The Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the research arm of SBA Pro-Life America, released its findings last week from a survey of 2,750 pregnancy centers (PRCs) across the United States. The results revealed that since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, 32,000 more babies were born annually and PRCs provided $358 million in services each year to women and families.
The 2022 CLI report, Hope for a New Generation, is a collaboration of national survey data from CLI, Care Net, Heartbeat International, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates. Key findings include that PRCs met with clients over 16 million times in 2022 both in person and virtually, including nearly 975,000 new clients. The estimated total service value to those clients was at least $358 million and included pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting education programs, diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothing, car seats, cribs, strollers, and more. The percentage of pregnancy centers providing various services were reported as material items (89.2%), parenting/prenatal education (87.7%), ultrasound (81.9%), and after-abortion support/recovery (71.8%).
In addition, the report, which was prepared by CLI Associate Scholar Moira Gaul and CLI Senior Associate Scholar Michael J. New, found that 97.4% of the 16 million client sessions were reported by clients to have been positive experiences.
One mother from Las Vegas, Nevada, shared, “I was ready to give up on my baby’s life because I wasn’t emotionally or financially prepared. I felt lonely and hopeless. My personal advocates spoke words of hope and encouragement. I then met with a counselor and she helped me see that I had other options and resources available. After I spoke with them both, I had a renewed confidence to keep my baby. Every time I came in for a prenatal appointment or a class, I felt so loved and supported and that continued to give me hope.”
PRCs have come under attack in recent years both in legislative chambers and in violent physical attacks — including firebombings. But PRCs continue to help women, children, and families.
“In the Dobbs era, the demands upon pregnancy help centers have increased daily,” said Chuck Donovan, president of CLI. “Many states are responding with new funds and new policies to support the centers’ work. At the same time, new attacks are launched daily by violent radicals and by politicians who should know better. Some would find these challenges daunting, but as our report shows, pregnancy help center leaders see in this situation new opportunities to serve generously with love and compassion for those in need.”
Edit0r’s Note, 1/15/24: This article has been updated since original publication.
