Services are part of abortion debate

Nat Hentoff was right on in his recent column regarding common ground on abortion. He quotes Tennessee Congressman, Lincoln Davis as saying, "It's not about pro-life or pro-choice. It's about what we can do to bring a reduction to abortion." People have to realize that women are often forced into choosing abortion because they have nowhere else to turn. Fortunately, there are caring, safe and compassionate places, like PHD, that emphasize alternatives to abortion.

Founded in 1971, PHD, The Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, has built a solid reputation in the community as a pregnancy counseling center providing women and families with comprehensive services focused on pregnancy and parenting experience through the first three years of a child's life. Most women, by the time they come to PHD, have made the decision to parent their baby and are coming for support services that empower women to make healthy choices for them and their children.

PHD maintains a nonjudgmental and caring attitude throughout a woman's pregnancy journey. In addition to counseling, PHD therapists help women struggling with grief and loss related to the death of child through trauma, still birth, miscarriage, post-abortion and post adoption. Postpartum depression, anxiety and general parenting and family concerns are also addressed. PHD also offers basic necessities including baby food, clothing, formula and diapers through its Baby and Maternity Closet to remove some of the stress from a woman's life so she can focus on more important issues. Additional community resources are also provided.

The bottom line? Knowledge is power. When women and families know what's available to them, only then can they make the best decisions. As such, PHD will continue to be an alternative to abortion, providing hope, opportunities and options in a supportive and caring environment.

Now that's common ground.

Catherine Vincus

Executive Director

PHD Palatine