FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2023
Contact: Laura Macklem
[email protected]
FUNDING FOR PREGNANCY CARE CENTERS IN STATE BUDGET WILL HELP WOMEN CHOOSE LIFE
The General Assembly approved $17.15 million today to help pregnant women in crisis, including $12.5 million for the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship (CPCF), an organization which provides support to 75 pregnancy care centers in North Carolina. The CPCF funding will benefit pregnant women who need free ultrasounds, supplies, shelter, counseling and other resources.
“Pregnancy care centers are a vital resource supporting pregnant women and their babies. Seventy-six percent of women who had abortions say they would have chosen life if their situations were different, and this funding totaling $6.8 million per year will help women choose life,” said NC Values Executive Director Tami Fitzgerald. “The ability to see your child on an ultrasound before making a life and death decision for your child is imperative, so funding ultrasound machines was an important component of this appropriation.”
Pregnancy care centers provide supplies to pregnant women and new mothers in need, including diapers, maternity clothes and important medical services like ultrasounds, pregnancy and STD testing. CPCF also has a Circle of Care program, which supports pregnant women in need of funds for car repairs, housing, groceries, and other essential living expenses for a healthy start for mother and baby. Besides advocating for pregnancy care center funding, NC Values also supported funding for The Human Coalition, a pro-life advocacy group serving abortion-determined women. The organization received $1.5 million in the state budget. Another $3.15 million was appropriated to individual pregnancy care centers as well.
“We are thankful the General Assembly not only passed pro-life legislation this session to save the lives of thousands of unborn babies from death but for funding pregnancy care centers so that more women feel confident and equipped to choose life,” said Fitzgerald. “As pro-life advocates, NC Values will continue to advocate for the unborn, pregnant women, and their babies once they are born.”
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