I recently ran across this article. After a quick read, I was impressed with the program introduced in this article and found myself thinking there should be more programs like this one.

Real Alternatives is a program based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The state distributes five million dollars a year of tax payer money to a different pregnancy centers and maternity homes, one of these programs being the Real Alternatives program.

In the article we are introduced to Lauren, a young single mother. She could have had an abortion but knew that wasn’t the option for her but knew if she were to parent she would need help. As a first time Mom, she says she didn’t know anything about caring for a newborn.

“This program provided me with all the information I needed on how to be a mom. They supplied me with so much useful information; I can’t even sum it up in words. My daughter MaKayla is 7 months old and I still haven’t paid for diapers.”

The Real Alternatives program offers women free pregnancy tests, child birth classes, parenting classes, medical care, food, shelter, clothing, baby items, and helps them to continue with their own education.

Since it began a decade ago, the program has assisted more than 100,000 women in a network of 128 centers in 47 of Pennsylvania’s 62 counties.

They do mention that they offer adoption education in the article as well, but at least the way the article is written, it doesn’t sound like the issue is pushed upon an expectant mother.

I really like how the article ends with this quote from Kevin Bagatta, president of Real Alternatives.

“What we help women to see is that a crisis pregnancy is not the end of their life - it’s just a detour,” Bagatta said. “They can still fulfill their life’s goals - maybe not in the same timing that they originally wanted - but it doesn’t have to be the end of their life.”

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Other programs in the News:
School Takes Pride in Graduating Teen Parents