24Hr Client Line: (435) 652-8343

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I’m pregnant and afraid

The clients that visit Hope are sometimes overwhelmed with fear.   They are afraid of sharing the news with loved ones.  They are afraid of what people might think.  They are afraid of what the future holds.  They are afraid of disappointing others.  They are afraid that there is no one around to help. They are afraid of what pregnancy might be like. The list goes on and on and I am sure you can fill in the blank very easily with your own sources of fear.

Fear is a normal response to an unplanned pregnancy.  When we experience a difficult situation and are limited in who we can go to for help, we often bottle up all of our emotions.  We are walking around like a shaken up soda bottle that needs to release the pressure inside but just can’t.  This is why Hope exists.  You do not have to go through these hard things alone.  We are here to gently remove the cap on that shaken up soda bottle so you can release the pressure and begin to sort through your feelings and fears in a safe, confidential atmosphere.

A wise man once said, “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” You may be in a place where that idea seems almost ridiculous, but with our experience, it is true. There may not be immediate relief from fear or sadness, but with time and perseverence, you can experience hope and joy. 

We would love to walk that road with you and share the reasons for our hope.  You are More than your fears.  Call us for an appointment at (435) 652-8343. Read more...

Abortion won’t affect me…or will it?

I was recently made aware of a celebrity’s comment that when she was 16 abortion was her only choice and decades later she says she has no regrets because it was the best thing for her. I considered what she had to say and, to be honest, I was troubled by the fact that she made it sound so simple.  Although the celebrity was giving her personal opinion, that opinion could lead women astray from the seriousness of the aboriton decision. It is not to be taken lightly. 

At Hope, we take abortion seriously. It is an option in an unplanned pregnancy, but can carry serious consequences that need to be considered.  From our experience with women who have had an abortion, it is a decision that most of them wish they had taken more time to learn about and consider in light of other options. At Hope, we provide complete information about abortion (to include the types of procedures, the development of the fetus, and the physical and emotional risks to the mother) and allow you the time you need to make an informed choice you can feel good about.

If you or someone you know is considering abortion, please don’t just take a celebrity’s opinion or allow yourself to believe it’s a quick fix, but find a place that can give you medically accurate information in a caring, no pressure environment.  If you or somoeone you know is thinking about an abortion, please call us at (435) 652-8343.  Take your time and learn as much as possible because the decisions you make today do impact your physical and emotional health in the future.

Don’t allow pop culture to define your beliefs or make your decisions for you because… You Are More. Read more...

What happens when I’m pregnant?

Let’s say you already know you are pregnant. You are wondering about that little being inside you…what exactly is it doing? Well, this entry is just for you. Below is information about the day of conception through the first 6 weeks after conception.

Conception Day- The egg and sperm most often unite in the fallopian tube to form a single cell called a zygote. This tiny new cell contains all the genetic information for every detail of the new life- color of the hair and eyes, the intricate fine lines of the fingerprint, the physical appearance, the gender, the height and skin tone.

Days 3-4- This life is now called an embryo and arrives at the uterus where the lining of the uterus is preparing to receive it.

1 week- The embryo begins to implant in the lining of the uterus. Hormones trigger the mother’s body to nurture the pregnancy and stop her monthly period.

2 weeks- A pregnancy test can measure the hCG hormone in the mother’s urine to tell her if she is pregnant. The embryo is attached, drawing nourishment from its mother.

3 weeks- The heart, about the size of a poppy seed, is the first organ to function. The first signs of brain development are evident, and the foundation for every organ system is already established and begin to develop.

4 weeks- The eyes are developing, and the arm and leg buds are visible. The beating heart can be seen on an ultrasound.

5 weeks- Depending on the baby’s gender, the testicles or ovaries are beginning to form.

6 weeks- The baby is ½ of an inch long. Elbows and fingers can be seen. Lungs begin developing and taste buds from on the tongue.

If you want more information about the stages of development or want to take a free pregnancy test to know if you are pregnant, call us anytime at 652-8343.

Hope PCC is a non-medical facility that shares with women and men accurate information about fetal development, as well as their options. The information provided above comes from the brochure, The First 9 Months, developed by Focus on the Family and approved by the Physicians Research Council. Read more...

Just For Him

We realize that an unplanned pregnancy doesn’t just happen to her… as the father, you also have decisions to make. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to help or be involved. You deserve to be heard and we want to help you express your thoughts in a way that will help and not hurt.

Do:
1) Listen. You have a lot going through your mind, but so does she. Take time to listen without offering solutions. Decisions and details do not have to be made or figured out today or even tomorrow, so don’t rush her. Allow time to bring clarity of thought.
2) Stay calm. She needs your support. Even though she is carrying the baby, you are BOTH parents. The decisions you make will affect the future of all three of you. Do nothing out of fear or selfish reasons, stay calm and think about what is best for everyone.
3) Talk about it- not only with her. Prepare yourself to talk to those closest to you- parents, trustworthy adults, and loyal friends. Hiding secrets from those who can genuinely help will only increase your stress.
4) Gather all of the facts. You will hear lots of advice so make sure to weigh that advice against accurate information. A good decision will make sense not only in your head, but also in your heart.
5) Express yourself honestly. You deserve to be heard as well. Make sure to express your fears, frustrations, and anger but do it with love and respect. Remember this comes after you’ve listened to her and let her know you care.

Don’ts:
1) Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Running away or yelling only make things harder. Man up and stick around.
2) Don’t pressure her. Too much pressure will only push her away and might cause her to make a decision she would later regret. Never manipulate. Do your best to work together and take your time.
3) Don’t forget your role. You have an active part to play…listen, comfort, seek advice, provide your thoughts.

We have men available to talk to you and help with accurate information about your options. They are hear simply to listen to you and help you sort things out. You Are More than a silent bystander. Call us at 652-8343. Read more...

Too Much Advice?

Well, it’s been awhile since we’ve chatted and I’ve had a particular situation on my mind. It’s a pretty serious topic, but aren’t they all when we consider the topic of unplanned pregnancies? Here’s the scenario: You’re pregnant and beginning to confide in those closest to you- seeking advice and desiring help to figure out what you are going to do.

There are those people, in particular, whose opinion means more to you than others. They are the ones that love you and care for you and have a vested interest in your decision. In an effort to please those you love, you may be considering an abortion simply because a person you care about thinks its best (even though you are not convinced it’s right for you.)

We understand the pressure you feel must be enormous- so many opinions and so much advice. We don’t want to add to the many voices, instead we hope to clarify your decision-making and empower you to do what you feel is right.

No matter your age, even if you are a minor, no one can legally force you or coerce you to have an abortion.

What might this look like? A parent may say something like, “You are my child and you need to do what I say. ” Or the father of the baby may say, “You have to have an abortion because I’m not ready to be a dad.” The Supreme Court has been very clear on the subject. It is unlawful for your parents, relatives, or boyfriend to unduly pressure, force or coerce you into having an abortion. They could even be subject to potential criminal charges of child abuse or fetal homicide.

Your family does not have to support your child financially but they do have to support you. Additionally, you have the right to receive child support from the father of your child. You have rights and the freedom to do what you feel is best is one of those rights.

So, bottom line? Continue to seek out what is best for you.  Get accurate information and take your time. This is a huge decision and, in the end, the decision is ultimately your own- you have to live with the consequences.

You Are More than a puppet.  So, figure it out and then stand up for yourself. We have documents that can help you express your rights if you are being pressured. Call us at 652-8343.

We are not attorneys and do not dispense legal advice. The legal information contained in this blog is taken directly from The Justice Foundation’s website (www.thejusticefoundation.org). Read more...

Considering Adoption

You are pregnant and you don’t want to be.  Well, you are not alone.  We exist to support you and help you think through your options.  Adoption is one option that is sometimes not even considered.  Yet, it can be a huge blessing to so many.  Below is a sweet “Recipe for Adoption Success”. You know the reality of placing a child for adoption is not easy. It is a difficult decision and takes a great amount of bravery, maturity and selflessness.  Whenever you put someone else’s needs above our own, you are acting in pure love. If the thought of adoption has even crossed your mind, then know that we at Hope are willing to listen and support you as you work through your feelings. Recipe for Adoption Success 2 cups of conversation, it’s good to talk about your feelings 1 cup of listening to what your inner voice is saying 3 cups of honesty, be honest with yourself 1/2 cup of reality, be clear with your expectations of yourself 1 tsp of help, don’t be afraid to ask for counseling 1 1/4 cup of feelings, yours not your parents or friends 1 cup of journaling, writing down your thoughts 3 cups of understanding, that you will have good days and bad 3 tsp. each of long term goals and support a pinch of grief, it’s normal Adoptive Parents, hand picked by you A Lifetime of Pride, in yourself and your decision Mix together conversation, honesty, help and listening. Fold in reality and support. In a separate bowl mix planning, feelings, journaling, understanding, and grief. Combine the two. Add the long term goals and pride. Pour mixture into baking dish, season for 9 months. Top with love for your child. Although this recipe is sweet and light, we know that adoption is a serious journey and is not decided over night. Remember, the choice is yours. Know the facts, be informed, and take your time to make the very best decision for yourself and baby. We can help get you resources and be there to listen.  Call us at (435) 652-8343.  Recipe provided by So I was Thinking about Adoption by Mardie Caldwell. Read more...

Location

391 E. 500 S.
St. George, Utah 84770
Client: 435.652.8343
Business: 435.656.5331

Pregnancy Decision Hotline: www.pregnancydecisionline.org

“Hope Pregnancy Care Center does not provide or refer for abortion or contraceptives”.

Latest Posts