These days, half of what was the first nonprofit clinic in the nation to house a birthing center and provide abortions is empty.
The clinic is CHOICES—Memphis Center for Reproductive Health and it opened in 1974, in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling.
But now its abortion patient clinical rooms and recovery area are used for storage. The call center room is going unused. Many staff have been let go, and others have had to navigate a new career path.
More than two and a half years after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, that decision has had a powerful impact.
It’s been daunting for reproductive health professionals. Health workers struggle to determine what is permissible under state law, worrying about medical education and job security in an ever-changing landscape. The complexities have caused some to avoid a career in reproductive health.
Lily Picard is among those who have had to navigate a new career path since Dobbs.
Picard was originally hired three years ago as an abortion doula to support patients during and after procedures at CHOICES. Since the ban took effect, she’s moved to a different department.
Now she helps patients with appointments.
CHOICES still has a birthing center and administers birth control. Those who need abortion care are referred to a branch of the clinic in Carbondale, Ill.
“I still have a hard time and I miss it so much all the time getting to do that work,” said Picard, who volunteers outside of her job to do virtual abortion doula support. “I still get people here that call here just wanting to talk about it.”
It’s not ideal. But she’s grateful there was still a place for her to be involved.
“They just haven’t had room for me up in the midwifery, I guess,” said Picard, who is also certified as a doula for birthing, death and postpartum care.
In September, a federal judge temporarily paused parts of Tennessee’s 2024 law limiting adults from helping minors travel for an abortion out of state. On Oct. 17, a state trial court temporarily paused part of a separate Tennessee law that prohibits providers from performing most abortions. That law specifically excluded mental health emergencies as a justification for emergency abortions.
The uncertainty weighs heavily on Picard.
“If I didn’t have my son, who’s only 5 now, I would absolutely have moved somewhere else,” said Picard.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and uncertainty surrounding reproductive health care, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of pregnancy centers that provide support and resources to pregnant women facing crisis situations. These centers, often run by anti-abortion groups, offer a continuum of care model to connect women with a variety of social support services to help them navigate their pregnancies and beyond.
One such center, the Memphis Coalition for Life, is dedicated to assisting pregnant women in crisis situations by providing them with resources such as mental health counseling, parenting classes, and housing assistance. Director Susie Lovato emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues that may be contributing to a woman’s crisis, rather than solely focusing on the pregnancy itself.
Despite facing obstacles such as lack of government funding, Lovato remains optimistic about the center’s ability to continue providing much-needed support to pregnant women in need. The center, along with other similar organizations, has also received funding from programs such as the Tennessee Strong Families Grant, which aims to assist nonprofits and pregnancy centers that work with crisis pregnancies.
On a national level, lawmakers are beginning to show support for crisis pregnancy centers, with several measures introduced this year to recognize and provide funding for these organizations. These centers play a vital role in supporting pregnant women during difficult times and offering alternatives to abortion.
As the legal landscape surrounding reproductive health care remains uncertain, the work of pregnancy centers becomes even more crucial in providing support and resources to women in need. By addressing the root causes of crisis pregnancies and offering comprehensive care, these centers are making a positive impact on the lives of pregnant women and their families.
While the future may still be uncertain, the dedication and commitment of pregnancy centers like the Memphis Coalition for Life offer hope for a better future for pregnant women and their families. With continued support and funding, these centers can continue to provide invaluable services to those in need, creating a brighter future for all involved.
