Staff members with several pregnancy medical clinics and resource centers in Pennsylvania recently gathered with state lawmakers to announce the Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative (PPWC). The PPWC is a new organization working to unite Pennsylvanians involved with pregnancy help to advance maternal health for women and families across the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania has many pregnancy medical clinics that provide maternal and child health care and operate under the direction of a medical director and a credentialed medical staff. Additionally, pregnancy resource centers provide support services in their communities such as parenting education and material help.

Members of the PPWC offer a wide range of support services that go beyond pregnancy testing, including ultrasound, STD testing and treatment, emotional support for relationship issues and financial needs, educational and parenting classes, and material assistance, such as diapers, formula, and baby clothes. The clinics and resource centers also help to identify and address potential health issues early in pregnancy; they offer medical referrals, guidance, and screenings with the purpose of creating better health outcomes. Services are offered free of charge or at low cost to any community member.

The mission of the Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative is to provide a unified voice for pregnancy centers, educating communities and legislatures, and promoting and protecting pregnancy help statewide. For more information, visit http://www.papregnancy.com.