Birthright moves to new home on Dale Boulevard

For some women, pregnancy is a time of joy and celebration. But for others, it’s a time of strain, financial worry and anxiety.

And this is where Birthright, a non-government funded organization, comes in to play.

The intention of the organization, founded in 1968 by the late Louise Summerhill of Toronto, Canada, is for expectant mothers in need to have a place they can go for support, guidance and to be empowered to take care of their child on their own, if necessary.

“Our guiding motto is that it’s the right of every woman to give birth, and the right for every child to be born,” says Prince William County Birthright co-director Celeste Hufford.

“We like to see ourselves as being a supportive friend to pregnant women who really need our help. When the organization was founded, it was the first of its kind that actually assisted pregnant women in unfortunate circumstances to have their babies,” she said.

Co-directors Ivelisse “Lizzy” Felix and Hufford are settling into their new location at 4235 Dale Blvd. in Dale City. The move comes after 34 years in Occoquan.

“Our previous landlord passed away and due to the settlement of his estate, we had to move,” Hufford says. “It was a bit of serendipity that we found this new location. It’s outfitted nicely for what we need, and the layout is great.”

Completely staffed by volunteers, Birthright offers free pregnancy testing and prenatal information, referrals to social agencies, community organizations, church-based organizations and, upon necessity, referrals for adoption.

With financial donations from private contributions, churches and sources such as United Way, Birthright can also provide expectant mothers with maternity clothing, diapers and baby clothes for
infants up to 2 months old.

“Although we don’t offer medical care, we can help refer expecting mothers to appropriate sources that help them to get the adequate care they need. In special cases if a medical care program needs a blood test to confirm the pregnancy, we can cover the cost for that since we only do a urine test.”

Birthright also helps women sign up for the Women Infant Children, a nutritional program that ensures an expectant mother and/or her young baby eats well to stay healthy.

With international headquarters in its founding city of Toronto and national headquarters in Atlanta, Birthright is a nationwide effort with local centers in the Manassas and Fredericksburg areas as well.

Birthright does not refer clients to abortion facilities. Should a pregnant woman coming to the center decide on an abortion, Birthright will only provide factual, non-judgmental print information on termination procedures. The final choice is entirely up to the individual.

Those interested in volunteering or donating to Birthright can call 703-583-1178. The center is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.