The moral test of society is how they treat those who are in the womb, the children, the aged, the sick, the poor, and the handicapped. We know health care in the United States has become incredibly expensive due to government mandates and regulations. A pro-life response to healthcare disparity is to provide free or reduced medical services paid for by non-profits and churches. These types of services are being provided all across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
A federally qualified health center is a medical facility that helps meet the needs of an under-served area or population. The FQHC provides primary outpatient services and opportunities for employment for the community, often while working to meet community initiatives.
Planned Parenthood vs. Federally Qualified Health Centers
- In 2019, Planned Parenthood served 2.4 million patients.
- FQHCs serve over 25 million patients per year.
- According to Planned Parenthood’s own statistics, 98% of American women never step into a Planned Parenthood in a given year.
- If Planned Parenthood were to be defunded, Federally Qualified Health Centers would only need to absorb two additional patients per week.
Specific Examples of Affirming Healthcare
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) spends $5.1 billion on over 11,000 FQHC sites annually (the remainder are “look-a-like” clinics that provide medical care but are not formally classified as FQHCs).
Re-allocating Planned Parenthood’s $500 million to this budget would allow the funding of 1,078 additional FQHCs that would provide quality medical care to the underserved.
Below you will find a few specific examples of medical practitioners on the front-lines of providing pro-life medical care and/or referrals to patients:
Tepeyac Family Center, LLC is a pro-life, OB/GYN, integrated healthcare practice with board certified doctors, registered nurses, other credentialed staff and medical assistants. We provide professional, compassionate, medical expertise that cares for the whole person. Tepeyac’s mission is to convey the healing presence of Christ through excellent medical care that respects the consciences of patients and providers. Tepeyac offers a full range of obstetrical and gynecological services while upholding the dignity and the intrinsic worth of each person. We educate patients about their well-being and life-affirming reproductive health practices that foster healthy individuals, families and communities.
Heartbeat International – [Heartbeat provides referral services for expecting mothers]
Heartbeat International works to inspire and equip Christian communities worldwide to rescue women and couples from abortion through the development of neighborhood pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and adoption services. These ministries provide life-saving help in a truly life-changing way by assisting women who are at risk for abortion with the life-affirming, practical support they need to choose life, then prepare them to parent or to place for adoption. Heartbeat serves as the leadership supply line for the Pregnancy HELP Movement worldwide.
[Vancouver, WA] New Heights Clinic is a free clinic that serves people with medical and dental needs who are unable to obtain care because they have no medical or dental insurance and have real difficulty paying for care. Patients are seen by appointment only.
[Madison, WI] Our Lady of Hope Clinic provides 24/7 DIRECT access to a personal physician, unlimited clinic visits, same-day scheduling, and extended appointment times for an annual or monthly contribution that supports its mission of providing free primary care to uninsured members of the community.