What is a Pregnancy Center?
PPWC represents local pregnancy resource centers and pregnancy medical centers facing important and sometimes threatening shifts in our culture and government. Together, we promote and affirm the sanctity of human life. Our purpose is to speak with one voice to advocate for policies that protect our organizations and the families we serve.
The Purpose of Pregnancy Centers in PA
Pregnancy centers are community-based organizations that provide support, education, and resources to women facing pregnancy-related concerns. This includes: - Pregnancy Medical Centers: These provide maternal healthcare services under the supervision of a medical director and credentialed medical staff. - Pregnancy Resource Centers: These offer essential support services, such as parenting education, counseling, and material assistance, but do not provide clinical care.
Pregnancy Centers Offer Medical Care
Pregnancy Centers provide clinical services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing, and prenatal referrals. These centers operate under the direction of licensed medical professionals and adhere to established medical guidelines. Pregnancy Resource Centers, while not medical facilities, offer ongoing guidance, mentoring, educational, and material support to expectant mothers and families throughout their pregnancy and early years of parenting. How Pregnancy Centers Serve the Community We are a grassroots network addressing maternal health needs across Pennsylvania. Services are provided free of charge or at a low cost to anyone in the community. Centers are governed and largely funded by local communities. Centers prioritize the physical and mental well-being of women while respecting their choices. With locations across the state, centers are tailored to the needs of the local communities and respond with local resources and referrals.
How Pregnancy Centers Serve the Community
- We are a grassroots network addressing maternal health needs across Pennsylvania. - Services are provided free of charge or at a low cost to anyone in the community. - Centers are governed and largely funded by local communities. - Centers prioritize the physical and mental well-being of women while respecting their choices. - With locations across the state, centers are tailored to the needs of the local communities and respond with local resources and referrals.
Pregnancy Centers Impact Maternal Health Outcomes
- Together, we build trust with underserved populations, helping expedite access to prenatal or emergency care. - Many centers operate in health deserts, offering essential services to pregnant and postpartum women. - Ultrasound services help determine gestational age, identify ectopic pregnancies, and confirm viability, which are critical factors in early medical decisions.
Pregnancy Centers Are Trusted
Confidentiality and protection of client information is not only a core value but a requirement for membership in the PPWC. Our Commitment of Care and Competence states: Client information is kept securely and confidentially and only released with the client’s signed authorization or as required by law.
Pregnancy Centers Foster Access to Ongoing Medical Care
Pregnancy Medical Centers aim to expedite access to prenatal and emergency medical care by building trust with women and connecting them with appropriate healthcare providers. Many centers operate in health deserts, ensuring women have timely access to critical medical services.
Pregnancy Centers Transform Families With Long Term Care
Since the 1907s, pregnancy centers have valued their long-term impact on families. While many health services are short-term and transactional, local community pregnancy centers seek transformational relationships with the families they serve. Programs and services are designed to build continuity of care, meet emerging needs, provide education and mentoring, and build healthy relationships. Services offered by Pregnancy Centers across the Commonwealth include: - Childbirth Preparation - Infant Care Classes - Fatherhood Resource and Mentoring - Support After Abortion Care - Material Resources like cribs, car seats, diapers, and clothing - Practical Assistance in Accessing Social Services - Language and Immigration Assistance - Postpartum Assessment