How can Parkridge help me?
If you think you might be pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions like-Who can I talk to? How will I tell my parents? How can I finish school? How will this affect my relationship with my boyfriend? What about my future? What will people think? Where can I get the help I need?
If you are pregnant, you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. You have the right to be informed of all of your options. You have the right to know the facts. You have the right to know the truth. It is your responsibility to seek these answers. The responsibility of knowing the facts must come before the choice is made. Choices, however, don't have to be made alone. Parkridge is here for you. We can offer you a reliable pregnancy test, confidential counseling with someone who cares about you, accurate information on abortion, adoption, pregnancy and parenting, factual information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, support groups that meet you at your point of need, and on-going encouragement and support for you and your family and friends. All services of Parkridge are free and completely confidential.


What other programs does Parkridge offer?
Parkridge offers a free pregnancy support program called Bridges, which is designed to provide a caring support group to help meet some of the needs encountered during an unplanned pregnancy. Bridges is for young women who are either pregnant, or have recently had a baby, and are looking for encouragement, friendship, support and assistance. Our Bridges counselors and teachers understand the concerns that come along with pregnancy and being a new mother. We are dedicated to providing a loving, confidential environment in which you can comfortably share these concerns. Special care and support is available for women considering the loving option of adoption. Through our program, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the development of your baby, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn with speakers who specialize in these areas. Opportunities will also be available to develop important life skills helpful for you and your baby's future. Topics include goal setting, stress management, time management, parenting skills, budgeting, self-awareness and more! Through Bridges, you will have the opportunity to shop for maternity & baby items in our Mommy Market & our Baby Boutique with the "mommy money" you will earn. Our group meets for 6 consecutive Thursdays from 5-7pm and is offered 3 to 4 times each year. Call Parkridge to find out if you qualify for our Bridges program.


What is Post Abortion Stress?
Post Abortion Stress is an adverse emotional reaction experienced by individuals involved in an abortion decision. It is often a delayed reaction and can surface at any time in a person's life . . . and when it does it can be confusing, painful and overwhelming. The symptoms of Post Abortion Stress span a wide range and can affect men as well as women. At first, there can be a sense of relief following the abortion because the immediate crisis is over. Over a period of time, however, the relief often begins to wear off. It might occur when the individual learns more about fetal development or when he or she experiences a planned pregnancy. Even a change in his or her moral perspective could cause these struggles to surface. Post Abortion Stress is a type of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It occurs when an individual is prevented from going through a normal healthy grieving process. It keeps her or him from coming to peace with herself, God, and those involved with the decision to abort. Doctors have found an alarming number of individuals who suffer psychological effects, such as a sense of loss, regret or grief, for weeks, months, or even years after their abortion. If you have had an abortion or you were involved in an abortion and have experienced guilt over your decision, anger toward those responsible for the pregnancy or abortion, problems with relationships, feelings of emptiness, depression & isolation, or if you feel as though you haven't been the same since the abortion, you may be experiencing post abortion stress. We recognize that not every woman who has an abortion will experience symptoms of Post Abortion Stress; however, for those that do, Parkridge is here to help.


I've had an abortion and need someone to talk to.
On the outside . . . everything looks fine. You live your life. You go to work. You go to class. You run your errands. You eat, sleep and smile, just like anyone else. But on the inside . . . everything is not fine. You may be feeling pain, loneliness or emptiness. Maybe you feel confused and isolated-withdrawing into your own empty shell. Maybe you just don't "feel" anymore. All because sometime, somewhere you had an abortion. Maybe more than one. And since then, you haven't been able to forgive yourself. You are not alone. Millions of women, like you, suffer from Post-Abortion Syndrome. Most suffer in silence; but you don't have to. Those feelings don't have to go on forever. To help you find healing and hope, we offer a free and confidential Post-Abortion Support Group at Parkridge Pregnancy Center. Healing begins by letting your feelings surface, overcoming denial, and talking through your experience with others who understand your pain-people who have been there. We can also provide individual counseling. Deciding to seek help may be one of the toughest decisions you have made. But it may be one of the best. We want to help you experience life in its full joy. For a safe and confidential place to start the healing process, please contact Parkridge Pregnancy Center.


At Parkridge Pregnancy Center we recognize that women have a right to make their own decisions about the outcome of their pregnancy. We exist to help women make an informed and thoughtful decision. The information provided on this website is not intended to diagnose any condition or pregnancy and should not take the place of your medical practitioner. Consult your physician with any medical questions you might have. The information and services are provided with the understanding that neither Parkridge Pregnancy Center nor its suppliers or users are engaged in rendering legal, medical, counseling or other professional services or advice.


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