NIFLA Celebrates National Pregnancy Center Recognition Month

The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates has designated November as National Pregnancy Center Recognition Month.

During this time, NIFLA is working to raise awareness for pregnancy centers by sharing stories about their outstanding service to women, children and families. This information highlights how thankful we are for their life-affirming efforts and the invaluable resources they provide in communities nationwide.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute reports that in 2019:

• Over 300,000 clients attended parenting classes provided by pregnancy centers.
• More than 10,000 medical professionals worked or volunteered at pregnancy centers.
• Over 2,000 medical pregnancy centers – including mobile units – provided over 400,000 free limited obstetric ultrasound scans.

NIFLA is proud to honor the lifesaving work of the following pregnancy centers and medical clinics.

Birth Choice of San Marcos

About Birth Choice (San Marcos, CA)

Birth Choice of San Marcos was founded by Grace Denny in 1987. The center has supported over 14,000 women since its creation.

Birth Choice has partnered with other organizations so they can adequately provide the resources expectant mothers need. This includes medical referrals, ultrasounds, maternal housing, education, adoption, etc. Their mentorship program, “Earn While You Learn,” helps men and women prepare for the birth of their children while earning points towards items such as clothing, cribs, highchairs and other essential supplies.

Birth Choice recently moved its office. The new location used to be an abortion clinic – the same clinic that inspired Denny to start a nonprofit that provides women with life-empowering support.

Lilly’s Story

As an unmarried mother of three, a woman we will call “Lilly” became pregnant. Her boyfriend suggested that she have an abortion because they were struggling financially. Lilly, who had an abortion as a teenager, felt unsure about having another.

When Lilly visited Birth Choice for the first time, she was looking for information about abortion. The center provided information, counseling and an ultrasound. After seeing her daughter on the ultrasound screen, Lilly knew she couldn’t have another abortion. Birth Choice helped her prepare for the difficult conversation she would have with her boyfriend about keeping the baby.

After giving birth to their daughter, Lilly and her boyfriend got married. They have had an additional child since then. Lilly attended a Birth Choice abortion recovery program to cope with the loss of her first child. She is at peace, and she is developing her faith in God.

Liberty Women’s Clinic

About Liberty Women’s Clinic (Liberty, MO)

Liberty Women’s Clinic has supported women during unplanned pregnancies since October 2002. The center provides ultrasounds and counseling so women remain informed and confident. Additional services include pregnancy testing, STD testing/treatment, and referral services.

“Our desire is to one day be the first choice for every woman in our area facing an unplanned pregnancy,” Carol Graham, the founder of Liberty Women’s Clinic, said. “While we cannot predict how laws might change in coming years, we do know that … there will still be women facing decisions of life or death for their unborn child every day. Regardless of where society takes us, they will need help and hope. We will be here for them.”

Liberty Women’s Clinic has grown over the years. From January 2021 to September 2021, the center has had 1,469 appointments and has provided 4,569 client services.

Amory’s Story

Amory Miller discovered she was pregnant after finishing graduate school and accepting a new job. She and her boyfriend, Heath, had hit a rough patch in their relationship. She began searching for prenatal care and emotional support.

When Amory attended her appointment at Liberty Women’s Clinic, she received an overwhelming amount of love and respect from her nurse, Missy. The clinic’s staff gave her hope through counseling and knowledge.

Heath responded to the news about their baby surprisingly well and accompanied Amory when she returned to Liberty Women’s Clinic. Together, they saw their son on the ultrasound screen for the first time.

“I vividly recall seeing my baby’s heartbeat … I could never put into words the flood of emotions I felt in that moment,” Amory later said.

Amory gave birth eight months later and named their baby Ryder.

“I can’t imagine life without my little boy, and I wouldn’t trade my journey for the world. I’m so thankful for the individuals at Liberty Women’s Clinic. They turned a time of defeat and despair into perseverance and hope.”

– Amory

Cristele’s Story

A woman we will call “Cristele” visited Liberty Women’s Clinic in 2019. She was experiencing marital problems, but the thought of potentially aborting her child made her very unhappy.

The clinic’s staff provided Cristele with information, prayed for her and offered support through referrals. She returned to Liberty Women’s Clinic for an ultrasound appointment and was 13.5 weeks along when she saw her daughter for the first time.

The clinic’s staff connected Cristele to the Embrace Grace support group. Embrace Grace and the clinic provided support and tangible reminders of God’s love through challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cristele ultimately gave birth to her daughter in June 2020 and named the baby after her late mother.

Support Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy centers play a huge role in achieving an abortion-free America by building a culture of life. Their efforts save lives and give women hope during unplanned pregnancies.

Pregnancy centers rely on charitable gifts and support from their communities. You can help these life-affirming nonprofits aid women and children through donations or volunteer work. #GivingTuesday is upon us, so now is the perfect time to show your support. Between now and Nov. 30, you can help NIFLA equip and protect pro-life pregnancy centers and medical clinics nationwide by giving here.

Heather Valenzano graduated from Iona College in 2019 with a degree in Mass Communications, a concentration in Journalism and a minor in English. She wrote blogs on adoption and surrogacy during a previous internship with Adoption Choices of Oklahoma.