“We are here for you”

Women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy have resources within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City that can help with what can be a difficult and confusing time.
 
These resources exist not only to provide care for the unborn child, but also to empower women with the resources, skills, support and confidence needed to improve their lives.
 
Studies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate crisis pregnancies can lead to a delayed start of prenatal care, increased risk of premature birth and increased risk of violence against the mother. Almost all induced abortions, according to the CDC, are a result of an unintended, or crisis pregnancy.
 
Women facing crisis pregnancies within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City are not alone.
 
Catholic Charities, Project Gabriel and Birth Choice Inc. of Oklahoma, work in tandem to provide help and hope for the duration of a woman’s pregnancy and beyond.
 
During a crisis pregnancy women may find themselves asking questions like where will they live? Do they want to place their baby for adoption? How will they support themselves and the baby financially? Can they continue their education during and after pregnancy?
 
Aime Ryan, director of social work for Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, is on the frontlines with mothers in crisis pregnancy situations.
 
“This is not a business for us,” Ryan said. “This is a ministry.”
 
Defining a crisis pregnancy is important to understanding the true needs of women and their families. For instance, did the pregnancy cause the crisis or was there an existing crisis and the woman happens to be pregnant. These are two different scenarios that require different approaches.
 
Ryan said women who find themselves pregnant and with several different issues may question whether they have the resources they need or if they are even capable of parenting at that time in life.
 
“A woman may come in and want to talk about an adoption plan. When the volunteer asks them what’s going on, they say they can’t parent because they don’t have a car seat.”
 
Ryan said the average woman seeking help is age 18-30, almost always unmarried and often with either a difficult or abusive relationship or drugs and alcohol are involved. However, crisis pregnancy can affect any woman, regardless of age or socio-economic status.
 
To reach women within communities, Project Gabriel was created. Project Gabriel is a parish-based ministry supported by Catholic Charities. It is a confidential, compassionate ministry that helps women struggling with unplanned pregnancies. 
 
Project Gabriel offers trained mentors who engage with and assist women in need of resources, supplies, and emotional and spiritual support.
 
“We would love to see Project Gabriels in more parishes within the archdiocese,” Ryan said.
 
In addition, Birth Choice of Oklahoma Inc. is a service agency existing solely to assist pregnant women. They provide women practical assistance to help them realize their worth and that of their unborn child.
 
Birth Choice provides ultrasound testing as well as an array of services and resources for the mother and child. Birth Choice also offers Rose Home, one of Oklahoma’s only shelters for pregnant women and their children.  
 
“Women continue to need our services regardless of the status of the abortion issues,” said Barbara Chishko, executive director of Birth Choice.
 
“The stories remain the same, only the names change. Over the past 45 years, we have seen and heard unbelievable stories of faith, strength, perseverance, courage and tenacity. We have witnessed miracles with the women and the volunteers. We have become a family of love and support for our mothers and their children. We always are amazed at the heroic action they take for life.
 
For it is a not question of when life begins, it is a question of when love begins. We are here for you.”
 
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
 

Find pregnancy resources and caring help at:
www.projectgabrielok.org
www.birthchoice.org
catholiccharitiesok.org