Outreach Ministries: Pregnancy Crisis Center

Having a pregnancy, especially an unwanted pregnancy, can be difficult. Your church might consider running a pregnancy Crisis Center as outlined below.

A small staff of 4 or 5 could easily run such a program. Consider using all or mostly female volunteers as a male presence may cause some women to feel uneasy. Remember that you are here to help, and not to judge. Refrain from using such a program as a platform to preach about the sins of unwed mothers or pre-marital sex. If the women are visiting a crisis center, then they are already well aware of the mistakes they’ve made. Teen pregnancy is especially tricky. You may feel obligated to inform the youth’s parents. Keep in mind, that if you do, the young mother will most likely not trust you enough to accept the help she needs.

Services Offered by a Crisis Center may include:

• Free pregnancy tests (anonymity here is especially important)
• Donation of items needed during pregnancy (maternity clothes, vitamins, slippers, etc)
• Pregnancy education: proper eating and sleeping habits, behaviors to avoid, what to expect in each tri-mester.
• Birthing classes: either conduct these yourself or refer to a local birthing class.
• Food and Clothing Pantry: with items geared especially toward expecting and new moms.
• Abortion Alternative education: make sure they know all their options, but don’t push.
• Post Abortion Counseling: Sympathy, kindness, and understanding are key in counseling those who regret their decisions.
• Referrals to local medical, adoption, legal, and housing assistance facilities.

Helpful Links

Abortion Alternatives- Information about adoption as an alternative.

Birthing Class DVD-A fine alternative if there are no nearby classes.

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