Resources for women in a crisis pregnancy

Friday, Jul. 17, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — Most women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy and may be considering an abortion do not make their decision lightly. Often, they feel they have no other choice, that they have nowhere to turn. However, several local organizations have made it their mission to provide support to these women, along with resources to help them keep their child or pursue adoption. 

The Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City offers free pregnancy tests, free limited ultrasound and peer counseling, sexual health information, natural family planning, parenting classes, referrals for medical care and resources such as diapers and clothes. For those who have already taken action, they provide post-abortion support. 

“Our ministry is committed to sharing the love of Christ while meeting our clients’ needs in a non-judgmental, caring and compassionate way….  all free of charge and confidential,” said Sue Mirgon, the center’s operations manager.  

During the pandemic, the center is offering its services on a limited basis. Call 801-363-5433 for information.

There also are pregnancy resource centers in other areas of Utah. Over the past seven years the Utah Knights of Columbus have purchased and donated ultrasound machines to pregnancy resource centers in Salt Lake City, Park City and Brigham City. They have also provided funds for staff training to operate the machines.

For information about the pregnancy resource centers in Utah, visit https://helpinyourarea.com/utah/.

Pro Life Utah supplies information, resources and counseling to women who are contemplating abortion. The organization also provides grants to help women who are struggling with the financial complications of an unplanned pregnancy. These grants may be used for housing, education or baby supplies. Pro Life Utah also operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-385-288-1973.

During the pandemic, “We have seen an understandable uptick of mothers in desperate situations,” Executive Director Mary Kelsch said.  “Many who hadn’t originally contemplated abortion have found themselves in dire circumstances, causing them to consider the unimaginable. Job loss and subsequent financial insecurity along with isolation has led to much hopelessness. Pro-Life Utah is 100 percent committed to physically, financially and emotionally supporting these women and families with everything in our toolkit.” 

 The organization strives to remove barriers so that “those who feel that termination is their only option … can choose life,” she said. “Pro-Life Utah has helped dozens of women with resources such as baby showers, financial classes and assistance, legal support, lifelong friendships and much more.”   

Pro Life Utah can be reached at 385-243-1973. 

Catholics and members of other faiths across Utah are also involved in different projects to provide help to women who are coping with unexpected pregnancies.

In Summit County, the Gabriel Project, a ministry of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, provides material and emotional support to pregnant women. According to project coordinator Arlene Helfand, the project normally helps around eight women a year. So far this year with the economic challenges of the pandemic, that number is already at 20. Call 435-714-9300 for information.

St Martha’s Baby Project in Salt Lake City has been helping mothers since 1987 by donating layettes, which include clothes, blankets, diapers and baby monitors. The 10 volunteers sew the blankets and quilts themselves. The group is funded by a grant from a private foundation and donations, including in-kind donations. Coordinator Judith Puhr said they provide about 300 layettes a year. Clients are referred by Holy Cross Ministries, the Pregnancy Resource Center and the St. Gabriel Project. For information or to donate, contact Puhr at jpuhr@comcast.net.

Christ the King Parish in Cedar City also sponsors a St. Martha’s Baby Project. Contact the parish for information.

Utah Sidewalk Advocates 

Sidewalk Advocates, who are all volunteers, stand outside Planned Parenthood and greet women who have arrived there in crisis and help them find answers to the problems that have led them there. During the pandemic, the advocates all wear masks and are careful to adhere to social distancing requirements.