When joy of life is not so joyful: Pregnancy center helps women handle fear, doubt

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Pregnancy Care Center director Jennifer Mcilwain demonstrates the size of a fetus at 26 weeks. Mcilwain and volunteers say their message reflects a pro-life philosophy but also reaches out to all pregnant women in need. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

Volunteers at the Pregnancy Care Center know news of a baby should be a joyous event, but also accept the reality that for some, it brings fear and doubt.

Two years ago, advocates there decided to help pregnant women and started the center. They have counseled or made referrals for more than 70 women in one-on-one situations since then, plus answered a multitude of questions via telephone.

A pro-life group supported by individuals, businesses and seven local churches, the center is not necessarily about a radical cause but more about personal religious beliefs that have inspired volunteers to want to help others in delicate situations, director Jennifer Mcilwain said.

Current services are confidential counseling, a free pregnancy test, education about pregnancy, abortion and alternatives, clothing and furnishings for the needy, referrals for medical care, community assistance, temporary shelter, support groups, parenting classes and post-abortion counseling.

Volunteers have seen unwed mothers, teenagers and even married couples, ranging in age from 13 to 45 since opening, but most clients are between 15 and 23, added Mcilwain.

Scarlett Stout said when she first began volunteering there, she started out with a more narrow approach, which was to stop abortion.

“As I went into the training, it wasn’t just about that but about meeting the needs of all these women who either were pregnant or post-abortive. It was about meeting the needs of hurting people,” she said.

Mcilwain recognizes personal choice and not a message of hate, as some pro-life individuals have chosen.

“We’re not into all of that,” she said, adding she views the work more as a ministry. “We’re not here to talk them out of abortion. We’re here to make sure they know what all of their options are and make sure they understand what God’s view of human life is. But also, we want to make sure that even if they choose to have an abortion, we’re still going to love them and minister to them in whatever way we can.”

As the center is entering its second year of service, volunteers want the public to be aware the non-profit group is available locally. Additionally, the center is planning a training for volunteers in early April and invites anyone with pregnancy questions or interest in the center to call the center Monday through Thursday. The number is 507-5070.