Studies have shown that the most influential person on a woman’s decision to carry or abort is the baby’s father, so it is crucial to involve him in the decision-making process.
When we listen to the hearts of women battling this decision, we see that we must include men into the conversation as a vital part of the decision.
MEN OF HOPE PROGRAM
Men of Hope was a program at Hope Women’s Centers operated between 2003 and 2008 and was primarily focused on men’s post-abortion healing. This new Men of Hope Program will focus on counseling the partners of our female clients, specifically regarding the unplanned pregnancy they come to our centers focused on. We always aim to bring the father of the baby into the counseling room after initial assessment with the patient. In addition, Men of Hope would primarily focus on the man in the crisis pregnancy, with tools and resources specifically geared towards him, lead by a man that understands him. We train men to become advocates – to talk to the young men that come into our centers, helping them to understand their calling of providing and protecting for the child(ren) that God has given them.
The heart behind Men of Hope is perfectly stated by a former male client from another pregnancy medical center like ours:
Last time I came to the clinic I was made to wait in the lobby while my girlfriend was brought back for services. This time you invited me back and made me part of the process. Last time you treated me like the boyfriend. This time you treated me like the father.
From an expecting father’s perspective – having a male counselor would certainly have given a layer of emotional padding to the situation. The women and men who come to Hope are certainly well taken care of; however, having only female counselors tends to limit the men’s emotional connection to the center itself. By that I mean it would have been nice if there were a gentleman there to speak with who had previously been in my shoes before, to give me wisdom from his experience.
We are for HER but we are also for HIM. We recognize that while the women that come to our medical centers are most often fearful about a potential pregnancy, the father of the baby is also fearful and processing a lot.
We want the young man who walks into our centers to have someone who understands HIM and can help walk him through this new reality.
We need male volunteers who can help bring a strong case for fatherhood as part of God’s plan, as well as encourage the goals and dreams of the young men who come to our centers – and they do come!
In 2016, 1,347 men accompanied their partners to the centers to their appointment.
We provided comfortable chairs and some sports and auto magazines, but we missed the opportunity to speak life to these men because we did not have a male presence in the centers.
From January and February 2017, we had: 268 boyfriends, 33 finances, and 24 husbands come into our medical centers with their partners. Our two male volunteers were able to meet with 20 of these men, but that left 305 men sitting alone in our waiting rooms during the many shifts where no male counselor was available.
MEN: WE NEED YOUR HELP
Are you interested or do you know someone that would be interested in volunteering at any of our medical centers meeting with young men that come in? We will train and equip you, no formal training or experience necessary. Connect with us for more information.
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