Today we have part 2 of our look at Genesis Pregnancy Services under the direction of Wendy Burpee. It’s the third installment in our series on maternal and early childhood issues.
The real boots on the ground work in the pro-life effort come from pregnancy centers like Genesis Women’s Clinic. There are efforts underway in legislatures, courts and in the media, but one could make the case that pregnancy centers are truly where the battle against abortion will be won and lost, one person at a time. Wendy Burpee is Executive Director of the Genesis clinics in Phoenixville and Pottstown in southeastern PA. Their presence continues to grow.
“Now we have some 700 clients every year, probably 3 to 7 ultra sounds every week, or about 250 saved unborn children since we launched in 2019,” Burpee said.
When you go to the Genesis website, the first phrase you see is “providing care for women, no matter what.” No matter what you choose. And no matter how long you need that help.
“We start at the ultra sound. We follow the client right through the pregnancy. We make sure they have everything they need for the baby.”
They provide health screenings and counseling, along with all the materials that a mother needs in the first few months and years of raising a child.
“Because I want to be able to say to them: we’re not just here for you today,” Burpee said. “We’re going to stay with you. We’re going to keep helping you.”
And Burpee can help with those who are contemplating taking the other path. She went that route and had three abortions in a prior relationship. She also suffered abuse at the hands of her boyfriend during that time. Tough experiences, but ones that make her equipped to dealing with the women she meets at Genesis and the –counselors- who meet with women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy under difficult circumstances.
“Having also come from severe domestic abuse in my background, I’ve been able to work with the girls and tell them how to counsel their women and tell them how to walk away from those toxic relationships.”
Burpee says the Genesis counselors are more than just counselors.
“They’re sisters, showing support for these women, giving good advice, being objective about their situation, offering all the referrals that we have available to them.”
