How to Support Women with an Unexpected Pregnancy
You may be in a place where your heart desires to care for women with unexpected pregnancies, but you may not know where to start. Maybe you are looking to help a friend and you feel out of your depths with this. Maybe you just feel a pull to fight for life and care for women. Wherever you are coming from, Caring Network wants to encourage you! Your desire and work are not in vain!
Here are a few practical things you can do for women in your community who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.
Providing Emotional Support to Those Facing Unplanned Pregnancy
She may feel isolated and fearful. She may not have the support system that other mothers do. No matter her situation, she needs loving support and care from those around her. Most likely, telling you took her a lot of courage, fearing you would reject her for her situation. Listen to her, be a safe place where she can be honest and reveal her fears and excitements. Remember to point her to Christ, because he is the only one who can provide perfect comfort and peace for those who are hurting. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds Christians that God is the God of comfort, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Sit, listen, and pray with her through this time.
Providing Practical Support to Those Facing Unplanned Pregnancy
A few great practical ways to support a woman in this situation is to offer to accompany her to appointments or go shopping with her for baby supplies. If she does not have a lot of support and feels isolated, this is a wonderful way to help her feel seen and loved. Be there to sit with her in the pain and encourage her in her joy. If you are looking for practical ways to help a woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, check out the local organizations in your community that target this vulnerable population. Many pregnancy centers or non-profit organizations offer specific programs for single or young mothers, or those navigating an unexpected pregnancy.
Connect Her with Those Who Can Help
If she needs more support than you can help her with, get her connected with a place like Caring Network, where she can receive help and support for their pregnancy and child. Regardless of where you live in the United States, there is likely a pregnancy resource center nearby that can offer free services and support for anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy. Their mission is to come alongside women in their time of need.
If you’re in the Chicagoland area, Caring Network is a great resource. Caring Network provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, referrals to licensed counselors and doctors, as well as both emotional and material support for mothers. If you know someone in need or feel the desire to get involved in this critical work to help impact and save lives, reach out to see how you can be a part of the fight for life!
