SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 827

WHEREAS, Pregnancy care centers serve women in Texas and across the United States with integrity and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Today, more than 2,500 pregnancy care centers around the country provide comprehensive care to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies; these facilities offer resources to meet physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs, including such free services as pregnancy tests, confidential peer counseling, 24-hour telephone hotlines, childbirth and parenting classes, and referrals to community, health care, and other support services; and

WHEREAS, Many medical pregnancy care centers offer ultrasounds and other forms of medical attention; in addition to information on adoption and adoption referrals, other resources are provided for women who choose childbirth over abortion, and pregnancy care centers encourage women to make positive life choices by equipping them with complete and accurate information regarding their pregnancy options and the development of their unborn children; the centers promote infant health by ensuring that expectant mothers receive prenatal information and appropriate services; and

WHEREAS, Among other services, pregnancy care centers may provide grief counseling for women and men who regret past choices they have made; the mission of a pregnancy care center may also encompass the teaching of abstinence education in public schools in order to prevent unplanned pregnancies; and

WHEREAS, Pregnancy care centers rely primarily on the generosity of donors and volunteers who are committed to meeting the needs of women and promoting and protecting life; at the same time, federal and state governments have increasingly come to recognize the value of the services provided by these centers and to designate public funds to support their efforts; and

WHEREAS, In the Lone Star State and across our nation, pregnancy care centers have a considerable and growing positive impact, and it is indeed fitting to honor their contributions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize pregnancy care centers for their vital endeavors and commend all those associated with these facilities for their dedication; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of the pregnancy care centers of this state. Patrick

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate