Pregnancy tests check for a hormone called hCG, which is produced by a developing placenta during pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, your hCG can be detected with our urine pregnancy tests after being at least one week late on your menstrual cycle. The longer you wait to take the pregnancy test, the more accurate it becomes. It is best to wait until your first missed period before you take a pregnancy test.

Emergency Pregnancy Services, a program of Growing Parenting Choices provides a laboratory quality urine test, FREE OF CHARGE with immediate results.  Proof of Pregnancy forms can also be obtained through EPS.

After an EPS client receives a positive proof of pregnancy, the Counselor/Sonographer may suggest a free, in-office ultrasound to better determine the number of weeks into the pregnancy.  This life-affirming opportunity will aid the client in making informed and important decisions.  The client’s pregnancy must meet the guidelines to perform an ultrasound, as determined by the Counselor/Sonographer and the Medical Director.

Specially trained peer counselors have the knowledge and experience to answer any questions about the results of a pregnancy test. Our compassionate staff spends time dealing with the results of a positive or negative test while educating clients on issues such as decision making, appropriate relationships, risk-taking behaviors, and planning for the future.

The advantages of options counseling are that very emotionally charged decisions are brought down to a more manageable issue, based on the true facts, not an inflated crisis. Our counselors give practical assistance with seeking medical care and community support dealing with the pregnancy. However, EPS is not an abortion clinic and does not offer abortion services or referrals.

EPS also provides material assistance for infants that include blankets, bibs, clothes, bottles and newborn items. Larger items may be available, which may include cribs, highchairs, strollers and bassinets.

All items are donated to each of our three offices from the community, and available in limited supply.

• Will I be able to give my baby all of the opportunities he or she deserves?
• Will I be able to continue my education? Am I ready to be a mother?

You may realize you want something more for your child. Adoptions look different in each case. As a birth mother, you have:

• the freedom to choose the adoptive parents
• the freedom to choose if you would like to see your child and their adoptive parents
• the freedom of privacy to receive pictures and no contact.

Considering adoption is a part of looking at all the choices you have. The Emergency Pregnancy Services program is able to provide support for you if you are considering an adoption plan for your child.

Our role is to provide education and counseling to help prepare for this decision, including post placement, and connecting you, the birth mother with an adoption entity of your choice to find potential adoptive families.