By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
If you are pregnant and need help, there one group that can help with love and support. That group is Choices Life Resource Center, located at 1201 N. Jim Day Road, Salem. They are a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt group organization offering free pregnancy services in Indiana.
They do not perform nor refer for abortions, nor do they force any ideas upon the client.
As of 2024, abortion is illegal in Indiana. It is only legal in cases involving fatal fetal abnormalities, to preserve the life and physical health of the mother, and in cases of rape or incest up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman fits the criterion for an abortion, Choices may pay for abortion costs.
Choices has been around since 2004. There are four centers in the region, and they have helped over 800 families. Besides Salem, there are locations in New Albany, Corydon, and a satellite office in Marengo. The hours of operation vary, so be sure to check the organization’s website for hours of operation—https://choiceslrc.org/.
The Salem office is open Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is closed for lunch, 12:30-1 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling 812-653-6374.
Services offered by Choices include pregnancy testing, ultrasound, pregnancy options, parenting classes, services for men, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment, and support after abortion. An onsite registered nurse can test for pregnancy and determine how far along a pregnancy might be.
When asked about the programs for men, Allison Adams at the Salem location said, “Men may not get into the program right way. Until Mom says get in here and help.”
By attending programs on healthcare, parenting classes, and prenatal care, points or boutique dollars are accumulated by the attendee. The money is like “Monopoly money,” it is only good at the center. The money can be spent at the boutique store for diapers and other needed items, like car seats.
For the sexual health services, Choices can test for STIs, which includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis. These tests are for men and women. A small low-cost lab fee may apply.
The phone number for the Salem office is (812) 883-2675.
