Birth Choice is one of our new affiliate pregnancy centers located in San Marcos, CA. They very recently brought in a Stork Bus and are excited about the opportunities that come along. I recently interviewed Heidi Hill, the CEO of Birth Choice.
Tell me a bit about your Pregnancy Center.
We have two locations; one in San Marcos California and one in Oceanside California. We’ve been in San Marcos for 29 years and in Oceanside 6 years. We began as a protest to a local abortionist taking up shop in San Marcos. Our founders were a part of the prayer team outside the office but found that there was no alternative to provide women with a better option – so with a prayer team working around the clock, they opened what started as Birth Right and 2 years later became Birth Choice.
We have been 100% volunteer staffed and donor funded for 25 years before deciding to go mobile. A small staff of 2 was hired and fundraising began. We now have a staff of 8 and 20 volunteers. Birth Choice has two fundraisers a year: a women’s luncheon in the spring and a fall banquet.
Birth Choice, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has had more than 36,000 client visits since its inception on April 13th 1987. Through the grace of God and the work and prayers of our dedicated volunteers and supporters, thousands of babies have been saved.
Birth Choice has minimal paid staff (only 28% administrative expenses). We have a Board of Directors, a prayer chain, a newsletter team, a sexual integrity program, and parenting workshops. We have found housing for 230+ women in 28 years. These women, who because of their decision to give life to their children, would have become homeless.
What services does Birth Choice offer?
Birth Choice services are free and include: pregnancy self-tests, ultrasound referrals, support throughout pregnancy and afterwards, referrals to pro-life doctors for prenatal care, referrals for adoptions, community resources, fertility education and resources; post-abortion recovery counseling, and material goods earned through parenting classes. Birth Choice also provides referrals for pro-life doctors, prenatal care, and adoptions. Birth Choice is funded by private donations and receives no federal or state funds.
How did you hear about Save the Storks?
We heard about Save the Storks through the board chair at the time. Interestingly enough, I received a call from a donor very excited about the Mike Slater Program on the radio talking about Storks and mobile ultrasound. She insisted that I call in immediately and that we should consider something like it for Birth Choice, not knowing that we were already in the process. I interviewed with Mike Slater the next day on his radio program and discussed our process with Save the Storks.
Why did you choose to partner with us?
We wanted something that was custom-made to act as a billboard for Birth Choice while providing services for both our centers who were experiencing a decline in client numbers. They were also beautiful.
How will the bus impact the needs of your community?
Having the mobile will not only allow us to provide ultrasound on a regular basis to our two centers (currently we have only one day per week between the two that we pay for) but it will also allow us to serve women in the community throughout San Diego County.
Heidi says Birth Choice can’t wait to share stories and see the impact of the bus in the lives of women. They are currently finishing up their licensing process.
