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ASSIST JOINS OTHERS IN HAILING FAILED EFFORTS OF NARAL TO RESTRICT VA PRCS

By Assist Pregnancy Center Executive Director Jane P. Fuller
February 2010

Assist joins other local pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) in the state in applauding the recent defeat of legislation prompted by NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League) Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation that would have unfairly regulated and restricted local PRCs. The fact that the bill was defeated in a no-vote by the very senator who sponsored the bill speaks to the recognition that it was biased and based on a less than accurate NARAL report published earlier last month.

In May of 2009, as part of a larger effort to discredit pregnancy centers across the state, NARAL sent an undercover volunteer into Assist Pregnancy Center to remove some materials from the racks of the waiting room. These brochures, along with other information obtained by ‘undercover agents’ were used as ‘proof’ that PRCs are providing ‘medically inaccurate information’ to their clients.

All clients who receive peer counseling at Assist read together with their mentor and sign a ‘Limitation of Services’ which states “We do not perform or refer for abortion.” The signed statement goes on to say, “Any attempt to obtain services or resources under false pretense is not permitted.” To the best of our knowledge, the NARAL volunteer did not personally talk with a staff member or volunteer client mentor at any time; however, had they, they would have perjured themselves by signing the ‘Limitation of Services’ statement.

Furthermore, NARAL has provided no proof that the materials that they removed were medically inaccurate. However, because Assist remains committed to providing the most up-to-date as well as accurate, medically referenced and well-sourced information to all of its clients, we have removed these and all other older-sourced materials. All materials now being used at the Center which include medical information have been medically reviewed and reflect the most current findings from nationally accredited sources.

Throughout its twenty years of existence, Assist has provided valuable assistance to the community, offering free self-administered pregnancy testing, emotional support, parenting education, material assistance and referral services. In the past year alone, Assist provided more than $20,000 in material resources to its clients, including diapers, cribs and car-seats. Most of these clients were either unemployed or low wage earners who have benefited greatly from the help Assist has provided. This is evidenced in the exit surveys in which 98% of the clients indicated a favorable response to the care and service Assist provided.

With associations of more than 25 local churches and 50 county, non-profit, and other social service organiza-tions, Assist is widely recognized in the community as a valuable and trusted agency. In 2009, Assist helped over 380 clients from over 30 different countries. Assist was able to connect many of these individuals with referrals to agencies including but not limited to Fairfax County Social Services and Health Clin¬ics, Healthy Families, WIC, Medicaid, Mary’s House, Elizabeth House, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Employment Commission and Bethany Services.

Assist remains committed to providing excellent care and services to all its clients, regardless of their race, religion, income or marital status. The vast majority of our clients are referred to us by the local health department or a trusted friend. As always, Assist holds to the industry set of standards called ‘The Commitment of Care’ which ensures that every client is treated with honesty, respect and compassion. Our goal is become the place where individuals in our community facing an unexpected pregnancy choose to seek help because we are committed to providing them accurate information to make an informed life-affirming choice.