In 2007 we began offering free screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).  Statistics from the Center for Disease Control show alarming growth in the spread of STD’s and the age of those infected is getting younger.  As we have networked with public school officials and nurses we have seen a demonstrated need in the Dallas area for education, testing, and treatment of this growing health problem.  Through surveys within our own client base we found a real ignorance in sexual health, but also a real desire to be educated in risky sexual behaviors. We believe God called us to address this need in a practical manner by offering testing and treatment, along with the good news and practicality of the abstinence message. Reaching out to those who are sexually active, but not yet pregnant, with the abstinence message is a proactive response to the unplanned pregnancy problem as well.

We have also found within our clients an “at-risk” situation for abortion, even among women who plan initially to carry their pregnancy.  All too often, when young women share the news of their pregnancy with family and/or the father of their baby, they are not met with the reception they hoped.  Even those who are excited they are pregnant are vulnerable to pressure to terminate their pregnancies when a parent or boyfriend is unhappy with the news.  Because this risk is real and has been demonstrated with previous clients, we are moving forward in 2008 in offering a sonogram to all clients who have a positive pregnancy test.  Having that bonding experience with their child via ultrasound helps young moms choose life when their support system fails after they leave the center.  This aggressive use of ultrasound will greatly increase our medical clinic activity, but we believe it will be another proactive step we will be taking for life!

With increased services, comes an increase in client numbers.  In the last quarter of 2007 we added two additional staff members in order to serve our growing client needs with excellence.  We are grateful God has expanded our DPC family with two more godly and talented women. With new staff comes the need for additional space.  We are looking for ways to more efficiently use the space we have, as well as looking for additional space to occupy.  It is our desire to stay in our current centrally located space, but we are remaining open to God’s provision!  Our capital improvements of our current space and/or capital expansion will provide additional funding challenges in 2008.  How interesting it will be to see how God makes provision for the enlarging of our territory.  Perhaps He will use you to be a part of growing His ministry at the Downtown Pregnancy Center!