Abortion has become a common medical procedure and is considered a basic medical need, both in the U.S. and throughout the world. It is so prevalent in our society that today, 1 in 4 women will have an abortion before they reach the age of 45 [1]. If abortion is so common, why do pregnancy resource centers (PRC) exist?
Since 2017, around 2,300 pregnancy resource centers exist in the U.S., while there are only about 808 abortion clinics in operation [2]. PRCs have been shed in a negative light for many years. They are labeled as strict conservative organizations, whose only goal is to shove their religion and “unqualified” opinions down women’s throats. But in reality, not every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy wants an abortion; instead, they might be facing circumstances that make them feel like they have no other choice.
Turnaway Study surveyed over 900 women seeking abortions and found that their reasons fell predominantly into four main categories: [3]
40% chose abortion for financial reasons
36% for bad timing
31% for partner-related reasons
29% wanted to focus on their other children
and 64% of the overall women in the study reported more than one of these categories
Many cases of unplanned pregnancy have also been found to cause increased anxiety, domestic violence, and chronic mental health issues [4].
PRCs provide valuable resources and compassionate care to empower women to make informed decisions without the financial, relational, or emotional pressures of their situations. For example, LivingWell has helped over 160,000 women facing unplanned pregnancies since 1985. We provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, referrals, and many other services to women in need of guidance and support. Our team of counselors takes time to sit with each client and inform them of their options, answer questions, and find them relevant resources to refer them to. We never want our clients to leave feeling misguided or confused. Our hotline is also open 24/7 to anyone who has questions, concerns, or just needs the support of talking to someone who cares for them; just call 714-633-HOPE (4673)!
Additionally, although abortion may seem like a more simple solution, many women experience poor mental health even decades after their operation. Despite other sources denying this claim, LivingWell has seen real cases of this for years! But there is hope and a way forward for women struggling with past abortions. It is the reason that we started an Abortion Recovery Class for both women and men.
As a Christian organization, we do present the Gospel and offer to pray for each of our clients, but we in no way try to pressure them into receiving it. In fact, almost all of our clients appreciate when we offer to pray for them at the end of their appointment. Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” We understand that we cannot bring about salvation, it is through the power of God alone. We can plant the seed and minister to our client’s physical and spiritual needs, but only God can lead them to salvation. Ultimately, our goal is to help women navigate their unique situations with compassion and experienced care.
“Our Mission is to equip women and their families facing an unplanned pregnancy to make life affirming and informed choices through a foundation of truth and hope.”
- LivingWell’s Mission Statement
Works Cited
[1] Planned Parenthood. “Why do people decide to have an abortion?” Planned Parenthood, 2021, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/considering-abortion. Accessed 29 10 2021.
[2] Kimport, Katrina, et al. “The prevalence and impacts of crisis pregnancy center visits among a population of pregnant women.” RELX, vol. 98, no. 1, 2018, https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(18)30079-9/fulltext#relatedArticles. Accessed 29 10 2021.
[3] Biggs, Antonia M., et al. “Understanding why women seek abortions in the US.” US National Library of Medicine, 2013. US National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3729671/. Accessed 29 10 2021.
[4] American Psychological Association. “Abortion and Mental Health.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 6 2018, https://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/abortion. Accessed 29 10 2021.