In the Twin Cities, the Robbinsdale Women’s Center and Metro Women’s Center are saving babies and providing pregnant women with education and support services—including programs for women carrying to term. Neither agency charges for services.


Unplanned
Founded in 1992, RWC stands opposite a family services clinic that provides abortions.

“RWC is here for women with challenging pregnancies who don’t know what to do. Being pregnant when you don’t want to be is confusing and overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We are open six days a week to show you options and stand by you through this tough time to help you make a good decision,” RWC Director Peg Benicke said.

The center’s ability to perform ultrasounds often makes a big difference for many women deciding what to do about their pregnancy.

“We have licensed physicians and registered sonographers. … Most women getting ultrasounds are surprised to see their baby’s little heart beating and arms and legs moving,” Benicke said. “Seventy percent of those seeing their living babies decide to choose life. Since 1992, we’ve saved over 1,300—163 last year. It’s ironic that we cannot send our teenage daughters to school with Tylenol, but school nurses may contact judges to seek emancipation for abortions without parental knowledge.”

“If you are concerned about a crisis pregnancy, you do have choices,” said Colleen Tronson, director of Metro Women’s Center. “We’re here to help you know your options. Make sure you have the facts on abortion, adoption and parenting from agencies that do not gain from your decision. You have time to learn to make an informed choice.”


Scope of the issue
In the most recent legislative report, the Minnesota Department of Health said 14,065 abortions were recorded during 2006. At an average cost of $350, according to Tronson, the abortion industry in Minnesota earned an estimated $4,922,750.

Some pregnant women experience botched abortions, which  can cause infertility, physical problems, or death, Tronson said.

The 2006 MDH report shows that 23 complications were reported by women at the time of the abortion, and 140 complications were reported post-abortion procedure.

In Minnesota, the Woman’s Right to Know Act requires that women be provided risk information at least 24 hours before abortions, except in the case of medical emergencies.

Both Benicke and Tronson say several pregnant women have reported obstetricians seeing “something wrong with the baby” and scheduling abortions without telling the mother.

The mothers wondered if insurance companies prefer paying for abortions rather than the cost of insuring babies with health issues.


Vulnerable adults
Mentally disadvantaged or vulnerable adults with unplanned pregnancies deserve to understand their options as well. Even if vulnerable adults believe themselves unable to raise a child, many families still wish to adopt.

To avoid parental disapproval, one pregnant vulnerable adult (identity withheld) recently sought an abortion without her parents’ knowledge. Although parental or guardian signature is necessary for any vulnerable adult medical procedure, some pro-choice agencies seem willing to blur legal lines.

A practitioner contacted about the procedure by a friend said, “I wish you hadn’t told me she was a vulnerable adult. I’ll make calls to see if we can get around that.”

That physician later phoned back: “I spent six hours calling to see if legalities can be bypassed, and I think they can.”


Ongoing problems
Though abortion may relieve some immediate stress, many women later develop psychological problems. Instead of Mother’s Day being joyful, it becomes a tormenting reminder. Common results are grief, anxiety, guilt and depression.

Like many pregnant women, Colleen Tronson said, “I was told abortion would solve my problems. Though my initial response was relief, four years later I was chemically addicted. Drugs and alcohol became my good friends until I met Jesus.”

This Mother’s Day, consider that although parenting may be challenging, it can yield lifelong rewards. In the face of an overwhelming pregnancy, learn about available options from caring local agencies that make no financial gain from the decision.


ACTION POINT:
Robbinsdale Women’s Center — (www.robbinsdalewomen.org)

Metro Women’s Center — (www.metrowomenscenter.org)

Prenatal Partners for Life — (www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org)

Silent No More MN — (www.silentnomoremn.org)