyond.

Among the issues that women in crisis pregnancies deal with are the loss of financial, relational and emotional support.

In the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Woman’s New Life Clinic in Baton Rouge experienced a surge in calls from women in crisis pregnancies, according to Allison Millet chief executive officer of NWLC. Especially with many losing their jobs, the women “didn’t know how they were going to do it on their own,” Millet said. “So many women are without hope.” 

Women coming through the doors of the Pregnancy Problem Center in Baton Rouge say the center’s name resonates with them because they consider their pregnancy “a problem,” according to CEO Frances Broussard.

“They want help,” said Broussard.

“They’re looking for an answer,” added Kitty Thibodeaux, a PPC volunteer.

The crisis pregnancy centers provide the women with answers because they know “knowledge is power.”

“We provide truth,” said Millet. “We want her (the mother) to have a place to voice her opinion and to receive the care she needs.”

Among the services provided by both centers are free pregnancy tests, counseling, ultrasounds and information on adoption or community resources if they choose to raise their baby.  

And the focus of all services it provides is to open conversations, according to Broussard.

She said PPC volunteers help guide women from seeing their pregnancy as a problem to, as one who gave birth to her baby said, a “bundle of joy.”

The women coming to PPC view a parenting video, “The First Years Last Forever.”  

PPC also offers parenting workshops and classes and has a “Mom and Me” shop filled with baby clothes and items to help the women embrace motherhood.

If the woman is leaning toward wanting an abortion, the video, “Abortion: A Woman’s Right to Know” provides a clearer understanding of what happens during the process and the risks and consequences.

Concerning the ultrasounds, Broussard said it’s “wonderful to watch the patients seeing the ultrasound. The ultrasound is definitely the point when many decide to keep their baby.”

Women who have taken an abortion pill and afterwards regret their decision may, possibly, be able to continue the pregnancy if they immediately contact a center because “time is of the essence.” 

By contacting the WNLC and PPC they can receive information on reversing the effects of the abortion pill. If after 4:30 p.m. or on a weekend, call 1-877-558-0333 for help.

And for women who have regretted a past abortion, WNLC and PPC provide post-abortion counseling and retreat referrals.

Some women who have already experienced a previous abortion and find themselves pregnant again will return because they want to give the baby life. They’ve experienced the cold, cruel, sterile environment of the abortion clinic and are touched by the atmosphere of light and hope at the WNLC and PPC.

“That is one of the most beautiful things,” said Millet. “Some women who have chosen to have an abortion will come back and say, ‘I don’t want to go through that again, and I knew where to come.’ ”

For the women one of the most important needs in crisis pregnancies is someone to walk with them with prayers and support.  

“When we see a client drive in the parking lot, we pray,” said Patti Kelly, a PPC volunteer.

“God is with us all every step of the way. I think we are on holy ground,” said Broussard.

 Conversations are focused on helping the women to embrace the life within them. There are also signs of the Catholic faith throughout the building.

“We love them right where they are, no matter where they are,” Kelly said.

Millet said the NWLC works to help the women see the beauty of creation, that their life is a gift from God and the gift that God has given them with their baby. And that with God’s help their life is “not over” and they can successfully pursue their dreams.

“A lot of women are possibly being told, ‘You can’t.’ We tell them, ‘You can.’ ” Millet said.

As a word of affirmation WNLC has a framed quote from St. Edith Stein in the clinic’s hallway: “The world doesn’t need what women have. It needs what women are.”