We’re here to help

We realize that you’re probably feeling a lot of different things right now. You may be confused, angry, sad, or scared. Or, you may not know what to feel! That’s OK, too. The good news is there are a lot of people in Louisiana who want to help you.

Here are some answers to some questions that you might have, along with a bunch of resources in Louisiana that can help you with anything from health services, food assistance, housing, and more.  Click on the questions or statements below to reveal additional information.

What is a pregnancy center, and how can it help me?

A pregnancy center is a local, non-profit organization designed to help those facing an unplanned pregnancy. All services are free, professional, and confidential.

The services offered by a center vary, but generally, pregnancy centers offer free pregnancy tests, counseling services, ultrasounds, adoption assistance, family assistance referrals, and much more.

Many financial and material resources are available to those facing unplanned pregnancies, and pregnancy centers are eager to connect you with those resources. If you are pregnant and in need of help, we strongly encourage you to find a center near you.

In Louisiana, Use the Search Box Above to Find a Center Near You

Outside Louisiana, Find a Center Near You at Option Line

Call The Option Line Hotline at 1.800.712.4357 to Find a Center Near You Both in Louisiana and Across the Nation

Where can I get a free pregnancy test or ultrasound?

Most local pregnancy centers across the state provide free pregnancy tests and/or ultrasounds to women. Please contact your nearest pregnancy center for more information. Just enter your zip code in the search box above and the closest pregnancy center’s information will come up.

What pregnancy and childcare financial help is there in Louisiana?

We understand caring for a baby can be expensive and that you might not feel equipped to handle the financial responsibilities. Fortunately, there are a number of assistance programs that will help for free. For summaries of a few programs, read below.

Please contact your local pregnancy center or call 1.800.251.2229 to learn more.

LaMOMS
The LaMOMS program is a free health care coverage program that pregnant women can access regardless of whether they are single or married. LaMOMS can cover the cost of doctor appointments, hospital visits, and other related medical expenses associated with prenatal care, childbirth delivery, and care for your newborn baby. Please contact your nearest pregnancy center to learn how to obtain these free services.

Click here to visit LaMOMS online.

LOUISIANA WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
The Louisiana WIC program can help you with basic food needs for you and your baby. Contact your local pregnancy center to learn more.

You also can visit Louisiana WIC online by clicking here.

LOUISIANA CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program can help you pay for child care for your baby. Please contact your nearest pregnancy center to learn how to sign up for The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program.

Click here to visit The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program online.

Louisiana Head Start

Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. These programs help build relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas. Many Head Start programs also provide Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the Federal poverty level. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free) or use the Head Start Locator found here.

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

Provides cash assistance to families with children when the financial resources of the family are insufficient to meet subsistence needs.  A pregnant woman in her third trimester is included in the definition of “families with children”.

Click here to learn more about FITAP.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health.

Click here to learn more about SNAP.

Child Support Enforcement (CSE)

Offers parent locator and paternity establishment services, as well as assistance to establish and enforce child support orders and collection and distribution of child support payments.

Click here to learn more about CSE.

How can I find local resources to help my tough, even dire, circumstances to support myself and my baby?

You can use the zip code search above to find many resources that may be available very locally to you to address your needs such as food, clothing, shelter, baby supplies, legal services, addiction intervention, child care assistance, physical and mental health, and more. But please know the data on this website, though vast, is not exhaustive. If you cannot find what you need in our zip code search, please reach out to one of the social service networks below who are dedicated to connecting you to resources.

United Way: Dial 211. 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community: basic human needs, physical and mental health, employment support, senior and disability support, youth and family support.

Department of Children and Family Services: DCFS works to meet the needs of Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens. Dial 1-888-524-3578 or search [email protected]

Partners for Healthy Babies: Connects Louisiana moms and their families to health and pregnancy resources, services, and information. Dial 1-800-251-2229 or click here.

Nurse-Family Partnership: Louisiana has been a leader in evidence-based home visitation as one of the earliest implementers of Nurse-Family Partnership, beginning in 1999. Nurse-Family Partnership is operated by the Louisiana Office of Public Health and through a strong collaboration with the Tulane University Department of Psychiatry. Thanks to public-private partnerships, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses are serving first-time, low-income families in 60 of the state’s parishes. Find your local NF Partnership by clicking here.

Catholic Charities: The Mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of goodwill to do the same: housing, advocacy services, mental and physical health, food assistance, disaster relief, and more. Dial 703-549-1390 or click here.

Volunteers of America: Legacy of responding to the needs of at-risk youth, the elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals, veterans, people with disabilities and those recovering from addiction. Dial 703-341-5000 or search voa.org.

Louisiana Services Network Data Consortium: LSNDC is the Louisiana Services Network Data Consortium.   We are a statewide network that is broken up into ten regions. Each of the ten regions have Continua of Care (collection of nonprofit agencies) that are dedicated to empowering nonprofit agencies in Louisiana whose mission is to serve the homeless population of our state. The primary purpose of the LSNDC System is to provide a client and service data management tool to aid the ten regional Continua of Care to end homelessness in Louisiana. Currently, LSNDC has a vast number of agencies that provide all types of services to families and individuals. Click here.

How can I get help in a domestic abuse or human trafficking situation?

If you are experiencing Domestic Violence, call or search the resource below:

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. Our programs serve people from everywhere in Louisiana and who come from all backgrounds. We oppose violence as a means of control over others and support equality in relationships.

Call: 1-888-411-1333  Free. Confidential. 24 hours. Help is available.

Website: https://lcadv.org/programs-resources/

 

Stop Trafficking Louisiana

The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention serves as a lead governmental agency responsible for coordinating and implementing statewide efforts to prevent human trafficking and to address the needs of survivors. The Office is also tasked with coordinating resources of public-private entities that develop, manage, and operate supportive services for human trafficking victims. The Office utilizes a survivor-informed and trauma-informed approach to guide its work and follows the nationally recognized framework of the 4-P’s to combat human trafficking: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships. The Office also provides leadership and oversight of The Louisiana Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and Advisory Board and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Taskforce (MMIWG).

Call: 800-434-8007   This line is 24/7.

Website: https://www.stoptraffickingla.com/how-to-report

 

Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana

Click here to look through a vast collection of organizations that offer resources and support to help human trafficking survivors in Louisiana.

Are you in need of baby supplies?

For baby supplies, we recommend contacting your local pregnancy center first to see what they can provide and what options they can recommend in your area. Search for your local center at the top of this page!

Otherwise, check with these resources:

Partners for Healthy Babies

Connects Louisiana moms and their families to health and pregnancy resources, services, and information. Dial 1-800-251-2229 or click here. Please also particularly see Partner’s for Healthy Babies’ listings of resources for free or low-cost car seats.

Nurse-Family Partnership

Louisiana has been a leader in evidence-based home visitation as one of the earliest implementers of Nurse-Family Partnership, beginning in 1999. Nurse-Family Partnership is operated by the Louisiana Office of Public Health and through a strong collaboration with the Tulane University Department of Psychiatry. Thanks to public-private partnerships, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses are serving first-time, low-income families in 60 of the state’s parishes. Find your local NF Partnership by clicking here.

Family Resource Center

Navigating resources can be overwhelming for both families and providers. The Family Resource Center (FRC) is here to help! Our experienced staff are available to help identify and connect families to resources and services in their community and across the state based on their child’s specific needs. In addition to health information, they can connect families to resources related to insurance, finances, education, food security, and more. Dial (504) 896-1340 or click here.

Find your local Community Action Partnership and request help for formula, clothes, and other help: Dial 202-265-7546 or Click here.

Breastfeeding Support: La Leche Leagues Louisiana directory

La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to our meetings or call our Leaders for breastfeeding help. We also provide health care professionals with continuing education opportunities and access to the latest research on lactation management. The mission of La Leche League to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Dial 1-877-4-LA-LECHE or click here.

National Diaper Bank network

If you or someone you know needs diapers, there may be assistance in your community. To find out if an agency in your area provides diaper assistance to families in need, please call 2-1-1 on your phone or search online at 2-1-1.org. Specialist are available 24/7 to help identify local resources that may be able to help provide diapers and other basic necessities. Ask about or search for diapers or basic needs. Also check the listings under children.

What are my legal rights?

You can’t be forced.
It is unlawful for anyone to make you have an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor. In fact, forcing a minor to have an abortion is considered child abuse. If you are a minor being forced into making a particular decision, you can report it by calling the Child Protection Hotline at 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437). The call is free, and the hotline operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Click here to visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s Woman’s Right to Know website for more information on this topic.

You and the father.
The father of your child must provide support of the child, even if he has offered to pay for an abortion. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can help you locate your child’s father and determine whether he is the father. DCFS can also help establish and enforce child support orders and collection as well as distribution of child support payments. To learn more about Child Enforcement Services, click here or call the customer service center at 888.524.3578.

You and adoption.
The law allows adoptive parents to pay costs of prenatal care, childbirth and newborn care.

Click here to visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s Woman’s Right to Know website for more information on this topic.

You are not alone.
Many agencies are willing to help you carry your child to term and to assist after your child’s birth. This includes access to health care services for mother and baby, supplies, healthy food items, nutrition education and in-home support.

Click here to visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s Woman’s Right to Know website for more information on this topic.

Contact your local pregnancy center for more information and direction if you have questions or concerns about your legal rights.

Louisiana Legal Services Programs and Resources

The Access to Justice Committee encourages the public to learn more about the Louisiana laws that affect them. With this understanding, individuals may be able to resolve some of their own legal problems. Answers to many common legal questions can be found on a separate website, www.lawhelp.org/LA, which the Access to Justice program helps support. This website also helps individuals find free legal and social services, locate courts, and provides online applications and forms. LSBA Access to Justice legal education materials are also posted here. This information is not intended to be legal advice.

Statewide Directory of Legal Program Services
A list of programs that provide free help with civil legal problems to low-income residents can be found at www.lawhelp.org/LA.

Concerned about your health? Low-Income Health centers + suicide/crisis/addiction hotlines:

Use the zipcode search above to find a low-income health center near you as a beginning to address concerns you may have about your health, especially with being pregnant! It’s important to take care of yourself, and there are resources and aid to help you do that! Your local pregnancy center would also be a wonderful stop to receive counseling for your physical and mental health worries!

 

Map of Medicaid Application Centers

1.888.342.6207 http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/262

Directory of Louisiana Parish Health Units

https://ldh.la.gov/page/394

Directory of Louisiana free and low-cost clinics

https://freeclinicdirectory.org/louisiana_care.html

Hispanic Prenatal Helpline

800.504.7081 hispanichealth.org

Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health Program

(888) 482-2130 www.lbchp.org

 

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line offers advice and referrals for anyone who feels that they’re experiencing a crisis. This can include drug and alcohol dependency, suicidal impulses, family problems, and other personal difficulties. To access the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741 any time, day or night.

National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine

The National Alliance on Mental Illness operates a helpline for individuals and their loved ones who feel they may be experiencing a mental health crisis. People who know or suspect they have a mental disorder or who believe a loved one might be suffering from such an issue can call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to get help. The helpline also accepts text contacts, and the alliance may be reached via email. Responses go out during normal business hours.

National Drug Helpline

The National Drug Helpline is open to any individual dealing with addiction issues, including family members and other loved ones. Resources are available for those struggling with any addictive substance, including alcohol, and professionals are available to help 24/7/365 at 1-844-289-0879.

National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center

The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center hotline helps people suffering from mental illness find the resources they need to get treatment, including crisis intervention. Services are available in English and Spanish at 1-866-615-6464 or 1-866-415-8051 for TTY users. Live help is limited to regular hours, though online chat is also available.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline exists to help people feeling suicidal find the help they’re looking for. The lifeline also has resources to assist people with addiction issues to find help. Callers can reach the lifeline at any time of the day or night at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or 1-800-799-4889 for TTY users. Spanish-language services are available by calling 1-888-628-9454. Online chat is also available.

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Parents and other caregivers can reach out to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids at 1-855-378-4373, to be connected with information and assistance dealing with children’s addiction issues. Live services are available during regular hours only, but concerned guardians can reach the hotline by email and by text.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a 24/7/365 hotline that refers callers to mental health and substance abuse resources in their area. All programs recommended by SAMHSA meet federal guidelines for assisting people with mental health and addiction disorders, and all inquiries are kept strictly confidential. Spanish services are available, as are English services, by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or 1-800-487-4889 for TTY users. SAMHSA also operates an online treatment locator tool people can use to find addiction and mental health assistance nearby.

Maternity Homes in Louisiana and other Housing Help

There are three:

  • Baton Rouge Area:
    Sellers Maternity Ministries
    13758 Denham Road
    Baton Rouge, LA 70818
    225.261.8886 or 800.859.0046
    Sellers Maternity Ministries is for teenage unwed mothers.
  • Lafayette Area:
    St. Marguerite d’Youville Maternity Home
    1331 Jefferson St.
    Lafayette, LA 70501
    877.849.6636
    St. Marguerite d’Youville Maternity Home is for homeless pregnant women.
  • Shreveport Area:
    Heart of Hope – A Sanctuary for Women
    10420 Heart of Hope Way
    Keithville, LA 71047
    318.925.4663
    Heart of Home – A Sanctuary for Women houses pregnant teens and women ages 11-23.

 

Need help with long-term housing?

Louisiana Public Housing Agencies

Public Housing Agencies, commonly referred to as Housing Authorities and abbreviated as PHAs, are federally funded and regulated organizations tasked with developing long-term, sustainable housing strategies for the communities they serve. Housing authorities offer many services for those within their jurisdiction, most notably the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs. Each housing authority participates in a different array of programs to best meet the needs of their community. There are 161 public housing agencies in Louisiana managing a total of 190 affordable housing waiting lists that are open now or opening soon. Click here.

Louisiana Housing Corporation

The Louisiana Housing Corporation’s mission is to ensure that every Louisiana resident is granted an opportunity to obtain safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing. Click here.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, rental help in Louisiana

Visit this site for information on subsidized apartments, information on Section 8, housing counseling, help with utility bills, and more. Click here.

Have you received an "adverse" prenatal diagnosis? You are not alone!

The news of a prenatal diagnosis can be crushing. You may not know what to do or where to turn. You may anguish over what medical decisions would be best for your baby and wonder how to approach the rest of the pregnancy. Please do not let yourself be pressure by your doctor or others to make a choice that you do not believe in, and please consider your options and the community support available. There are resources that are dedicated to walking alongside you in pregnancy and in helping you after birth and throughout your child’s development.

Be Not Afraid

BNA is a private non-profit organization supporting parents carrying to term following a prenatal diagnosis. Our staff and volunteers strive to develop relationships of trust while providing for the emotional and tangible needs of parents at diagnosis, during pregnancy, at birth, and during the post postpartum period for up to one year. We believe that every baby is a gift, and we support parents not only in advocating for basic care, but also in obtaining the treatment they deem appropriate for their child after birth no matter the diagnosis. BeNotAfraid.net

Louisiana Department of Health: Genetic Abnormality information

Act 563 of the Louisiana Legislature designates the Louisiana Department of Health as the agency to provide resources, programs, and services for pregnant women who have a diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormality and resources, programs, and services for infants and children born with disabilities. These resources are available for requesting providers of women’s health care services and are maintained on this website.

Prenatal Partners for Life

Prenatal Partners for Life is a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. We offer support by connecting parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. We have many resources such as adoption agencies with clients waiting to adopt and love a special needs child should a parent feel they could not care for them: PrenatalPartnersforLife.org

Perinatal Hospice and Palliative Care

If you are here because of a prenatal diagnosis that indicates your baby may die before or after birth, we are so sorry. Perhaps you are considering continuing your pregnancy and embracing whatever time you may be able to have with your baby, even if that time is only before birth, while your baby is cradled safely inside of you. Please know that support is available (see the links on this site for perinatal hospice & palliative care programs and other resources) and that you are not alone. Parents who have traveled this path before you have found that it can be a beautiful, profoundly meaningful, and healing journey. PerinatalHospice.org

Louisiana state resources to help your exceptional child thrive!

(consider these resources as continuing support and care after Be Not Afraid’s up-to-one-year resources!)

 

What about adoption?

We understand if you are not ready to take on the full responsibilities of parenthood. We encourage you to consider the option of adoption. Placing a child for adoption is rarely an easy decision. Counseling and support services are a key part of adoption and are available from a variety of adoption agencies and parent support groups across the state. There are many ways to adopt, including through a public or private agency or through a private attorney. One type of adoption, known as an open adoption, permits the woman to choose the adoptive parents. Fully anonymous adoption is also available.

To find out more, please call the state’s Pregnancy Hotline at 1.800.251.2229 or contact the pregnancy center closest to you for an adoption agency recommendation.

Adoption Agencies throughout Louisiana:

What about the father?

The father of a child has a legal responsibility to provide for the support, educational, medical and other needs of a child. That duty can include child support payments to the child’s mother. Paternity can be established in either of two ways:

  1. The father can acknowledge the child by signing the birth certificate and a written declaration before a notary public and two witnesses; or
  2. An action can be brought in court

For more information on child support and paternity testing, please contact either the state’s Health Pregnancy Hotline at 1.800.251.2229 or contact the National Paternity Hotline at 1.800.798.0580.

How are abortions done?

When you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, there is so much happening in your life that you may find it difficult to think clearly. However, if you are considering abortion, it is important you understand all that the various procedures entail.

Emergency Contraception

All forms of emergency contraception, i.e. “Plan B,” “Ella,”, etc., act in three ways: they stop ovulation, block sperm from joining with an egg, or prevent a newly fertilized egg from implanting — which can be considered an early abortion. If you just found out you are pregnant and are considering one of these, we encourage you to contact the pregnancy center closest to you for advice.

For more information on Ella, click here.

For more information on Plan B or the “morning after pill, click here.

Medication Abortion (RU-486 / Mifepristone) “Abortion Pill”

RU 486 abortions are a two-step procedure, generally requiring three trips to an abortion facility. RU 486 is authorized by the FDA to be administered up to the 49th day LMP (six- or seven-week-old fetus). In the first trip to the abortion facility, a woman takes the first pill (RU-486 or mifepristone) to block the hormone progesterone that maintains the uterus’ nutrient lining during pregnancy. Once the uterus is compromised, the embryo starves and dies. Two days later, the woman returns to the abortion facility for a second drug, misoprostol, to initiate uterine contractions. Most women will expel the dead embryo within four hours of taking the second drug. The final visit must take place one to two weeks later to ensure that the abortion has taken place. If it hasn’t, a surgical abortion will then be required.

Surgical Abortion Procedures

Suction Aspiration Abortion (between 4-13 weeks after last menstrual period
A suction aspiration abortion is done throughout the first trimester. Depending upon the provider, varying degrees of pain control are offered, ranging from local anesthetic to full general anesthesia. In a suction aspiration abortion, the cervix needs to be opened wider to complete the procedure. This may require a two-day process where medications are placed in the vagina, or a thin rod is inserted into the cervix to gradually soften and open the cervix overnight. The day of the procedure, the doctor may need to further stretch open the cervix using metal rods. Next, the doctor inserts a plastic tube into the uterus and turns on the suction (vacuum) machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a loop-shaped tool called a curette to scrape the fetus and fetal parts out of the uterus.

To view a medical diagram of a suction aspiration abortion, click here.

Dilation and Extraction Abortion (D&E) (14-24 weeks after last menstral period
An abortion using the D&E method is done in two steps: dilation (opening the cervix) and evacuation (emptying) the uterus. To dilate the cervix, sponge-like material is inserted into the cervix a one-three days prior to the procedure. As the sponge gets wet, it swells and opens the mouth of the cervix. Sometimes, other oral or vaginal medications are used to further soften the cervix. On the day of the procedure, after anesthesia is given (local or general), the cervix is further stretched open using metal rods. Once dilated, forceps (used for grasping and pulling) or a curette (sharp tool used for cutting) are used to removed the child from the uterus.

To view a medical diagram of a D&E abortion at 14 weeks, click here.

To view a medical diagram of a D&E abortion at 23 weeks, click here.

Abortion Recovery & Healing

“…I was told the abortion would be over quickly……instead the pain has been stuffed deep in my heart  for years…after abortion, I was never the same…” We can look back, “connect the dots”, and see how our “life changed after abortion”…emotionally, spiritually…even with possible physical complications. When women abort, we may think the crisis or problem has ended.  We’ve been told or thought “we can go on with our life.” In the days, weeks, and years to come, what we find is the pain in our heart, our soul,  our mind, may still be buried deep.  Another layer of pain has been added…instead of true freedom. Sometimes the pain is inflicted by coercion or being forced by another person. When we take the time to look back at our life, we can see a pattern of destructive behavior, unresolved emotional pain, a cycle of trauma, addictions, possibly feeling we deserve abusive relationships, hopelessness…a life seeking hope, help, and a new beginning. Many times we stuff and bury our pain deeper and try to go on.   But abortion is a deep loss often with layers of trauma that need to be healed. Even though removal of the scarred layers may seem painful, at first, full healing and true freedom will come. It’s not too late.  It’s time for healing.  

Louisiana Abortion Recovery – a place for hope, healing, and restoration: LaHope.net 985-643-4357

Project Rachel

Project Rachel is a compassionate and confidential ministry which extends God’s unconditional love and forgiveness to women, men, couples, or other family members who have experienced the tragedy of abortion in their lives.

  • Project Rachel Baton Rouge 225-267-4673
  • Project Rachel New Orleans 504-885-1141
  • Project Rachel Lafayette 337-261-5607

SaveOne — Offers help for men, women, and family members/friends, through group study, online  study, or answering questions and giving encouragement through self-study. We have a Bible based  curriculum that was written by our founder Sheila Harper. [email protected] 615-636-2654   [email protected] saveone.org/contact  

LA Right To Life — Resources at prolifelouisiana.org/outreach/abortion-recovery-awareness

USCCB Pro-Life Committee — Resources at usccb.org/prolife/abortion-healing

 

Secular/Non-Christian resources below:

PASS With Love is a one-on-one and group counseling service developed by an Arizona woman who was once pro-choice and had two abortions. Her approach is secular and she specifically reached out to Secular Pro-Life to offer herself as a resource.

AfterAbortion.com is not a formal counseling system, but a collection of message boards where post-abortive women can support one another through their pain.

Albany Rose (who is active in Secular Pro-Life) found that it helped her to reclaim her medical records from the abortion facility. She has posted a YouTube video about her experience.

Individual women sometimes adopt secular elements of Christian post-abortion healing programs, including rituals such as naming the unborn child, and dedicating a pair of baby shoes or other memorial to the child. Some also benefit from one-on-one therapy with a psychologist–but of course, you have to carefully choose a psychologist you trust.

Finally, remember: if you are in a place where you want to harm yourself or end your life, dial 911 or call 1-800-SUICIDE immediately! Healing takes time, and most post-abortion programs take the long view. That’s all well and good, but it’s not appropriate in an emergency situation.

 

Examples of further Financial, Education, and Employment Assistance

Try searching in the zip code above for assistance near you. You can also browse through this variety of directories and professional information about resources in Louisiana and beyond to help your needs now and in the future.

The Life of a Single Mom has served more than 750,000 single mothers over the last decade. Our primary goal is to have every single mom connected to a local support group in her church to ensure long-term support, encouragement, and education, ultimately helping her forge friendships and build a strong community. Further, we provide life skills education in 3 core areas: Parenting, Finances, and Health & Wellness, along with life-changing and inspiring events, such as single mom conferences, boot camps, and more. We believe that no single mom should walk alone. Our services focus on helping single mothers with long-term solutions to ensure healthy outcomes for their families.

Louisiana Single Mothers Assistance program contact collection

Financial Assistance Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana Housing Corporation – Energy Assistance

Louisiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Partners for Healthy Babies Financial Resources

Grants for Women in Louisiana

Grants for Single Mothers in Louisiana collection

Louisiana Workforce Commission (225) 342-3111

Money Smart

GED Classes in Louisiana

Not finding a center or resource on this site?

  • Louisiana Department of Health’s Abortion Alternatives Hotline, call 866.729.1788.
  • Louisiana Department of Health’s Abortion Making a Decision Pamphlet: (Click here to view the PDF)
  • Louisiana’s Pregnancy Hotline, call 1.800.251.2229
  • To find centers outside Louisiana, visit www.OptionLine.org

Safe Haven Law: I'm desperate and can't take care of my newborn!

The Safe Haven law provides a legal means for parents to safely relinquish custody of newborns up to 60 days old without the threat of prosecution for neglect, abandonment or child cruelty.

DCFS recommends parents who want to relinquish their newborns take the following steps:

  1. Locate the nearest Safe Haven site by clicking to use this search feature.
  2. Once at the facility, locate an employee, hand your child to them and state that you want to use Louisiana’s Safe Haven law.
  3. NEVER abandon your child. If you cannot travel to a Safe Haven site, call 911.