I went there just for the free ultrasound because I am pregnant and needed one for my OBGYN. HOWEVER, it is very clear to me that this place is religious based and if you are seeking an abortion or leaning in that direction, they are going to be judgmental and I, wholeheartedly do not agree with that. If this place is going to be called “Choices,” it should offer ALL choice available, not just those that align with their beliefs.

I went to this center back in December soon after finding out I was pregnant. The website said they offered ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy and how far along you are and that they go over all of your options. My boyfriend and I, given our circumstances at that time, were heavily leaning towards abortion. Looking on their website I thought this would be a great place to go to and really explore every option I have. When we got there, it was very clear that this place was very religious-based, which was not disclosed on the website. I didn’t think too much of it, I was just hoping we would still get the experience we thought we would, given that neither my boyfriend or I are religious. For starters, they separated my boyfriend and I into completely different rooms, which we both did not like considering this is an important life event and obviously most people need their partner at that time to discuss and go through all available options. My “advocate” ended up coming in to talk to me. I was given a worksheet to fill out to rank which option I would rather do (ie parenting, adoption, abortion). When I told them I was most likely going for abortion, it turned into judgement. She went on this whole religious tangent about God and how he does not want that. I simply said “I don’t practice any religion”. She then started scolding me and asking me why I don’t believe in God, which is absolutely no one’s business. After about an hour to an hour and a half, my boyfriend was allowed back in the room with me. I told her I wanted to look into different abortion procedures. The entire time, we were given “risks” and different statistics that aren’t even true. They were there to just fear-monger, judge, and shame women who are already going through a hard time. It is fine if you want to be a Christian-based center, but that needs to be disclosed on the website. If not, then when someone comes in asking for information for an abortion (which is offered on their website) do not judge or shame them. Their only redeeming quality was that their front desk lady was very sweet.

The center has a wonderful support system for the men that come to the appointment with her. She receives the help she is seeking for free and is asked first if she would want the father to be invited into the ultrasound room. The men are seen separately while she is prepping for the ultrasound and during that time he can ask questions and learn more about pregnancy. I am very happy with the overall feeling in the center and felt cared for and listened to.