Birthright program fosters 'lifelong relationship' with women in need

 "Birthright is called 'a friend in need,'" said Sheila Calhoun, the pregnancy resource center's director. "Every person is different: someone might need diapers, someone might need formula, someone might just need to cry and have someone listen." Calhoun became the nonprofit's director in spring 2022, following the retirement of previous director Terri LaHugh after 22 years. She said Birthright offers many resources for women facing an unexpected pregnancy amid challenging circumstances. Everything is provided free-of-charge. "Birthright offers pregnancy tests and maternity clothes," said Calhoun. "We also have formula, diapers, infant, toddler and children's clothing usually up to about size five or six. Birthright also has breast pumps, bottles and sippy cups." Birthright International was founded by Louise Summerhill in Canada in 1968 to help women facing unplanned pregnancies. Since then, their mission has spread to the United States and Africa. Calhoun said Birthright has no income requirements for receiving services and they are 100% volunteer-run, confidential, donor-supported and ecumenical. They are also nonpolitical and do not lobby or take government funding.