When a young unmarried woman finds herself pregnant, it can be a frightening and vulnerable time for her. Often she feels unprepared to take on motherhood, and can be vulnerable to pressure to abort.
Yet studies of post abortion women find that the vast majority of them wish that someone had offered them real help, real alternatives, to aborting their own child. They regret their decision and say that, if they had the chance to do it over, would have kept their child.
How can we help reach women in crisis pregnancies before they make the unalterable choice of abortion? In NY there are several unsung hero organizations doing just that. And there are numerous ways the average person can assist.
Expectant Mother Care, EMC, the first full time pregnancy resource center in NYC, now has 12 centers in four boroughs. They believe "to be pro-life takes real positive alternatives and assertive outreach to the abortion minded, especially in the abortion capital, NYC." EMC serves sexually-active young girls or women of any age, pregnant or not, who are in need of pregnancy help or are considering abortion, or who are hurting from abortion. EMC encourages expectant moms to choose motherhood, and either marriage, adoption, or self-sufficiency, and to turn toward chaste lifestyle. They offer high-quality pre-natal care, ultrasound, and pediatrics on-site at its centers. Each of the centers requires constant staffing by trained volunteers for counseling. Ultrasound technicians are also needed. There is also the ongoing need for donations of maternity and baby items, as well as services, office supplies, and more.
EMC's Good Counsel homes offer housing, motherhood and vocational training, in a safe environment. These homes are always staffed by "house mother,s" along with additional volunteers for cooking, cleaning, laundry, purchasing supplies, etc. To consider volunteering, please visit the website at http://www.EMCfrontline.org
Also in the NY area is the Life Center of Long Island, with three offices in Hempstead, Massapequa, and Deer Park. Like most crisis pregnancy centers, the Life Center exists because of the kindness and generosity of donors, whether monetary donations or time. Numerous volunteers give anywhere from two or three hours to a day a week. Additional support comes from local residents hosting a "baby shower" for family and friends who are asked to bring new baby items such as diapers or strollers. A group of men donate their Saturdays to check donated cribs, playpens, and car seats to be sure all the parts are working and clean. Others answer the phones, help out with miscellaneous office duties, assist with fundraising, or offer to drive and pick up or drop off donations. Speakers give their time to speak to youth, school, and church groups. Still others help out with the post abortion healing program, Rachel's Vineyard, given several times a year in English and Spanish. If you have a little time and an interest in helping pregnant moms, please visit the Life Center's website at http://www.LifeCenterLI.org.
Assisting in the saving of a baby's life and preventing a young mom from making a devastating mistake is so rewarding....and so necessary.
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