Pregnancy Help Organizations Making a Difference in Florida
Florida law now protects women and babies from the tragedy of abortion starting at six weeks. So, when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, where can Floridians turn for help?
Florida is blessed to be home to several fantastic pregnancy-help organizations that are stepping up to meet the needs of pregnant women.
In April, Florida’s Supreme Court ruled there was no right to abortion in the state constitution. The court upheld the 15-week abortion limit and, in so doing, affirmed the heartbeat bill that protects preborn babies at six weeks.
Florida’s heartbeat bill went into effect on May 1.
As previously reported by the Daily Citizen, in 2022 alone, pregnancy resource centers across the nation provided $358 million in resources to women and families experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Those services included “housing, counseling, prenatal medical care, baby supplies, diapers, clothing, formula, parenting classes, adoption support, and more.”
Pregnancy help organizations are incredibly popular and supported by 83% of Americans.
According to reports from the Charlotte Lozier Institute, in 2022, approximately 82,600 abortions were performed in Florida, an increase of three percent from the previous year. The growth is attributed to women traveling from out-of-state to seek an abortion in Florida. Forty-four percent of those abortions were performed after six weeks gestation.
With so many lives impacted by the new law, it is imperative that women in Florida and surrounding states know that there are pregnancy help organizations who want to help.
Below is a list of organizations ready and willing to help women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.
- Locations: Orlando, Oviedo and Kissimmee.
- Serving the community since 1983.
- Free medical services including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and STD testing.
- Tour the office here.
- Locations: Boca Rotan and Palm Beach Gardens.
- Serving the community since 1983.
- Free medical services including pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
- Options
- Locations: Sarasota, Fort Myers, Gainesville and Naples.
- Two mobile medical clinics serving southwest Florida.
- Free medical services including pregnancy test, ultrasounds and STD testing.
- Free support during and after pregnancy.
Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center
- Location: Sarasota.
- Serving the community since 2002.
- Free medical services including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, behavioral health counseling and annual women’s wellness exams (lab work, PAP smears and breast exams for qualifying individuals).
- Earn While You Learn Program (earn points to shop for baby items).
- Men’s coaching.
- Parenting programs.
Solve and Evolve Maternity Programs
- Location: Bradenton.
- Serving community since 1973.
- Free maternity program including residential housing, counseling, transportation to medical appointments, infant supplies and classes on childbirth, parenting, nutrition, and finances.
- Additional support for mother and baby for an additional one to two years including housing, career training, financial planning and education training.
- Location: Venice.
- Serving community since 1973.
- Transitional two-year living program for single mothers and their children.
- Program has 21 housing units.
- Includes housing, life skills, supplies, counseling and assistance to reach goal of self-sufficiency.
- Locations: Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte and Arcadia.
- Free medical services including pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
- Parenting classes and material assistance to help with the financial cost of having a baby.
- “Dad Coach” mentorship for expecting fathers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Florida, consider reaching out to one of these organizations.
If you want to help these organizations, contact them today to see how you can be part of the pro-life movement that is changing hearts and minds one person at a time through love and service.
Additionally, if you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options, you can visit My Choice Network here.
Related articles and resources:
Dealing With Unplanned Pregnancy
Become an Option Ultrasound Life Advocate
Image from Shutterstock.
