New pregnancy center offers family alternatives

Some 200 pro-life supporters were on hand last week as Congressman Dan Lungren cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of the area's first "pregnancy resource center."Alternatives Pregnancy Center of Folsom will offer free counseling, adoption referrals and medical services such as ultrasound imaging to young people facing tough decisions on pregnancy, sexual health and parenting. The facility will serve as a satellite center for its Sacramento headquarters, which first opened 27 years ago.Lungren called the Folsom center a "miracle" as he spoke to the large group assembled at the facility's entrance."It will serve an area that has seen real growth and make it much more convenient for people facing these kinds of decisions," he said. Vivian Brumfield of Folsom said the facility will provide young women with information from "both sides" when it comes to pregnancy options."A place like this in Folsom was sorely needed for a long time," she said. "I think it's going to be a phenomenal alternative to Planned Parenthood."Another woman said she might not have had an abortion herself had there been a center like this when she became pregnant at a young age. For privacy reasons, she wished only to be identified as Kelley N."For me it wasn't over that afternoon," she said. "And that's what I hope this place will help young women understand. It was 30 years ago for me and the story hasn't changed."Paul Barnes of El Dorado Hills said he regrets participating in an abortion."I've come to realize that it wasn't just a blob of tissue, it was a human being."Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the large group assembled inside for a prayer session hosted by local and regional worship leaders.A moment of levity took place after a couple babies cried when Pastor Kevin Newton was addressing the group."We love babies, you little people just cry away," he said. "That's why we're here."Alternatives Pregnancy Center, Folsom is located at 381 South Lexington Drive, Suite 102. Hours are currently from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call (916) 972-0367 for more information.