Women’s Choice Network shares Christ’s love in practical ways. Our network of medical and ministry centers offers free and confidential resources to women and men who have questions about pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases and related issues. Trained peer counselors are available to listen to concerns and to offer:
- Limited Medical Services: Obstetrical ultrasound, pregnancy testing and medical consultation.
- Personal Support: Counseling, mentoring, support groups, and abortion recovery counseling and support.
- Material Resources: Clothing, furniture, diapers, etc.
- Education: Childbirth, prenatal development and care, infant care, and sexual health and abstinence.
- Referrals: Medical, adoption and social services.
- Outreach: Speakers’ bureau for churches and schools.
Urban Outreach. In Allegheny County, African-American women comprise only 13% of the population yet suffer over 40% of the abortions here. The Urban Initiative is intentional about addressing this social injustice. We have committed to extend our reach into the under-served African-American communities and serve women most vulnerable to abortion. Our North Side location opened in May 2012. The Baby Steps program and beautiful, well-stocked baby boutiques give practical help, spiritual support, and provide a medical assessment and follow-up in needy neighborhoods. These services have been proven to reduce abortion and promote healthy relationships.
Campus Outreach. More than 45,000 students live and learn in Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Oakland and Downtown. The Campus Outreach supports student who may be away from home for the first time facing unique needs and fears while they seek out meaningful relationships. Our goal is to create awareness and make connections to student populations through social networking, student health cooperatives, and dorm education programs that will lead them to our ministry. Our Oakland location is our busiest center and currently serves almost 70% of our clients. In 2010, we expanded our Oakland location and added signage to make it more visible and accessible to the thousands who need our services there.
Baby Steps. 90% of the women who view a sonogram will choose life for their baby. But this courageous choice will require support and ongoing care. The Baby Steps program insures that every client can experience a healthy pregnancy and birth for her child. The program was developed by our staff to meet the unique needs of our clients. It combines education and accountability enabling moms to earn baby steps dollars to buy items in our boutiques. Parenting, finances, adoption, and sexual integrity are part of the core curriculum. In addition, the client may choose from a menu of educational choices to achieve her goals.
Dr. Dad. Through a partnership with the National Fatherhood Initiative, we are able to offer Dr. Dad to our new and expectant fathers. This wellness program equips non-custodial fathers with practical skills to care for their newborn. Offered at our Centers, this is a great way to engage fathers-to-be in our Baby Steps program.
Educational Outreach. As a staff we know that preventing unintended pregnancy is the best way to reduce abortion. Our team of speakers reaches thousands of students and their parents with the message of sexual integrity: that abstinence from sex until marriage is a reasonable, desirable, and attainable goal.. Public and Private schools as well as church youth groups invite our speakers year after year to encourage healthy sexual choices. We share the most up to date statistics and draw from our “on the ground” experience with young people in our Centers.
PACE—Post Abortion Counseling and Education. You can’t change your past, but you CAN change your future! It is estimated that almost 40% of women have experienced a past abortion and nearly half of them have had more than one. Many women experience depression, suicidal thoughts and broken relationships as a result. Where Do Broken Hearts Go? is a confidential, six-week support group that transforms lives. Led by trained, compassionate facilitators, participants break free from denial and confusion, find relief from toxic guilt and shame, replace anger and anxiety with peace and hope, find comfort from feelings of heartbreak, and connect profoundly to the ultimate Source of comfort and joy. Each of our Centers offers the small group study, based on the popular book Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Click on the title to buy the book at www.amazon.com.