Pro-Life Article Round Up

Every pregnancy services appointment at Morning Star starts with a vital, confidential counseling appointment. Our counselors develop an important relationship with our mothers and fathers. We hear their stories, provide a confidential, non-judgmental listening ear and encourage and support them with needed resources so they are empowered to make a Life-giving choice.

Ultrasounds are a very sensitive moment for a mom. They can bring great joy or bring great anxiety, depending on how the mom is feeling about being pregnant. Because of the delicacy of this time, our sonographers are also highly trained for the wide range of conversations that may occur.

Mothers are able to return to Morning Star as many times as they need to continue receiving ultrasounds while they move through the decision-making process. These moments are opportunities for moms (and dads) to see their baby grow and learn about the Life that is growing within.

“Babies almost double their size from week to week, so there’s a huge difference. Moms and dads are always amazed when they come back,” shares Lori.

Unfortunately, many moms and dads have been taught that at this early stage their baby is simply tissue. But when they are given the opportunity to see their tiny baby through an ultrasound, it is much harder to deny Life.

A heartbeat can be seen sometimes as early as five or six weeks. Shortly after, the baby’s arms and legs begin to form and facial features are able to be seen. These intimate moments can make a huge impact on the decision of a mom or dad. A parent who previously felt incapable or unprepared to raise a child can experience a profound connection to their baby that leads them to choose Life.

You can help continue to make our ultrasound program possible by donating to Morning Star at SupportMorningStar.com. ●

It’s probably no surprise to you that Morning Star offers services and support that empower men and women to make Life-giving choices.

But did you know that we also provide services that empower youth to avoid high-risk behaviors and develop healthy relationships?

We sat down with Unfiltered-Truth Program Director Leslie Moyer for this exclusive video interview to discover what Unfiltered-Truth is all about and how it is dramatically impacting the youth in our community.

“Unfiltered-Truth is a Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) program,” shares Leslie, “Really it’s about optimal health. Our objective is to instruct the students that we see in the skills necessary to discover healthy relationships.”

Unfiltered-Truth teaches students strategies to be better, healthier people in all areas of life. In fact, one of the first lessons in the program delves into discovering six categories of intimacy: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and financial. Using these categories of intimacy helps students view themselves, others, life and school in a more holistic manner. This knowledge is foundational to them being healthier, making better decisions, and setting them up for a successful future.

Throughout the program, students are learn the value of waiting until they are in a 100% committed relationship before engaging in sexual activity. However, this may not already be the case for some students, which is why many of them have shared, through surveys, that they appreciate the conversations around “do-overs”. Students are encouraged to focus on the future: with the tools they’ve learned through the program they will begin to make healthier decisions.

“And, if students do end up being in a difficult situation, then Morning Star is here for them,” adds Leslie, “But our hope is that we will see less young people dealing with the dangers that sex causes in their lives.”

Morning Star’s Unfiltered-Truth program is an essential service in our local youth community. It is through programs like this that we will see a positive transformation occur in student relationships, personal self-esteem, and future success. ●