The year 2020 was a year that we will certainly never forget. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic send ripples of loss across American families, it has resulted in an economic crisis and a childcare crisis. It has upended our social institutions and our way of life and is an ongoing threat to public health across the globe. Despite all of this, however, it is estimated that more than 115 million babies were born worldwide in the last nine months in the shadow of the corona virus.
Sadly, COVID-19 has isolated pregnant women from friends and family — the support systems that mothers, new and experienced, rely on to deal with anxieties and share in excitement. It is also piled on unpredictability around procedures, new concerns about exposures to the virus and exacerbated postpartum mental health stress.
In many cases, circumstances associated with the pandemic such as unemployment, underemployment, food and housing insecurity and social isolation can impact a person or a family’s ability to care for a newborn – causing some to question if they should bring new life into this crazy world.
Just last month a scared mom brought her healthy newborn to a Safe Haven site in New Jersey – the fourth Safe Haven surrender in our state in 2020. The Safe Haven law, which went into effect in August 2000, allows infants up to 30 days old, free of abuse or neglect, to be anonymously surrendered to staff at hospital emergency rooms, police or fire stations, and ambulance or rescue squads. Once cleared by a medical professional, surrendered infants are placed into an adoptive home. Even during the pandemic, there are Safe Haven sites in every New Jersey town prepared to help. No shame, no blame, no names (www.safehaven.org).
While the Safe Haven law is aimed at keeping newborn babies safe, pregnancy help centers can provide a safe haven for pregnant moms in need. In fact, as we battle this pandemic, the critical services that these local centers provide are more important than ever before. The staff and volunteers at these centers are truly frontline workers, first responders and heroes who provide compassionate care for women who, in many cases, are alone and afraid. Here is a snapshot of some of their work:
Fran Johnson, director of Pregnancy Aid & Information Center in Raritan, explains that their facility had to close temporarily due to COVID-19, but, thankfully, they were able to reopen in early September. Since the reopening, they have been able to provide material needs and counseling for numerous pregnant moms and families. She recounts recently helping to provide clothing for a pregnant mom who came to the center in the freezing weather with shoeless and jacketless children in tow. Fran is continuously inspired by the generosity of so many local parishes, Knights of Columbus Councils and others who have provided monetary donations as well as baby items during this perilous time.
Joan Fasanello, director of Life Choices, Inc. in Phillipsburg, has also been touched by the kindness of so many. Businessmen, priests and others have reached out to her over the last nine months, offering services and financial assistance to ensure her center stays open. Interestingly, Joan notes that since the pandemic began there has been an increase in married moms facing unplanned pregnancies coming in for help.
Joan also runs the St. Anne Center in Phillipsburg, which provides much needed daycare for essential workers. In addition, they recently opened Grandma’s House, a residence for women who are pregnant and homeless. They currently have two residents, one of whom just gave birth!
Christine Riggio, director of Office Operations for Life Choices Resource Center in Metuchen, was pleased to share that they were able to give out 90 “Spread the Joy of Christmas” gift cards to children in need, thanks to the generosity of local rosarians and Catholic schools students. In addition, throughout the pandemic, Life Choices has continued to provide free ultrasounds and have helped clients with housing, material needs, clothing and transportation. Christine explains that, with the increase in the number of clients over the last year, the use of Telemed has been a true blessing, providing a safe way for the center to counsel women about their pregnancies and the precious life they hold within. Jo Ann Gerling, chair of the Board of Life Choices, invites anyone interested in helping at their center to sign up for news alerts by emailing [email protected].
These are just a few highlights of some of the wonderful life-affirming work that is being done every day. For a complete listing of pregnancy help centers in our local area, along with contact information, visit: https://diometuchen.org/pregnancy-help. Consider offering a gift of your time, talent or treasure!
As we begin this year, let us pray to St. Gianna Beretta Molla, who is a powerful patron of pregnant and parenting mothers during this pandemic. St. Gianna herself lived through a pandemic, the Spanish Influenza, which took the lives of her three siblings. As a physician, wife, and mother, she knew intimately what it was like to struggle with a challenges during pregnancy. We ask St. Gianna’s prayers for a swift end to the pandemic and for all women who are pregnant, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, that they be supported and strengthened by God and their loved ones during this time of crisis.
Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Office of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life