Search Results

Most days begin like any other, but there are the rare, trajectory-defining ones that split our lives into a before and after. The words "I am pregnant"  flowed past her lips, rippling through the air and seemingly forcing time to stand still. I stood there, gripping that slender piece of plastic with its undeniable positive sign. I swear the ground shifted beneath me. It was our junior year of high school, and we were obsessed with each other. She filled my days with an infectious joy and spontaneity that I could not get enough of. We were young and naive, with our dreams and aspirations carefully tucked in our hearts. At that moment, our well-laid plans were thrown into chaos as the crippling fear of uncertainty consumed us both. The Tension Between Abortion and Parenting I remember that evening vividly. We had spent the day immersed in the simple joys of life—laughter shared meals, and whispered dreams about our plans. The thought of becoming parents as high school students seemed impossible and unobtainable. I had always believed I would assume the role of provider, protector, husband, and father someday, but not here, and certainly not now! Looking back on that day that defined us in so many ways, it is wild to know the morning I picked her up, she had already been a mother for ten weeks.  As we sat together, the tension was palpable; it felt like it would consume and suffocate us both.  Abortion seemed like the quickest, most logical way to reclaim our lives. No one would ever need to know that any of this was happening. As we discussed each option, the enormity of the decision weighed heavily on our hearts, hers more than mine. I thought to myself, “Just walk away. She could deal with this mess on her own; after all, it was her body and her choice, and what I wanted was irrelevant according to the culture and societal mantras of the day. I could disappear like many, and no one would be the wiser." Even so, the idea of terminating the pregnancy left a hollow ache and even a numbness deep in my soul. My fear was tangible, and her eyes mirrored all of my anxieties. She looked to me for answers, security, and comfort, and I had none to give her. Finding Support and Clarity Our story took a turn when we found our way to our local Pregnancy Center. There, amongst the gentle hum of support and understanding, we began to find our footing. The staff welcomed us with open arms, offering a safe space to process regardless of our decision. They provided us with free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to confirm the viability of the pregnancy. For the first time, a tiny heartbeat seemed to echo our uncertainties and hopes. The clarity this brought calmed my troubled soul as if to say, “It’s going to all be ok.” At the clinic, their professional staff listened with empathy, providing practical next steps and answering our questions. There was no pressure, no coercion—only genuine care and support. What is the Best that Could Happen? As we continued to receive support from the Pregnancy Clinic staff, our hearts began to soften, and our perspective began to shift. We didn’t feel so alone and isolated anymore. The pregnancy center connected us with other couples who had walked similar paths, and their stories became a testament to the resilience and hope we were desperately striving for ourselves. Their experiences gave us the strength to face our fears and embrace the possibility of parenthood. Despite our initial fears, we began envisioning and implementing a future where our dreams and new lives could coexist. The center helped us navigate the emotional and practical, focusing on the positives and the potential for holistic growth and success. With better decisions and fewer regrets, this was the catalyst that set the trajectory from which everything good would stem. A Collective Decision Our decision to choose parenting was not made in isolation. Two weeks after finding out we were expecting, we shared our stories with our families, and their reactions were filled with pain and grief as they would now have to mourn the loss of the future they had hoped for and had been guiding us toward. With time, we found common ground and collective support through open and honest conversations. The Pregnancy Clinic helped us facilitate these discussions, giving us the tools to communicate our hopes and fears effectively. They helped us build a support network that extended beyond the walls of their clinic, ensuring we had the emotional and practical backing we needed to navigate our circumstances without compromising our identity throughout the process. Moving Forward with Confidence As I look back on all of it, I am so grateful. The pregnancy center provided not only medical support but also encouraged us with unmatchable grace to make an informed decision that felt right for us. They made us believe we had what it takes to rise to the occasion, face our fears head-on, and emerge resilient as individuals and as a couple. To all the men facing an unplanned pregnancy, know that you are not alone. This decision will be one of the most impactful decisions you will make in your lifetime. You have what it takes, so lean in. You are stronger and more resilient than you know! The pregnancy center was our source of hope, advocating and guiding us through the darkest moment of our young lives, helping us build the legacy we have today. They will do the same for you. If you and your partner are facing an unexpected pregnancy, reach out for support. We are a pro-woman, holistic nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clarity, care, and compassion. LC Medical's professional staff is here to help you navigate your options, provide pregnancy medical services, and support you and your partner's overall well-being.   You are more than a number to us.  Take the first step towards an informed and empowered decision. Contact us today!

A positive pregnancy test (including a home test) is an indication of pregnancy, but not a confirmation. An ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy and it can indicate how far along you are by using measurements to estimate the gestational age of the fetus. We offer limited ultrasounds to anyone who had a positive pregnancy test at our center. Our medical personnel will determine if you are eligible for a limited ultrasound after you have had a positive pregnancy test at our clinic. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT What Does an Obstetric Ultrasound Do? At our center, in most cases, we can determine: how far along you are. if a heartbeat is detected. if there is a potentially life-threatening tubal pregnancy. if your pregnancy is developing under normal conditions. whether or not you are carrying a single fetus or multiples. If you are considering an abortion, an ultrasound should be performed to determine how far along you are and can also determine the cost of the abortion and if you qualify for the abortion pill. (The abortion pill at Planned Parenthood, an abortion clinic, or another online abortion provider could charge $300-$500.) If you are considering making an adoption plan or desiring to parent your child, an ultrasound may not be required by your doctor but it can be a crucial part of your prenatal plan. What Can I Expect? At your first appointment, we will provide a free pregnancy test at our center. Depending on your last known period (LMP) and our availability, we will either perform an ultrasound during your appointment or schedule one for a future date. Before your ultrasound appointment, the nurse may direct you to drink several glasses of water to ensure a full bladder. This can help our medical personnel see more clearly during an intravaginal ultrasound. If you are in your second or third trimester, an abdominal ultrasound could be performed. You can also talk about your medical history, pregnancy concerns, or ask questions about the abortion pill or the various types of surgical abortions. What’s Next? Find out if you qualify for a free ultrasound with us . Book now to come in for a free pregnancy testing appointment. If the test is positive, we will schedule an ultrasound and talk about all your options. Note: We do not perform ultrasounds to determine the gender of the fetus.

At Life’s Choices, we love seeing new clients at both our Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania locations, be it for pregnancy tests, STD testing or educational classes. We know it can feel intimidating to walk through the doors for a first time. Can we set your mind at ease by letting you know what to expect? A FRIENDLY FACE All of our staff choose to work at Life’s Choices because we love and care about the people in our Berks County community (and beyond). So, expect to be greeted warmly and listened to sincerely. We’re not here to tell you what to do with your life or pressure you to do something drastic. Instead, we are ready to hear your story, provide sound and evidence-based information suited to your situation and offer possible options. INDIVIDUALIZED HELP We offer a wide range of services. All clients are asked to fill out basic paperwork and present a photo ID (but no insurance or payment! Pleas see “What About Cost” below). Then, here’s what to expect based on appointment type. Pregnancy test : We’ll ask you back to a private room. Our pregnancy tests are self-administered and require a quick visit to our bathroom by the client. We then complete the test and review the results with you. If positive, we review resources and ways we can help (see prenatal pregnancy support below). Confirmation ultrasound : You will qualify for this service after a positive pregnancy test in our office. Our certified technician conducts the ultrasound to determine the age and viability of the pregnancy. Ultrasounds are offered Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kutztown only. Prenatal pregnancy support : Clients pick from our range of classes, covering the growth of the baby in the womb, childbirth and breastfeeding instruction and preparing the home and heart for a newborn. Once 15 classes are completed, clients earn a new car seat as well as other baby items. STD testing : Through the Department of Health, we offer testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. After reviewing risk factors, we walk the client through the self-administered test and send the sample to the lab. Results are available in our office a few days later; positive results are treated on-site. Relationship mentoring : We get it — relationships are challenging. Our staff are trained life coaches and can help individuals improve listening skills, practice anger management and learn how to better negotiate conflict. WHAT ABOUT COST? Lots of potential clients ask if we accept their insurance. The short answer is: no! But that’s because all our services are free of charge . As a non-profit entity, we can help clients due to the donations of individuals, churches and community organizations. We pass this assistance directly to our clients and no payment is needed — ever. So, if you have considered coming to Life’s Choices, I hope this blog tackles any concerns you may have. Still have questions? Reach out by phone/text (Kutztown: 610.683.8000 ; Hamburg: 484.660.3526 ) or email ( lifeschoicessupport@hometownu.com ). Better yet, be brave and just walk in our doors: Kutztown: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays (Ultrasounds are Friday between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Hamburg: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays We’ll be ready to greet you with a smile! SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #berkscounty #relationshipsclasses #prenataleducation #prenatalclasses #relationshipclasses #freeresources #kutztown #parentingclasses #sonograms #ultrasounds #pregnancy

Curious about Life’s Choices? We can answer your questions! Whether you are visiting us for a pregnancy test, an ultrasound, an STD test, or for parenting resources, we’ll be happy to see you. Here are a few things you can expect to see at your first appointment! – A Clean & Inviting Space – At both of our office locations (Hamburg & Kutztown), we make it a priority to keep our space warm and professional. When someone new walks through our doors, they will be welcomed and comforted. Between comfy seating and cared-for spaces, clients will know that Life’s Choices notices the details and strives for excellence. Our goal is to give you helpful information and services to maintain your health. But in addition to that, we also want to make sure you know that we care about you. Our spaces are designed to help you feel protected and supported! – Confidential Care – Confidentiality is something that Life’s Choices is heavily committed to every day. When a new client is introduced to our system, we make sure that all of their information is secure and protected. We follow HIPAA guidelines with all of our client files, and we will not share any of your information with anyone besides yourself, unless otherwise directed by you. If you receive services that require a follow-up appointment or phone call, we have several measures that make sure only you will be notified or receive sensitive information. No matter what your circumstance is, we give you our promise that none of your information will be shared with anyone outside of Life’s Choices. – An Easy, Streamlined Process – We know that you have a life and that you probably have places to be after your appointment. Therefore we have made our check-in forms as easy and simplified as we can. When someone visits Life’s Choices for the first time, they will not receive hundreds of forms, just some very basic documents before we can begin the appointment. No need to worry about hours of filling out papers, we want to serve you as quickly and as efficiently as possible! At our office, your time and your schedule will be valued. We can be very flexible, which allows you to come at a time that works for you! Our goal is to share helpful information and provide healthy services whenever people need them. Life’s Choices is here to serve you! – Openness and Compassion – All of our staff and volunteers understand that life does not always go as we planned. We know that not every situation is squeaky clean. It is okay if you aren’t feeling as put-together as you want to be. At your first appointment (and every appointment afterwards), whomever you interact with will have a heart of openness and compassion. We just love people here and we want the very best for you! There will be no judgment or false information given to you. We will listen patiently and offer truthful information that you can trust. Our services come at no cost to you. We are a non-profit organization that is committed to cherishing the value of human life. Everything at Life’s Choices is done to uphold personal dignity and support those in need of our services. You will be absolutely welcomed and helped. – Simple and Speedy Communication – Even on days when our offices are not open, we make it a large priority to stay connected to our communication lines! Whether you send us an email or type out a text to us, you can be sure to get a very quick and helpful response! No one wants to be stuck waiting on a reply, especially if they are in need of some important health information. Whenever someone contacts Life’s Choices, we are immediately notified, and will begin working on a helpful response. In an age where thousands of messages/calls are made each minute, you can be assured that Life’s Choices values your communication. We make sure that clients find it very easy to contact us. Simply send us a text and we will respond very shortly! Life’s Choices is here for anyone who is interested in no-cost health resources. There is no need to be anxious because these things are what you can expect at your first appointment (and any following appointments with us)! If you find yourself in need of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us today! Contact Life’s Choices #pennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztown #parentingclasses #ultrasounds

No one wants to find themselves with an STD and certainly not when they are pregnant. Being pregnant does not provide extra protection against STDs for you or your baby, so taking the usual precautions if you are sexually active to prevent one is necessary. An untreated STD can have serious effects on you and your baby , so it is important for you to be aware of these harmful effects and to protect both you and your baby from them. WHAT TO DO Many doctors routinely screen for STDs at the first prenatal visit and during the third trimester. Bacterial STDs are treated with antibiotics which can reduce the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor and other complications before birth and at delivery. If you think you may have contracted an STD at any time before or during your pregnancy, contact us today for free testing. Do not forget your partner needs to be tested and treated as well! For more information, take a look at the CDC’s STDs During Pregnancy Fact Sheet which provides useful information about specific STDs and their effects during pregnancy. You can also find out more about STDs and pregnancy here . CONTACT US We welcome you to set up a free appointment for STD (chlamydia, gonorrhea) testing. We also offer pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting classes to assist you in preparing for your new baby. To schedule your testing appointment or prenatal/parenting classes, you can call or text our Kutztown office at 610-683-8000 or our Hamburg office at 484-660-3526 . At this time we ask that you make sure to set up an appointment rather than walk in (to abide by current COVID-19 safety standards ). Schedule Your Test #freeSTDtesting #stdtesting #centerfordiseasecontrol #pregnantwithSTD #STD #pregnancyhelp #STDduringpregnancy #sexuallytransmitteddisease #prenatalclasses #parentingclasses

College Students, We See You! There is an intentional and strategic reason that Life’s Choices has an office on Main St. in Kutztown, PA. And no, it is not because we are within walking distance of The Bagel Bar cafe… We placed our office there because it places us less than a block away from Kutztown University. Why so close? Because we care about college students! Here at Life’s Choices, we absolutely love the younger generation, and we want to do our best by them. Which means the bulk of our efforts centers around how we can be the best free community health resource for students at KU and any surrounding schools. We know that college life looks different for everyone, but some struggles are universal. Here is how we can be your advocate during your time at college. To the student who feels alone: Life’s Choices has its doors open to anyone. We work hard to make our space as open and inviting as we can, so that we can welcome and encourage the young people who walk in. To the student who needs to talk to someone: One of our favorite things to do is have meaningful and helpful conversations with people. We know how easy it is to feel isolated, especially in college. You can come by our office any time we are open; we’d love to sit and chat with you! To the student who is struggling relationally: We get it. Relationships are tough, and sometimes we just need some help. Whatever problem you are facing in a relationship, Life’s Choices is here for you with resources, help, and guidance. To the student who might have an STD: No one ever wants to have that fear. We offer free testing and treatment for the most common sexually transmitted infections. No charge, no insurance needed, completely confidential. Click Here to Learn More To the student who is seeking health information: We have it! If you want to keep yourself healthy through college, we can help you do just that! There are tons of resources and services we provide that can aid you in being the healthiest you can be! To the student who might be pregnant: You have so many questions. We can provide some answers. Life’s Choices provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds that can help you determine what your next steps are. We want to help you feel less overwhelmed, so you can get the best information and make the healthiest choices for your life. Click Here to Learn More To the student who is also a parent: We see you! We have so many ways that we can support you and help take some stress away from you. Whether it’s parenting classes, baby items, or any other need, we can help you fill it! Explore Parenting Classes To the student who knows the pain of an abortion: There is no judgment here, only love. Abortion can have an extreme emotional impact on someone, and we want you to know that our doors are still open for you to come and receive love and care. We can offer help and healing to you. And for any other students who find themselves in need of anything, Life’s Choices is here for you. If there is something you need that we cannot directly provide, we can help you find where you need to go and refer you to trusted resources. College students: We See You!

As a community clinic dedicated to reproductive health, Life’s Choices understands the very real need for finding post-abortive support. Many women who have had an abortion experience negative emotional effects that can be difficult to overcome. For several years, Life’s Choices has offered Surrendering the Secret as a post-abortive support group and Bible study for women. In this article, the group’s two instructors give their thoughts about the program and post-abortive healing. For women who are curious about this incredible resource, we asked Marie Perry, one of our Surrendering the Secret instructors a few questions about her experience leading the program. Read Marie’s thoughts about finding post-abortive support through Surrendering the Secret. 1. What is Surrendering the Secret? “A healing bible study to work through the regret and shame of a past abortion through the love and forgiveness of Jesus.” 2. Why do you recommend this program to post-abortive women? “Most times, we bury our abortions deep down inside of us… maybe we don’t even realize how much it affects us, but it does affect us in more ways than we know. If you have abortion in your past, you really do need this study because you can’t heal without it!” 3. How have you personally been impacted by leading this program? “For starters, I was blessed to co-lead with a wonderful woman (Katie) who, although I’ve known for years, I was able to see a truly loving and beautiful and compassionate side of her that I began to appreciate in so many ways. I was impacted by the love and grace she gives to those who come through the class for healing, as well as the grace she shows me as I try to minister in the same way but through my personal experience with abortion and finding Jesus. She is a beautiful example of Christ, and I am thankful to lead alongside her. I’ve also been impacted by leading when I experience watching someone receive and understand the forgiveness and rest that they can only find in Jesus after time of carrying the burden of abortion. It’s truly amazing to see someone find that freedom in Christ, be able to forgive herself, and to shed that weight and be redeemed, right in front of my eyes!” 4. What does a typical evening look like? “We welcome and greet each other, and share our highs and lows for the past week.  If there’s any topics from lesson the week before, we discuss them.  Then we watch a video session of the study.  Each session follows 7 women and the author of the study, Pat Layton, as they share their stories and their struggles as they worked through the study themselves.  You really feel as though you know these women, as if you were right there in the study with them, feeling endeared to them. Afterwards, we go through some of the questions in the book for that session.  We pray whenever it’s needed, and our friendships grow while our hearts are healed! 5. What can a woman expect from the program? “She can expect to feel free from the shame and regret that she may have been carrying for the loss of her child. She will learn that Jesus was there , in every awful moment of it, and He still is right here beside her. She will learn that God’s forgiveness is bigger than anything she will ever know.  She will learn that she can forgive herself , because Jesus already gave his life for her. She will learn that God chose the women who are leading the class just for her, to be alongside her, to comfort her in the pain and to celebrate her in the healing!” 6. If a woman is anxious about signing up, what would you say to her? “Just take the first step. It won’t be easy, but every step gets easier and you’re not alone.  But most importantly, it will be worth it, and you’ll wish you would have done it sooner (although God’s timing is ALWAYS the right time!)” Here at Life’s Choices, we know that abortion can leave emotional wounds in a woman’s heart. Living with pain like that can be very exhausting, and we want to help. Marie’s genuine and meaningful words show her heart for post-abortive women, which matches our heart as well. We are blessed to work with her as we offer Surrendering the Secret as a free resource. Surrendering the Secret is held at various times throughout the year by Katie Bailey and Marie Perry. Katie is the Patient Services Director at Life’s Choices and Marie is a faithful supporter of our organization. We are happy to announce that our next offering of this study will begin on Monday, September 25th, 2023 . If you or someone you know is interested in finding post-abortive support, please consider this free resource! More details are available upon request. Email Katie at katie.lifeschoices@gmail.com or contact our Kutztown office today! Contact Us #abortion #abortionhealing #hamburg #howwehelp

If you are looking for information about Plan B, the abortion pill, abortion clinic procedures, and what your pregnancy options are right now – we can help. Start with free onsite pregnancy testing, and if you qualify, an ultrasound to obtain proof of pregnancy and verify how far along you are.  >> MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY What is Plan B? Is the abortion pill an emergency contraceptive?  Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is used as an emergency contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or to prevent an unintended pregnancy. It is not the same as the abortion pill or a medication abortion. Plan B should not be taken if you may already be pregnant. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, contact us  to learn more about the confidential and cost-free pregnancy services we provide.  How does Plan B work? Plan B morning-after pills are designed to prevent pregnancy before it occurs by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that controls the release of an egg from the ovary or slows it long enough to prevent fertilization. If fertilization has already occurred, Plan B may prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, ending the pregnancy post-conception.  Plan B's ability to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus is a topic of ongoing debate. Some medical professionals argue that this may constitute a miscarriage, while others maintain that pregnancy does not begin until implantation; therefore, Plan B is labeled a form of contraception rather than an abortion pill. It is essential to discuss any questions or concerns regarding Plan B and its mechanisms of action with your healthcare provider before taking Plan B or any emergency contraception. Please note that while we provide information on emergency contraceptives and can answer any questions about how morning-after pills and abortion pills work, we do not provide or refer for contraceptives or abortion services. We believe that women deserve to learn about their cycle, their options, and the resources available to them without cost or pressure involved.  Is Plan B legal in every state? What else do I need to know? Yes. There are no legal restrictions on any emergency contraceptives or morning-after pills. However, with any medication, talking to a health professional about potential risks and side effects is important.  Plan B should not be taken if you have certain health conditions, have any allergies to the medications used, or are already pregnant. Certain medications can decrease the effectiveness of morning-after pills. Women with larger bodies need to know that Plan B may be less effective as an emergency contraception. Studies suggest that Plan B may not work for women who weigh 165 pounds to 176 pounds. It’s even less effective in women who weigh over 176 pounds — especially those with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 30. What if my period is late? If you have a missed or late period or have already had a positive home pregnancy test, it is too late to take an emergency contraceptive such as Plan B or ella®. The next step would be to confirm if your pregnancy is viable and rule out an ectopic pregnancy or a natural miscarriage. Abortion pills do not work if the pregnancy is outside of the uterus. Conception calculators can only estimate gestational age based on your last menstrual period. Contact us for free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to find out how far along you are and the options available to you. ​ MAKE AN APPOINTMENT  TODAY   Be empowered to make an informed choice. All our pregnancy services are offered at no cost to you. Contact us to learn more or to make an appointment. References:   Morning-after pill . (n.d.). Drugs.com . https://www.drugs.com/mcp/morning-after-pill#:~:text=Plan%20B%20One-Step%20is%20a%20type%20of%20morning-after,a%20fertilized%20egg%20from%20implanting%20in%20the%20uterus . American Pregnancy Association. (2023, July 3). American Pregnancy Association - Promoting Pregnancy Wellness . https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/ Morning-after pill - Mayo Clinic . (2022, June 3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730 . Cleland, K., Raymond, E. G., Westley, E., & Trussell, J. (2014b). Emergency contraception review. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology , 57 (4), 741–750. https://doi.org/10.1097/grf.0000000000000056

Life’s Choices is dedicated to being a place of support for women and families experiencing unexpected pregnancies as well as an educational resource for those seeking to foster healthy relationships. With offices in both Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania, we love serving the Berks County community by providing free resources and creating an environment of hope and healing for our clients. Jordan, one of Life’s Choices clients, recently shared her story of coming to Life’s Choices when facing an unplanned pregnancy. In the short video, Jordan expresses the fear she experienced when receiving the news that she would soon be a mother. FEAR AND TRANSITION Baby James “When I first found I was going to be a mama, I bawled my eyes out. In that moment, I so badly wanted that plus sign to turn into a negative,” Jordan says in her testimonial video. “I was scared, transitioning, growing up really fast and honestly in shock.” But despite those feelings of fear and uncertainty about her pregnancy, Jordan made a choice to access the help and resources she needed at Life’s Choices. While it’s hard to know what exactly to expect until you go through it yourself, Jordan shares, a little support goes a long way. HOPE AND SUPPORT “It wasn’t easy making the decision to become parents, and we certainly couldn’t have done it without Life’s Choices,” Jordan said. “Joy and her amazing team welcomed us with open arms and made the whole process feel a little less scary.” At Life’s Choices, clients have access to free pregnancy confirmation tests and ultrasounds, as well as an array of prenatal, postpartum and family resources such as: Prenatal education (childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, etc.) Baby items Parenting classes Healthy relationships resources Much more! “Thanks to Life’s Choices, I was able to feel so much more comfortable and confident in the decision we made. We’ve been eternally grateful ever since,” Jordan shared about her experience at Life’s Choices. “They set a foundation for us, they were encouraging and supportive all at the same time.” We’re so grateful and honored to be a resource for women and families in this community. What a blessing it is to hear stories like Jordan’s! “James is the most unexpected gift we could have ever received.” Watch the full testimonial video here: SET UP YOUR FREE VISIT TODAY If you’re interested in setting up an appointment with us, whether for a free pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, prenatal or parenting classes, or one of our other life-giving services, give us a call today ! We offer free ultrasounds every Thursday at our Kutztown, Pennsylvania office from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. , so pick a Thursday that works for you and secure your spot today. Walk-ins are accepted if there is room in the schedule for clients who are not already getting prenatal care under the supervision of a physician. Our regular office hours are: Kutztown: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hamburg: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. We would love to be a free resource for you. We hope to see you soon! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE CALL US TODAY #clientreview #pennsylvania #newparent #hamburg #freeultrasounds #unexpectedpregnancy #berkscounty #prenatalclasses #relationshipclasses #transition #freeresources #kutztown #parentingclasses #sonograms #clienttestimony #unplannedpregnancy #ultrasounds #pregnancy

You are in the bathroom, staring at the double line of a positive pregnancy test. Maybe this was planned, or maybe it is a complete surprise to you. Emotions, thoughts, possibilities, and maybe some fears fly through your head. Questions start to pop up: “Who do I tell?” “Where do I go?” “What is my next step?” If you have recently had a positive pregnancy test, and you are experiencing a bit of this internal chaos, here are 3 things that Life’s Choices needs you to know.  #1 It Is Important to Have Proper Confirmation There have been countless times when a woman has come to our office thinking that she was pregnant and that ended up being false. It does happen sometimes that a pregnancy test can give inaccurate results. In addition, there are often pregnancies that begin and end naturally in a short span of time. This is why having proper confirmation of a pregnancy is important. At our Kutztown location, Life’s Choices offers free pregnancy testing and free confirmation ultrasounds, which can greatly help a woman who thinks she is pregnant. An ultrasound is able to give a wealth of good information about a woman’s pregnancy. There are many questions that a pregnancy test alone cannot answer, but that an ultrasound can! Is the pregnancy viable? How far along is the pregnancy? Is the pregnancy ectopic or normal? All of these things can be determined by a confirmation ultrasound at Life’s Choices. If you think you may be pregnant, consider calling our office today to set up a free appointment with us. Call or Text 610.683.8000 #2 You Have Plenty of Time to Figure Things Out Often, when people start to become stressed, they lose their sense of timing. Everything in the future suddenly becomes an issue to deal with in the present. When a woman sees that positive pregnancy test, the stress can quickly get out of control. What most women forget is that they have way more time than they realize.  It is okay if you don’t have everything figured out 20 minutes after your positive pregnancy test! It can feel like you need to rush to answer every question and have a perfect plan by the end of your day, but you have way more time than that. Your options are open for longer than many women expect them to be. Remember to breathe and try to stay as calm and rational as possible. Try to talk things over with someone whose wisdom you trust. Give yourself some time to process and understand what could be happening. Not everything in your situation has to be decided right away. You do have time. #3 Emotions Are Terrible Decision-Makers As an organization staffed completely by women, we understand the power of emotions! They can be great indicators of how we are feeling, and can definitely help inform our decisions. But emotions by themselves are pretty terrible decision-makers. Think about how many emotions you have within an hour; our feelings are constantly changing! In the human brain, logical thinking and emotions are represented by two separate sections. If we are letting our emotions do all of the decision-making, our logical part of our brain is left in the dust. A stressful or unexpected situation can easily awaken the emotional part of our brain. This is totally normal and perfectly fine, but can lead to some interesting things. Emotions are not good or bad in and of themselves, they just exist. It’s all about what power we give to our emotions that can lead to healthy or unhealthy choices. If you are looking at a positive pregnancy test, we know that you probably have some big emotions happening. That’s okay. Acknowledge those feelings. A possible pregnancy is an emotional situation. But just remember that emotions are really bad at remaining calm and making rational decisions. Try to calm yourself down enough so that your logical brain can regain control before you make any quick decision regarding your pregnancy. One last thing to remember is that if you have a positive pregnancy test, Life’s Choices is absolutely your first step. We have been offering pregnancy resources and information to women for over 35 years. No matter what emotions your feeling, or what options you are considering, we are here to help you. Our services and information is helpful to every woman who might be pregnant. Life’s Choices is here for you! #freeultrasounds #kutztown #pregnancy #ultrasounds

On a chilly January day several years ago, ironically on the day that many churches celebrate the Sanctity of Life, a beautiful baby girl was born. We can only imagine the difficult circumstances this baby’s mother was facing. Was she a teenager who wasn’t ready to be a mom? Or an older woman who already had many mouths to feed? Was she in an abusive relationship? Without housing? Fearing for the safety of herself and her baby? We will never know. What we do know is that she made the most loving, courageous choice a person in her situation could make. She placed her one-day-old daughter in the hands of a hospital employee and, through Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law , relinquished her baby so that, through adoption, another couple could give this sweet girl what she knew she could not. WHAT IS THE SAFE HAVEN LAW? Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law, also known as the Newborn Protection Act , allows a parent to leave their newborn baby in the care of a hospital or with a police officer without being held criminally liable, as long as the baby is less than 28 days old and is not harmed. In the hospital, the baby will be examined by a doctor and given care if needed. The hospital will then contact the local Children and Youth Services who will find a loving home for the baby. ADOPTION: AN ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER On that momentous January day, one mother left the hospital with her arms empty and, no doubt, her heart breaking. Meanwhile, another couple, with great joy and celebration, were receiving the news that a daughter would be joining their family. Today, this little girl is a lively preschooler who loves to sing and dance and talks nonstop. She is an answer to prayer in so many ways! Her parents are so grateful that another mom allowed her own heart to break so that theirs could overflow with love. Adoption is a heroic choice and should be celebrated as such. It may be the most loving, selfless thing a woman can do when she recognizes the time is not right for her to parent a child. The laws and practices surrounding adoption have changed and improved greatly in recent years. Many adoption agencies allow the birth parents to be involved in choosing an adoptive family. And Pennsylvania law allows the birth parents and adoptive parents to have ongoing communication and contact if it is agreed upon by both parties and approved by a court. CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Life’s Choices does not deal directly with parents looking to adopt a child, but we can connect birth parents and adoptive parents through an adoption agency. We have several great organizations that we can recommend. We know that when a woman is considering whether or not she can parent her unborn child, she is at a place where all her options are hard ones. I t is our goal to be a safe place ; a place where she can find the time and space to make a brave choice that she can live with, having no regrets. If you find yourself in this place, we are here for you! Contact Life’s Choices today for more information about your adoption options. Contact Us #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #pasafehavenlaw #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #pennsylvaniasafehavenlaw #pregnantandscared #crisispregnancy #unexpectedpregnancy #adoption #readingpennsylvania #safehavenlaw #pregnancyhelp #shouldihaveanabortion #hamburgpennsylvania #newbornprotectionact #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #pennsylvaniadepartmentofhumanservices #kutztownuniversity #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #adoptioninformation #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

One of my favorite fun holiday movies is Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation . I don’t like to admit it, but I’m a lot like his character, Clark Griswold. I want more than anything to have a perfect Christmas with my loved ones, but no matter how I try to orchestrate it, things always run amuck. Can you relate? Between hosting meals (how long does it take to took a turkey again?) to making sure the house gets (and stays!) clean for guests, to finding, hiding (remembering where I hid them), wrapping and presenting the perfect gifts, it can be so stressful! Add COVID-19 to the mix, and we are gearing up for a very stressful Christmas. Or are we? CHRISTMAS CHAOS A few years ago, I was in full-on “perfect Christmas, high-stress mode” when disaster struck. OK, not a real disaster, but it felt like it. I was laid low with an exhausting virus, one of my doctors thought was the flu and warned it could take me out of commission for two weeks. This was just a few days before Christmas, and my calendar was packed with work parties, church events, hosting one side of our family on Christmas day and visiting the other out of state the following week. I lay in bed, miserable and achy and sure the holiday was ruined. Instead of resting, I was stressing about how I could salvage the holiday. I begged God to make me better and to do it quickly. Prayer is a mysterious thing, and God himself works in ways we don’t always expect. Instead of immediate healing, he sent people to help and remind me of what was important. My husband took over my necessary duties while still handling his own very busy week with grace and kindness. My kids made me sweet get-well cards and did their best to play quietly and help. My family offered their own prayers and support and were quite willing to change their Christmas plans. And even though I still felt miserable, my heart moved from stressed-out to peace-filled. (In the end, it wasn’t the flu, just a nasty virus. I took it easy, enjoyed a scaled back holiday, and realized we all enjoyed the day more when I wasn’t Clark Griswolding it). HANDLING THE STRESS Medicinenet.com lists some top reasons for holiday stress in non-pandemic times . They include: Fatigue Unrealistic expectations Over commercialization Financial stress Inability to be with family or friends Sadness An inability to cope with difficulties the holidays bring out I know that COVID has caused a huge shift in our life today. It’s stressful to handle all the rules and expectations about masks and cleaning and visiting out of state. It’s scary to think of contracting the virus yourself or inadvertently carrying it to grandma’s house. Add this to regular holidays stress, and it’s a lot to handle! There are, of course, common sense ways to manage these stressors. First, you must take care of yourself. Get regular sleep and drink lots of water. While it’s ok to splurge on a favorite treat, make sure most of your meals are healthy. Practice taking deep, calming breaths when you feel overwhelmed. And focus on spending time with people you love and who love you back. Next, figure out a common-sense budget. This year has been a challenge, but it’s also been a year to try new things. So let 2020 be the year you change how you give gifts (and how many you give). Scale back your plans and expenses for meals, and resolve to enjoy the simple solutions that result. Check out our previous blog post for tips on how to celebrate Christmas on a budget. Finally, find ways to connect with loved ones. Instead of a big gathering with your friends, go caroling outside, social distance style. If you can’t host a meal, use video chat programs to connect safely, and make plans to get together down the road. And with the people you see regularly, resolve to sidestep distracting activities, and enjoy things like conversations, simple meals and the like. REMEMBER WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT Even though I struggle with Christmas stress myself, it boggles my mind that we get so wrapped up in the trimmings of a holiday that began in such a humble way. Over two thousand years ago, a young couple traveled to a distant town due to a government demand to do a census. When they arrived, they could not find or afford a place to stay and ended up sleeping on a barn floor. To top things off, she was pregnant and gave birth that night surrounded by farm animals. Their guests? Friendly but smelly shepherds they had never met. Perfect and stress free? No. But this imperfect event was, in the end, perfectly orchestrated to welcome God’s best gift to our world: Jesus. It’s my hope that you will be able to focus on Jesus as your source of peace this holiday season. Step away from the stress when you can, find joy in the simple pleasures of the time and remember to thank God for the best gifts, which don’t require wrapping paper or stress. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows .” James 1:17 #christmasplanning #covidchristmasstress #pennsylvania #christmasstress #christmasonabudget #hamburg #berkscounty #budget #familyfun