Are you pregnant and in need of help? You are not alone! Check out some of these resources:
If you or someone you know is pregnant and in need of help, please know that the Catholic Church is a place to find care, support, and resources. There are also a number of organizations you can support that directly assist these women.
If you or someone you know is pregnant and in need of help, please know that the Catholic Church is a place to find care, support, and resources. There are also a number of organizations you can support that directly assist these women.
FAQs
What is the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion?
All human life has infinite value, as Catholics we believe that life begins at conception. Abortion would be a violation of the fifth commandment "thou shalt not kill". This is because the act of abortion is intentionally destroying a human fetus, which the church has affirmed, through scientific study, is eliminating a human life. Questions often arise with the ethical discussion of "what constitutes life?". Some argue sustainability; a 3 week old fetus is not capable of sustaining life outside of utero....however with that perspective in mind, a 10 month old child outside of utero also could not sustain its own life without the help of a caregiver. Therefore, with the same statement applied, it exposes the irrational thought behind that that argument. Another common discussion centers around a woman's right to receive health care. Although a woman does have the civil right to go through with abortion and that choice is widely supported within our country, the church invites women to contemplate the reality of there being two lives to support and protect, given a pregnancy.
In situations regarding rape and abuse there is great empathy to be had. Rape and abuse are considered grave acts of mortal sin within the church, because it violates the body and soul of the victims. Not to mention, destroys the charity within the soul of an abuser. These are not acts to be taken lightly. With that in mind, if a child was conceived under the light of those horrible circumstances, the church affirms that intentionally eliminating the pregnancy would still be a violation of the fifth commandment. We are believers who aver a God who does not make mistakes. A title for God is "the Author of Life". Romans 8:28 states " We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose". As Catholics, we believe God can make good out of the most horrific circumstances, just as he took the most excruciating death and turned it into a flag of victory that is held up through every generation. What they willed for evil, God willed for good. You are that good and so is your child. In addition, the church is in support of other options, such as adoption. It recognizes that not everyone is in a place to raise a child. There are many counseling agencies to help you through this process. Check out the links below and look into the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information.
I think I'm pregnant, what can I do?
Tell someone, you are not in this alone. There are so many people and agencies ready to walk with you through pregnancy. Buy a pregnancy test from the drug store to confirm. If the test is positive, you will need to be connected to an obstetrician who will provide you prenatal care. There are resources below for Women's Health clinics.
Please consider seeking out counseling to aid in this journey. Check out this link for Catholic Therapists!
What are some post abortion resources?
Project Rachel
Rachel's Vineyard
Sisters of Life: Hope and Healing
All human life has infinite value, as Catholics we believe that life begins at conception. Abortion would be a violation of the fifth commandment "thou shalt not kill". This is because the act of abortion is intentionally destroying a human fetus, which the church has affirmed, through scientific study, is eliminating a human life. Questions often arise with the ethical discussion of "what constitutes life?". Some argue sustainability; a 3 week old fetus is not capable of sustaining life outside of utero....however with that perspective in mind, a 10 month old child outside of utero also could not sustain its own life without the help of a caregiver. Therefore, with the same statement applied, it exposes the irrational thought behind that that argument. Another common discussion centers around a woman's right to receive health care. Although a woman does have the civil right to go through with abortion and that choice is widely supported within our country, the church invites women to contemplate the reality of there being two lives to support and protect, given a pregnancy.
In situations regarding rape and abuse there is great empathy to be had. Rape and abuse are considered grave acts of mortal sin within the church, because it violates the body and soul of the victims. Not to mention, destroys the charity within the soul of an abuser. These are not acts to be taken lightly. With that in mind, if a child was conceived under the light of those horrible circumstances, the church affirms that intentionally eliminating the pregnancy would still be a violation of the fifth commandment. We are believers who aver a God who does not make mistakes. A title for God is "the Author of Life". Romans 8:28 states " We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose". As Catholics, we believe God can make good out of the most horrific circumstances, just as he took the most excruciating death and turned it into a flag of victory that is held up through every generation. What they willed for evil, God willed for good. You are that good and so is your child. In addition, the church is in support of other options, such as adoption. It recognizes that not everyone is in a place to raise a child. There are many counseling agencies to help you through this process. Check out the links below and look into the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information.
I think I'm pregnant, what can I do?
Tell someone, you are not in this alone. There are so many people and agencies ready to walk with you through pregnancy. Buy a pregnancy test from the drug store to confirm. If the test is positive, you will need to be connected to an obstetrician who will provide you prenatal care. There are resources below for Women's Health clinics.
Please consider seeking out counseling to aid in this journey. Check out this link for Catholic Therapists!
What are some post abortion resources?
Project Rachel
Rachel's Vineyard
Sisters of Life: Hope and Healing
Women's Health Resources
OSF Institute for Women's Health and Fertility
OSF Medical Group - Bloomington 2200 Ft. Jesse Rd, Suite 110 Bloomington, Illinois 61761 (309) 661-6059 OSF FertilityCare Center - Peoria 5114 N. Glen Park Place, Suite 220 Peoria, Illinois 61614 (309) 683-8156 OSF Medical Group - Galesburg 3375 N. Seminary Street Galesburg, Illinois 61401 (309) 344-3161 x 4364 OSF Medical Group - Ottawa 1209 Starfire Drive, Suite 3 Ottawa, Illinois 61350 (815) 431-3255 OSF FertilityCare Center - Rockford 1572 S. Bell School Road Cherry Valley, Illinois 61016 (815) 332-3015 |
Birthright International
Provides resources for pregnant women and babies, *Free pregnancy tests 505 N. Center Street, Suite 1, Bloomington; 309-829-5430 Living Alternatives Provides free ultrasounds 303 Landmark Drive Suite 1B, Normal; 309-454-5433 National Life Center - 24 HOUR - 1-800-848-5683 Women's Care Clinic Provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds 7319 N. University Street, Peoria, IL; 309-689-0200 St. Gianna Baby Pantry Provides baby supplies to families in need 1825 NE Adams St. Peoria, IL; 309-636-8012 Guardian Angel Outreach Provides support and resources for women and babies (pregnancy-2 years) 405 S. Illinois St. Streator, IL; 815-672-4567; M-F 12-4pm Family Resources Center Provides referrals for pregnancy tests and services, chastity programs, natural family planning, and post-abortion counseling. 415 NE Monroe St. Peoria, IL; 309-839-2287 |
Videos
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