Services
“After speaking with Lifeline, it was like a light [going off in my] head. I had a better idea of options – a better understanding. It helped [me] make the decision…”
Free services when things don’t turn out like you planned.
Pregnancy Services
You think you might be pregnant? Know for sure and find out what your options are.
- Pregnancy options education and evaluation. Not sure what you want to do about this pregnancy, there are three things you need to know.
- Know for sure? Lifeline offers free, lab-quality pregnancy tests supervised by a medical professional.
- Proof of pregnancy. Lifeline can provide you with “Verification of Pregnancy” that you can use to apply for medical insurance, provide proof of pregnancy to a school or employer, or to obtain WIC assistance.
- Confirm the pregnancy. For qualified clients, Lifeline offers free ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy. The ultrasound will confirm a live, intra-uterine pregnancy and establish approximately how far along you are.
- Referrals. Lifeline works with other community agencies that can help you get medical care, housing, and other social services. You can do this!
Reproductive Health Education
Your reproductive health directly impacts your physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. The sexual choices you make today will have an impact on your future – your future ability to conceive and carry a child to term – and your relationships.
- Know your body. Lifeline provides education about your menstrual cycle and the impact your sexual choices have on your future ability to conceive and carry a child. Learn how your hormones influence your decision-making.
- Know your risk. Lifeline provides a sexual risk assessment and education to help you protect your reproductive health. Lifeline provides free testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia and referrals for treatment and information about the irreversible damage that STI’s cause – even curable STI’s.
- Look at your relationships. Lifeline has tools and education to help you evaluate your relationships and make choices that can lead you to committed and fulfilling relationships.
Mother Support
For a client who has a pregnancy test at Lifeline, the staff offers services to help you be the best parent that you can be.
- Know what you want for your family. Lifeline will help you identify your goals for the future and get the skills you need to achieve them. Making change is difficult, but rewarding. Your child will learn all that you have to teach her and will admire the life you work hard to make.
- Know what you need for your family. Lifeline distributes formula, diapers, clothing, furniture and other supplies to help our clients provide for their families.
- Learn how to be the best parent you can be. Lifeline offers parenting classes to teach mothers and fathers the best techniques for raising healthy and happy children. Parents receive clothing and other baby supplies as they participate in a series of classes designed to promote parent-child bonding.
- Know what is available to you. Lifeline clients have worked with many agencies in the county. You will receive an excellent list of referrals designed for the obstacles you are facing. Let the Lifeline staff listen to your situation and refer you to the help you need.
Abortion Recovery
Have you had an abortion in the past? Drinking, drug abuse, unexplained sadness or anger, eating disorders and many other behaviors may be related to unresolved feelings about a past abortion.
- Learn more. Lifeline offers a behavioral assessment to help you see if challenges you face today are related to your abortion.
- Talk about it. You may need to talk about and process your thoughts about a prior abortion. Our staff will listen and never judge. There is hope and healing.
- Go deeper. If you feel trapped by feelings of the past, Lifeline will connect you to organizations that have helped many women let go of the past and embrace the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring anything with me to an appointment?
For your first appointment with Lifeline, please bring a photo ID (we only use this to protect your confidential records). If you are pregnant but have already seen a doctor, please bring proof of pregnancy to the visit.
Do I need insurance? How much does it cost?
No. Thanks to a variety of support, including generous donors, all of our services are provided free of charge.
How do I get a free pregnancy test?
Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. Lifeline provides pregnancy options appointments on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Why should I come to Lifeline of Berks County if I am sure I want an abortion?
The decision to have an abortion should never be made lightly. As with any medical procedure, there are many factors to consider. The staff at Lifeline will be able to give you up-to-date information on all of your options.
At Lifeline, you will have an opportunity to be certain that you have all of the information you need to make the decision that is best for you. Your consultant will listen to your situation without judgement and help you discover what information you need to make an informed decision.
What if I need help making a decision about my pregnancy and Lifeline is not open?
We want to be sure that you always have someone to speak with who will listen to you and open up your options. When we are not at the center, you can speak with someone at OptionLine 24/7 by calling 1-800-712-HELP, text “HELPLINE” to 313131 or chat online at www.optionline.org.
Our Services
At Lifeline of Berks County, all services are free and confidential.
For clients who come to Lifeline for a pregnancy test, Lifeline offers peer counseling, reproductive health education, material services, and referrals. Our pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, options education, and STI testing are for education and are not meant to replace your regular medical care.
Lifeline of Berks County does not provide or refer for abortions. We do listen and help you get the information you need about all of your options.
You have your own story. We are here to listen and provide support.
At Lifeline of Berks County, all services are free and confidential.
Contact
612 Reading Avenue
West Reading, PA 19611
Hours
Monday 12 PM - 7 PM
Tuesday 10 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 7 PM
Thursday-Fri. 10 AM - 4 PM