Pregnancy And Parenting Support Program Assists More Than 25,000 Women

Since November 2014, Indiana’s Pregnancy and Parenting Support Program has served 25,251 clients from 70 Indiana counties during 62,109 support-service visits. The taxpayer-funded program exists to offer life-affirming counseling and mentoring support to women in unexpected or crisis pregnancies.

Real Alternatives is the statewide administrator for the Program. “Approximately 115 counselors are providing compassionate, caring pregnancy support services at 27 pregnancy support centers, social service agencies and adoption agencies throughout the state,” said Kevin Bagatta, President and CEO of Real Alternatives.

“Women in the Program are empowered to overcome pressures that come from an unexpected pregnancy. The companionship and mentoring of the counselors empowers pregnant women so they can choose life for their preborn baby,” Bagatta explained. “

Real Alternatives Vice President Thomas Lang said, "Shockingly, 11 percent of the women who come to our program in Indiana are pressured by others to abort.  However, with the counselor’s support, 82 percent no longer consider abortion after receiving services.”

“Women in Indiana should know that their fellow Hoosiers are there for them with this program. By offering positive support through their pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth of the baby, women need not feel alone and pressured to abort,’” Bagatta said.  

The Indiana Pregnancy and Parenting Support Program is the fourth state program Real Alternatives has started and administered in the last 20 years. The Indiana program reached 25,000 clients served faster than any other state.

Women in Indiana can receive services by going to http://www.realalternatives.org/locator  or by calling 1-888-LIFE-AID.

The Message thanks the Indiana Catholic Conference for providing this report