Life Choices Resource Center offers pregnant women help, hope

For 39 years, the Life Choices Resource Center has been helping pregnant mothers choose life for their unborn babies. Jo Ann Gerling, the volunteer board chair of LCRC, said, “We have served thousands of clients; some don’t come back for years, then one day proudly return with their children to thank us.” 

After counseling a pregnant mom, the staff and volunteers often pray that she will have her baby. “We aren’t always certain of the outcome, but leave it in the hands of God,” Gerling said. The Christian nonprofit charity adheres to Catholic teaching, relying solely on donations. In 2023, LCRC served 353 clients. 

Trained volunteer consultants counsel the women and complete a comprehensive Heartbeat International work program and testing. Guided by staff members, including a registered nurse, the consultants interact with their clients in person at their office at 503 Main Street in Metuchen and by phone or text on their 24-hour helpline: 732-516-0911. All services offered at LCRC are confidential and free of charge, including pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LCRC’s mobile unit serves as a moving billboard which displays their free services and telephone number. Volunteers drive near Planned Parenthood offices, abortion centers and near college campuses. 

“Most abortions are now chemical abortions with the deadly mifepristone and misoprostol pills. These drugs fail to result in a complete abortion two percent to seven percent of the time, according to the FDA. Complications from chemical abortions may include hemorrhages, infections, and rupture of undiscovered ectopic pregnancies, many requiring hospitalization or surgery,” Gerling said.

LCRC offers numerous ways to support the lives of mothers and infants:
•   Referrals for pregnant moms are provided to Catholic Charities, food pantries, housing, hospitals, immigration advice, mental health services, addiction recovery, legal advice and social services. Depending on the mother’s situation, consultants discuss adoption agencies.
•   LCRC educates clients about nutrition, and provides breastfeeding education and classes for their pregnant and postpartum clients; Gerling is a board-certified lactation consultant.  
•   Material aid such as cribs, car seats, strollers, diapers, blankets, Bibles, clothing and formula are provided. Mom and dad support groups are arranged, along with parenting classes. Their consultants and staff offer moral support to moms and dads experiencing a difficult time. 
•   Education about abortion and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is offered. Clients are helped with abortion recovery.
•  LCRC encourages Natural Family Planning (NFP) for married clients who are referred to St. Peter’s University Hospital’s NFP classes. Chastity and abstinence are emphasized for single clients. 

Parishes and schools can sponsor LCRC Baby Showers and Baby Bottle Blessings fundraisers to obtain material items for needy families and monetary donations for operating expenses. Churches can obtain free LCRC banners. Call 732-516-0911 for information.

“We follow up with our clients, giving them hope, and don’t abandon them. We appreciate our donors, the churches who support us, our wonderful clergy and our volunteers. Our staff prays for them every day. LCRC is God’s ministry. We’re thankful to Jesus and his Blessed Mother for their help,” Gerling said.