Barrhead women facing an unplanned pregnancy who are not sure of what their next step will be will soon have a new resource to call upon.
Sometime this April the Christian based Edmonton Pregnancy Care Centre will be opening a branch office in Barrhead.
The Barrhead Leader learned about the not-for-profit based agency that provides counseling as well as other services to mothers dealing with an unexpected pregnancy at the Nov. 18 Festival of Trees fundraising gala.
Executive director Nora Kennedy said they were first approached by a group of Barrhead residents a year ago asking the organization if they would open a local chapter.
“They very much wanted to start a pregnancy care centre so that there would be adequate care for those who are experiencing a crisis in their life,” she said.
However, before agreeing to set up a branch in Barrhead, Kennedy said they first had to determine if there was a need in the community by conducting an informal survey among health professionals, businesses, teachers and social agencies.
“The consensus was that we would be welcomed and we were needed,” she said.
As for the type of programs they will be offering at the Barrhead branch, basically Kennedy said the centre’s cousellors are there to provide information about the three options mothers have, that is to have and keep the baby, deliver the baby and put it up for adoption or abortion.
“There is no such thing as an easy choice in front of a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. Every choice will involve a loss for her. We are very compassionate and non-judgmental. We don’t refer for abortion, but we let her know in medical terms what it is like,” Kennedy said, adding that no matter what decision a woman makes the centre has a program to help.
For women who decide to raise the baby the centre offers a 12-week course that helps them prepare for labour as well as teaches life and parenting skills.
“Everything practical for being a mom,” she said.
For every week a soon-to-be-mother attends she earns points towards a gift card that can be redeemed for items she will need to care for an infant. The centre also has a variety of gently used maternity and children’s clothes available for program participants.
“Plus they are able to build relationships and get the support they need to be good moms,” she said.
For those women who choose adoption or abortion the centre has a number of counseling options available.
“It can be particularly difficult for those who choose to have an abortion. That is why we have what we call our abortion recovery program,” Kennedy said.
The Edmonton Pregnancy Support Centre hopes to have the Barrhead office operational by March or April and is currently in the process of looking for an appropriate location.
For those wanting more information the centre will be holding an information session at Barrhead Elementary School on Jan. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m.
