HJR 153

HJR153 191115-1 By Representatives Mooney, Butler, Harbison, Collins, Nordgren, Hanes, Whorton (R), Pettus, Williams (JW), Wilcox, Whorton (I), Farley, Weaver, Ball, Williams (P), Ledbetter, Wingo, Garrett, Beech, Fincher, Moore (B) and Holmes (M) RFD: Rules First Read: 06-FEB-18 191115-1:n:02/06/2017:DSM*/th LSA2018-699 RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PREGNANCY CARE CENTERS AND ENCOURAGING CONGRESS TO GRANT PREGNANCY CARE CENTERS ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND FAMILY AND ABSTINENCE EDUCATION. WHEREAS, the life affirming impact of pregnancy care centers on the women, men, children, and communities they serve is considerable and growing; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers serve women in Alabama and across the United States with integrity and compassion; and WHEREAS, thousands of pregnancy care centers across the United State provide comprehensive care to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies, including resources to meet their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs; and WHEREAS, data from 37 of over 50 pregnancy care centers in Alabama provided estimated cost-saving benefits of over $3,550,000 to local and state governments in 2016; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers offer women free, confidential, and compassionate services, including pregnancy tests, peer counseling, 24-hour telephone hotlines, childbirth and parenting classes, and referrals to community, health care, and other support services; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers encourage women to make positive life choices by equipping them with complete and accurate information regarding their pregnancy options, including adoption information, and the development of their unborn children; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers provide important support and resources for women who choose childbirth over abortion; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers ensure that women are receiving prenatal information and services that lead to the birth of healthy infants; and WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers provide grief assistance for women and men who regret the loss of their children from past choices they have made; and WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers work to prevent unplanned pregnancies by teaching effective abstinence education in public schools; and WHEREAS, both federal and state governments are increasingly recognizing the valuable services of pregnancy care centers through the designation of public funds for such organizations; and WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers operate primarily through reliance on the voluntary donations and time of caring individuals who are committed to caring for the needs of women and promoting and protecting life; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we recognize the many contributions made by pregnancy care centers and we strongly support pregnancy care centers in their unique, positive contributions to the individual lives of women, men, and babies, both born and unborn. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commend the compassionate work of tens of thousands of volunteers and paid staff at pregnancy care centers in Alabama and across the United States. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we strongly encourage the Congress of the United States and other federal and state governmental agencies to grant pregnancy care center assistance for medical equipment and sexual risk avoidance/abstinence education in a manner that does not compromise the mission or religious integrity of these organizations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Governor, President of the United States, President of the United States Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and each member of the Alabama Congressional Delegation.