WHEREAS, the life-affirming impact of pregnancy care centers on the women, men, children, and communities they serve is considerable and growing; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers serve women in Virginia and across the United States with integrity and compassion; and

WHEREAS, more than 30 pregnancy care centers across Virginia provide comprehensive care to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies, including resources to meet their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs; and

WHEREAS, last year alone, pregnancy care centers provided free, confidential help and services to over 19,000 women in Virginia, including 9,200 free pregnancy tests, 9,600 free packs of diapers, 8,000 free bags of baby clothes, 3,800 free classes on topics ranging from infant care and parenting to job search skills, and 2,800 limited ultrasounds; and

WHEREAS, these and other services amounted to approximately $1.1 million in services and goods to women and families; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers offer women free, confidential, and compassionate services, including pregnancy tests, peer counseling, 24-hour telephone hotlines, childbirth and parenting classes, and referrals to community, health care, and other support services; and

WHEREAS, many medical pregnancy care centers offer ultrasounds and other medical services; and

WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers provide information on adoption and adoption referrals to pregnant women; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers encourage women to make positive life choices by equipping them with complete and accurate information regarding their pregnancy options and the development of their unborn children; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers provide women with compassionate and confidential peer counseling in a nonjudgmental manner regardless of their pregnancy outcomes; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers provide important support and resources for women who choose childbirth over abortion; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers ensure that women are receiving prenatal information and services that lead to the birth of healthy infants; and

WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers provide grief assistance for women and men who regret the loss of their child from past choices they have made; and

WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers work to prevent unplanned pregnancies by teaching effective abstinence education in public schools; and

WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers operate primarily through reliance on the voluntary donations and time of caring individuals who are committed to caring for the needs of women and promoting and protecting life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend pregnancy care centers for their outstanding service to women in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the pregnancy care centers as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for the work of the centers.