FAQ About Morning Star and Real Alternatives
In August 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania would be defunding Real Alternatives, a nonprofit that administers state funding to pregnancy centers and other pro-Life organizations that offer alternatives to abortion. This FAQ provides an update on the current situation and its impact on Morning Star.
Is Morning Star a Crisis Pregnancy Center?
Morning Star is a pregnancy medical clinic. We provide medical services including ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment, and abortion pill reversal, as well as non-medical services such as sexual integrity education in schools, parenting workshops, baby supplies and post-abortion support. Morning Star is licensed in PA under our medical director, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Higgins, our registered diagnostic medical sonographers perform all of our ultrasounds, radiologists read all of our ultrasound scans, and we have nurses that provide other medical services to our patients.
How has Morning Star partnered with Real Alternatives?
For the past 27 years, Real Alternatives has provided Morning Star with funding to help pay for some of our non-medical services. This partnership lowered Morning Star’s cost to provide pregnancy education, parenting classes and baby supplies, allowing us to help more women and families.
How much Real Alternatives funding did Morning Star receive?
On average, Morning Star received approximately $100,000 through Real Alternatives each year. Losing this funding creates a budget shortfall. Morning Star will need to raise this funding in order to continue providing our services to the growing number of women, men and families coming to our clinics.
Has Real Alternatives actually been defunded?
Yes. As of January 1, 2024, Pennsylvania is no longer funding Real Alternatives and Morning Star will not receive any additional funding from the state of Pennsylvania through this program.
Will losing Real Alternatives funding change the way that Morning Star operates?
No. Morning Star is a Christian organization rooted in the love of Jesus Christ for each human person. We do not—and will not—accept any funding that could compromise our mission or negatively impact the services we provide to our clients. We have faith that, through your prayers and support, God will provide us with the means to continue our Life-saving work and to reach even more families.
How can I help?
Our greatest need is to educate our community about the importance of Morning Star’s Life-affirming medical services and support for families. You can also help by making a direct financial contribution to Morning Star. Please consider joining our Circle of Friends by becoming a monthly donor: Your ongoing support will provide us with stability as we move our mission forward. Finally, please pray for Morning Star and especially for the women, men and families who come to our three clinics for help.
How can I spread the word?
Help us spread the word by talking to your friends, family, and coworkers about Morning Star, sharing our posts on Facebook, and encouraging your church or other groups to partner with us. Here are other sites that provide more information about pregnancy help organizations:
Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative — www.papregnancy.com
Pregnancy Center Truth — www.pregnancycentertruth.com
Should I donate directly to Morning Star?
Yes. This will ensure that we receive your donation and can use it to help families in our own community. The majority of Morning Star’s support comes from individual donors like you: we do not receive funding from organizations like the PA Pro-Life Federation, the PA Family Institute, or (as of January 1, 2024) Real Alternatives.
How can I donate to Morning Star?
When you make a one-time donation to Morning Star or join our Circle of Friends by becoming a monthly supporter, you are making a difference in the lives of women, men and families in our community. You can donate online, call us at 717-734-4630, or mail a check to Morning Star Pregnancy Services, 2509 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110.