House bill could harm pregnant women

MOSES LAKE — The bill “Concerning Limited Service Pregnancy Centers” (HB 2837/SB 6452) is before committee in our state government.

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington and Planned Parenthood are pushing for new legislation that would place a “gag order” on faith-based charities providing free support to pregnant women. This would affect the more than 45 pregnancy resource centers and medical clinics across the state. More specifically it would harm Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center which has finally become a medical clinic after many years of preparation.

It will be critical for legislators to learn for themselves about the tremendous contribution of pregnancy centers in their districts. They will find that centers like Crossroads have been serving their communities for years without complaint and play a critical role in providing support to women facing unplanned pregnancies, people who are suffering from post-abortion traumatic syndrome and for low-income families who need material help. This proposed regulation is not only unnecessary and unwarranted, but also a slap in the face to charities that have been working so hard for so long.

In 2009, Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center:

• Served 250 clients and handled 700 visits at no charge;

• Provided free practical support and social services (baby/maternity clothing, pre-natal/parenting classes, diapers, etc.) for these women and parents;

• Performed or provided over 60 free pregnancy tests;

• Provided free parenting classes with an earn-while-you-learn program to help with a crib or stroller upon completing the 10 hour course;

• Medical professionals performed free ultrasound exams for the purpose of diagnosing pregnancies and confirming viable intrauterine pregnancies;

• Had many social service agencies in Washington State refer to them;

• Provided free services to men, women and teenagers

Crossroads Resource Center just recently became a medical clinic offering free limited obstetrical ultrasounds to women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. We can determine if the pregnancy is viable and how far along they are. Crossroads is available to help and heal those who have been wounded by abortion. We are not judgmental and offer hope and healing to clients regardless of their circumstances. These bills are aimed at closing down these compassionate, informative and free services, which would not be beneficial to our community.

Relying primarily on donations and volunteers, Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center has been in existence for more than 25 years in Moses Lake.

Please take a stand for life and informed “choice” by calling 1-800-562-6000 or e-mailing your legislators today. Ask them to vote “no” on HB 2837/SB 6452.

Thanks to all of our local donors, volunteers, supporters and churches that make the ministry of Crossroads Resource Center possible.

For more information, go online and visit www.pregnancywa.org or www.protectpregnancycenters.blogspot.com.

To reach Crossroads, call 509-765-4425 or e-mail crossroads@mlrx.com.