By Karen Ingle
Pregnancy Help News
On the dead-end road that leads to Planned Parenthood in Kennewick, Wash., stands one last bastion of life: Hope Medical of Washington. After two years in its new building, the pro-life center has caught the eyes of women who thought abortion was their best hope.
As any woman who's turned aside from Planned Parenthood to Hope Medical instead could tell you, it turns out life—not abortion—was her best hope by far.
The vision for Hope Medical began in 2014, when a travel nurse named Cherie Childers—new to town along with her husband—joined a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood. Just down the street, in plain sight of every woman resorting to abortion, stood a building with a “for sale” sign out front.
Already a volunteer at nearby Tri-Cities Pregnancy Network (now “You Medical”), Childers suggested to leaders they look into buying the building. But, the network had recently made inroads into a local high school, and decided a head-to-head stance against Planned Parenthood would put that opportunity in jeopardy.
While she understood and agreed with the network’s decision, Childers held onto her vision for a permanent life-affirming outpost near Planned Parenthood.
In 2015, Shira Wise—who Childers had met praying with 40 Days for Life—started a crowdfunding campaign. After just three weeks, the campaign raised $280,000, enough to buy the building outright.
By January of 2016, Hope Medical of Washington was offering women a lifeline just down the street from the abortion giant.
On the very first day Hope Medical opened its doors, a woman on her way to Planned Parenthood stopped by the pregnancy center instead. As she left, the young woman wrote a quick note to thank the staff and volunteers for welcoming her and giving her everything she needed to choose life for her baby.
“I was on my way to Planned Parenthood when I saw the Hope Medical sign and saw that they were open,” the woman wrote. “Not only were they very helpful, but they made me feel very comfortable. Thank you.”That handwritten note—which Childers keeps on hand as a reminder—was just one of many affirmations Childers and her team have received along the way.
Pregnancy Help News story continues here
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Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call the Community Women's Center at 215-826-8090
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call the Community Women's Center at 215-826-8090
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
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