Big demand for pregnancy tests

MORE than 40 women have sought the help of a newly formed pregnancy centre, exceeding the expectations of its organisers.The Pregnancy Choice Centre has supported 43 pregnant women since opening in October. The aim of the centre is to support women who unexpectedly find themselves pregnant and provide advice and services.Based on 11th Ave, the centre also has an opportunity shop to provide low-cost baby and maternity gear to mothers in need. Director Janice Tetley-Jones said bigger items, such as cots and car seats, were in high demand.Mrs Tetley-Jones said 43 women had asked for support from the clinic since it opened, most for pregnancy tests.

"It's exceeded expectations. I thought it would take longer for word to get out. People are driving past and seeing the building, if people are aware there is somewhere to go for pregnancy tests they can pass on that information."

As the centre had been open for five months, Mrs Tetley-Jones said the volunteers had helped women who had since given birth.

"We've been able to support those women that had a positive test straight off," she said. "We had a baby born recently to a young girl we had been helping. She sent a text that said 'I'm so happy to have my baby and every time I looked at her I love her more and more'. She thanked us for helping her when she needed it most, that was really encouraging."

Mrs Tetley-Jones said the centre had seen some teenagers who had been panicking and did not know what to do when they found themselves pregnant.

"The joy of the centre is that we have the time to just chat about their situation then give them some information with their options and talk through each option and what it would mean to them."

Collecting second hand goods for clients who struggled financially was another way the centre could help women who unexpectedly fell pregnant, Mrs Tetley Jones said.~ Cross-posted from nzherald.co.nz