1. Research your school's student health plan and see what it
covers (or doesn't cover).
Girls who become
pregnant in college don't have a real choice to carry their pregnancies to term
if their schools don't facilitate their needs during pregnancy. For example,
Yale University's student health plan covers abortions,
but their basic student health plan offers NO coverage for students who would like to
parent or place their child for adoption. Contrastingly, Notre Dame ensures
that women who become pregnant as students will receive the full support of the university community, including housing, tuition assistance, and more.
If your school does
not provide adequate support for pregnant women, contact student services and
advocate that a change be made. Preventing discrimination against pregnant
students is an important way we can support and empower women. This is a main
initiative of Feminists for Life. Students for Life of America also has a
"Pregnant on Campus" Initiative.
2. Instead of buying a frappuccino, support a mom in need by
buying baby wipes to donate to a pregnancy center.
Many women who
choose life for their babies still need support in providing for them. If you're willing to spend a few dollars on
coffee, next time spend that $4 on something new moms really need. Diapers for
newborns are always in high demand. You can locate your local pregnancy center
and donate directly, or check your local parish and see if they have a donation
bin at the church. Supplying resources is a significant and immediate way to
support women.
3. Learn about the symptoms
of post-abortion syndrome so you can be an ally for women around you that may be suffering.
As many as 1 in 3
women have had an abortion, so we all need to be prepared to support the women
around us who may be suffering from that decision, no matter how long ago it
was made.
Places to start:
Remember to always
discuss the issues with compassion; you never know who may decide to approach
you about their past experience. Also research post-abortive help in your
community, so that you have referral information ready should a woman share her
story with you. Many dioceses and Crisis Pregnancy Centers offer post-abortive
counseling and retreats. Providing opportunities for healing is an essential
way to support women in a culture of life.
4. Post contact information for your local Crisis Pregnancy
Center on the "local businesses" billboard in a nearby coffee shop or
grocery store.
You never know where
someone may stumble across that information when they need it. Promoting the
your local Pregnancy Center could also increase their volunteer base and
donations. Consider contacting them directly and asking if they have pre-made
fliers that you could post. Advertising the availability of assistance is
crucial for supporting women in crisis pregnancies.
Find your local
pregnancy center at www.optionline.org
5. Pray for women in situations and relationships that put
them at risk for undesired pregnancy.
As many as 64% ofwomen get abortions because they feel pressured by others. Many have become
pregnant by a man who will not support the child or does not want to child to
be born.
Even if the woman
may want to carry the child to term, she may be living an unhealthy lifestyle
herself, and not want to bring a child into that situation. Women deserve
better relationships and better lifestyles, for their children but also for
themselves. Pray specifically for these women - that they will receive the
support they need to pursue safe and healthy relationships and lifestyles.
Women need our support not only financially and emotionally, but also through
the power of prayer.
Pro-life
is pro-woman. :)
Here's another way: Print coupons for baby supplies and feminine personal care items and give them to your local pregnancy support center. I just emailed my local one and they do take them and use them. It's very nearly free (just the cost of ink and paper). It makes a big difference because coupon websites typically only let you print two copies of each coupon per computer, so having them from others enables them to get more supplies cheaply.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Thanks so much for the great suggestion!
DeleteI think that not only the fact many schools don't help pregnant people is wrong but also that they support abortion is bad
ReplyDelete