The Life-Saving Work of Collier Pregnancy Centers
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Published on Friday, 23 January 2009 01:14
The organization has been operating in Naples since 1974, a year after the Roe vs Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2002, the Collier Pregnancy Center became a medical clinic staffed by registered nurses and medical technicians and overseen by a licensed physician. A main reason for the change, Mr. Fischer said, was to begin offering ultrasound exams, which have made a huge impact on CPC's mission.
"A young woman came in just the other day who was five and a-half weeks pregnant," Mr. Fischer said, "and after seeing an ultrasound of her baby and hearing its heartbeat she decided she just couldn't have an abortion."
The CPC, which added a Fort Myers office a little more than a year ago, offers a range of services including pregnancy testing, ultrasound exams, nurse consultations, parenting classes, adoption information and referrals, pre-natal classes and material assistance such as baby clothes, diapers and car seats. It more than doubled the number of services performed in 2008 from 2007, and 90 percent of "abortion vulnerable" women wind up choosing life, Mr. Fischer said.
Mr. Fishcer came out to Ave Maria at the invitation of Cee Cee Marinelli and Blake Gable of Barron Collier, who were impressed with the work that the organization is doing. Barron Collier hosted the reception at The Bean.
In addition to reaching more women in 2009, the CPC also hopes to establish an educational center that will let it expand its help to mothers and parents.
Collier Pregnancy Centers do not accept government funding and depend entirely on private donations. They do receive some support from the Diocese of Venice through a Support Life collection instituted by Bishop Frank Dewane.
Anyone wishing to support the work of the Collier Pregnancy Centers can donate through their website or call them at 239-980-4230.
