Long standing tradition of providing valuable help

Birthright of Brainerd has a long standing tradition of providing valuable help to pregnant women and new parents in need of support, and in 2024 celebrates 50 years of service in the Brainerd lakes area.

Birthright International. It is part of a large network of centers providing help all throughout the United States and beyond.

Over the years Birthright of Brainerd has operated out of many locations, initially Joseph’s Hospital. This was followed by a Birthright was fortunate to relocate to its current location at 401 W. Laurel, Suite B, right across the street from the Mississippi Terrace apartments. It’s a very comfortable and

Just as Birthright has experienced many changes in location so have its services progressed to accommodate societal changes. Years ago there was a negative stigma about “out of wedlock” pregnancy. Single parenting was uncommon. Teenagers called Birthright secretly from their family phones to request free pregnancy tests. The tests they received were services. Young women who didn’t have family support appreciated the help Birthright gave them at a challenging time in their lives. Some sought information on adoption and years ago adoption arrangements were “closed.”

Birthright still provides free pregnancy tests, but most of today’s clients have already taken one or more at home. They call us from the privacy of their own cellphones. Because many single mothers now often choose to parent their babies, Birthright is here to help these new parents. If a woman is considering an adoption plan for her baby, the adoption agencies are helpful in guiding her decision. An open adoption gives her the opportunity to actually choose a family to parent her child and communication with the family and child is often arranged.

Computers and cellphones have enabled women to look up information about pregnancy and their options. Information is helpful, but sometimes it’s also valuable to have a caring person to talk to. Birthright provides someone who will listen and assist most helpful for them. Some visit Birthright only once or twice. Others have chosen long term contact and ongoing support. The help these women receive contributes greatly to their emotional and physical health and the well-being of their little ones. support to everyone who comes to us. This is made possible by the dedication of trained those in need.

Birthright recognizes new fathers may need help as well. “It’s a Guy Thing, Too” was the theme of one of our Birthright conferences. There are married couples needing resources for their little ones. There are grandparents taking on the responsibility of parenting very young children.

Birthright is here to help.

The free services Birthright provides are supported entirely by donations from individuals, local faith communities and civic through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, with no visits can be arranged at alternative times. Birthright International also has a 24-hour helpline number, 800-550-4900.

Going forward, Birthright continues to provide “A Path of Hope.”