[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE-CHOICES PREGNANCY CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Life-Choices 
Pregnancy Center, which has served the women of Joplin, MO since its 
inception in 1990. To date, over 4,000 women have received services 
from the center in the form of pregnancy testing, counseling for those 
considering an abortion, and support for those who have already had an 
abortion. The center also manages two programs that make a difference 
in the lives of many Joplin residents: Mom Care, is designed to help 
mothers deal with their parenting responsibilities, and the Virtuous 
Reality program provides valuable information to teens and parents 
about making responsible and healthy choices in their lives. As 
evidence of the good work of the Life-Choices Pregnancy Center, at 
least 160 babies who would have been aborted are alive and well today 
because of their counseling and support.
  On October 7, the center will dedicate its new facility which will 
enable it to serve more women in a number of new ways. The center will 
immediately begin to offer ultrasound imaging, physical exams, and 
other forms of pre-natal care for at-risk women. In the near future, 
they also plan to add testing and treatment for sexually transmitted 
diseases, pre and post adoption counseling, abstinence education, and a 
24 hour telephone help line to better serve the women of southwest 
Missouri.
  Life constantly presents us with choices, and there are consequences 
to the choices that we make. A woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy 
has few options, and often feels that she has no where to turn. I am 
grateful that the women of Joplin can turn to the Life-Choices 
Pregnancy Center because there they can find a friend who has the 
patience to listen and the experience to understand and give advice 
that many would not be able to give. And, whatever her decision might 
be, I know that the center will provider her with the love, support, 
and counseling that she will need to make it through such a difficult 
time.
  In closing, I remember the words of Mother Theresa. Speaking at a 
National Prayer Breakfast in 1994, she asked ``How do we persuade a 
woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with 
love and remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until 
it hurts. Jesus gave even his life to love us.'' I thank everyone who 
made the choice to give of their time and love for the benefit of 
others at the Life-Choices Pregnancy Center.

                          ____________________