By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — There have been more than 4,000 babies’ lives saved since New Life Counseling opened its doors in 1984. The pregnancy resource center located at 631 East School Street is expanding its services to save even more innocent lives.
New Life Counseling held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, to announce two new services offered through New Life Medical Services. Clients will now have free access to Abortion Pill Reversal and STI Testing/Treatment for sexually transmitted infections. These are in addition to the other free services of pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and counseling.
Bishop Glen John Provost as she cuts the ribbon during a ceremony
on May 11 to announce two new services offered through
New Life Medical Services. They are joined by NLC board members,
former directors, and several loyal volunteers.
(Photo credit: Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)
“Timing is key when it comes to the success of Abortion Pill Reversal,” said Tabitha Dugas, Executive Director of New Life Counseling. “The effectiveness is based on time. We must get to these women within 72 hours of taking that first abortion pill (also known as RU-486). This is a way that we can save more babies.”
Abortion Pill Reversal is relatively new but it is effective, Dugas noted, which is why she is eager to spread the word to any women who finds themselves wanting to save their pregnancy.
“Statistics from the Abortion Pill Rescue Network show that 3,000 lives, and counting, have been saved in America from the use of Abortion Pill Reversal, so getting the word out is a priority,” Dugas emphasized. "APRN also reports that 150 women start the reversal process every month.”
“The biggest issue for me is that first, we are the only ones in this area who offer the option of Abortion Pill Reversal; and second, we offer it free of charge. That is huge,” said Dugas. “Normally, this could be up to a $700 or $800 cost that a woman could incur.”
In remarks before cutting the ribbon, Dugas expressed her gratitude to prior directors, Marcia Schexnider and Jeanne LeBato, both present for ceremony.
“Marcia and Jeanne poured their hearts into this ministry. We would not be where we are today without them,” she said.
Bishop Glen John Provost led the prayer at the ceremony asking God to help all to realize the sacredness of new life and respect it from the moment of conception until the moment of death.
In response to the recent news of the U.S. Supreme Court’s possible overturn of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case that legalized abortion nationwide, Dugas said New Life Counseling’s focus remains the same.
“New Life Counseling stands as a ministry of hope in a world that is saturated with false promises of happiness. For nearly 38 years, because of this community’s support, we have been constantly adapting our message of life to the newest generation,” said Dugas. “With relevancy, we are able to engage the youth of today with hope for the future. We choose to lead with grace but empower with truth. Politics will never change that.”
Among those in attendance for the ribbon-cutting were Krystal Romero, Louisiana Right to Life; Bishop Provost; NLC Board Members — Father Joseph Caraway, Genee Queenan, Sara Simoneaux, Lauralea Duffel, Courtney Mooring, and Sister Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM; and Al Williams, liaison for the City of Lake Charles; along with several loyal volunteers.
For more information and list of services offered by New Life Counseling and New Life Medical Services, visit newlifecounselinglc.com; newlifemedicallc.org, or call 337-474-7003.
