State allocates $3.5 million for services to pregnant women, new moms

Governor Mike Pence announced a new partnership today that would benefit women’s health organizations across the state. The pilot program was allotted $1 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for one year.

The new funding will allow Real Alternatives to expand statewide from its current network in northern Indiana, which includes one social service provider, as well as 14 pregnancy support centers, according to the group’s website.

Service providers who work with Real Alternatives are barred from having affiliation with entities that perform abortions or are advocates for the pro-abortion rights cause.

Though Pence praised Real Alternatives for the services they offer to expectant mothers, he has been an outspoken opponent of women’s reproductive health care providers that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood. There’s also unspent money from previous years still in the fund.

The governor’s office said services will include referrals and counseling for issues ranging from breastfeeding to sexual abuse, and cover the period from pregnancy through 12 months after a baby is born.

“After seeing the success of the Real Alternatives pilot program in northern Indiana, the importance of expanding the contract statewide became clear”, said Governor Pence.

The new money flowing into the program is excess Department of Homeland Security dollars – essentially, unused funding that carried over from previous years.

Nor does Real Alternatives endorse contraceptive use, according to its website. Jenny Hunsberger, Client Services Director at the Women’s Care Center said ultimately this deal would help provide more funding so that women’s heath centers across the state can continue to provide free services.

“We provide counseling and support and talk to them about their options”, she said. This organization will not advise about birth control, instead will only recommend abstinence.

In 2015, the Fort Wayne locations have seen 2,100 women who have made 10,000 visits to the center. Women receive coupons by “doing positive things for their child” and can use the coupons to buy items.

A call placed to Real Alternatives’ offices Monday was not returned.

“Real Alternatives offers life-affirming and compassionate care to women throughout pregnancy and as they begin their parenting journey”, said Mike Fichter, president and CEO of Indiana Right to Life.

In October of 2014, the ISDH conducted a year-long pilot program with Real Alternatives.