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How You Can Help |
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Being right isn't enough. Put your respect for life into action today! Remember, never judge the person. Here are a few ways you can get involved to help reduce the number of abortions.
Advocate for "life supporting" policies.
Find out what the policies for maternity leave, etc. are at your place of work and advocate for improvements if necessary. Also check out your local high school's, school district's and university's policies. If pregnant students are expelled or 'encouraged' to leave, advocate for better options so that pregnant students can continue in their studies.
Learn about the resources in your area.
Knowing what resources are out there prepares you to pass on that information to people who may reach out to you for help.
Help women know all their options.
Make some or all of the following information available in women’s bathrooms or appropriate places in your high school or college, place of work, or place of worship: hotlines, adoption agencies/laws in your state, state/local resources for pregnant women on low incomes and local organizations that provide support.
Volunteer.
Volunteer your time and talents/professional services at a center which helps pregnant women in need. Work with a pregnancy resource center listed on this page or a local organization to see how you can help. You may be able to open your home to a pregnant woman who has no place to stay and needs interim housing. If you have experience in psychology, health care, law or counseling, you may be able to donate these professional services to a local resource center.
Donate items and gift cards.
The costs associated with having a child can seem overwhelming to a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Donate maternity clothes, baby clothes and toys (new or in very good condition), bottles, diapers, etc. to a local program or through your parish.
Encourage your children to develop healthy relationships.
Unhealthy relationships and lack of support from a partner can put pressure on a woman to choose an abortion. Remember, 14% of women cited their partner or husband wanting them to have an abortion as a reason. Talk to your children about dating, sex, love and healthy relationships. Discuss both the signs of a healthy relationship and warning signs that a relationship may not be healthy. Encourage teenagers and young adults to think through various aspects of their relationships and the consequences of sexual activity and unplanned pregnancy. You want to help your children prevent a situation where he or she finds themselves in a relationship where if an unplanned pregnancy occurs, the other person threatens to leave or puts other pressure on the woman to have an abortion (or chooses to terminate the pregnancy despite the father's desire to have the child).
Consider adopting a child.
Consider whether or not you are being called to adopt a child. Attend workshops on adoption and talk to parents who have adopted their children.
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Pregnant?
Think you may be pregnant? Pregnant and don’t want to have an abortion or are not sure? Get free pregnancy tests, information about your options and support.
Abortion Information
Discrimination Alert
Unfortunately, many pregnant women are still illegally discriminated against in the workplace. In 2009, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 6,196 cases. Make sure you know your rights!
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