Alternatives changes name, defines focus

By COLLEEN MONROE

Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Escondido may have changed their name, but definitely not its focus.¬Ý

The clinic will now be known in the community as alternatives womens center, with no capitals and no apostrophes. With this name change comes an urgency and focused vision of who the clientele of alternatives womens center is and how they need to be reached.

’ÄúWe are more deliberately focused on reaching the Gen Y woman, said Elaine Marshburn, who has served as director of the center for four years. ’ÄúShe is the woman between the ages of 18 and 24 ’Äî and within this age group the highest number of abortions are performed. They are the abort-intent women of our community who are coming here to find out if they are indeed pregnant.

’ÄúSince 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, we ask that they be sure they are pregnant before having any procedure done on them. With a limited ultrasound, we can see if there is a viable heartbeat and it is the first time when mother is first introduced to child.’Äù ¬Ý

Marshburn also explained more about the name change of the center:

’ÄúOur core values will remain the same ’Äî we continue to provide a medical environment that protects the right to life of the pre-born and provide guidance and alternatives to women in North County who are considering abortion.’Äù¬Ý

’ÄúWe are praying and we ask others to join us in prayer on opening a new clinic close to Cal State San Marcos,’Äù she added. ’ÄúWe want these women to have easy access to our services. Dr. Kung, one of the many physicians doing surgical abortions, has offices across the street from Cal State. The college has a health clinic and often refers students to him, we’Äôre told.¬Ý We also want to get those referrals and present an alternative to these women.

’ÄúWe see what the Lord does with us here in Escondido. We continue to be faithful and continue to maintain in Escondido, but we would like to add San Marcos.’Äù

Alternatives womens center is located at 257 East Second St. in Escondido. They celebrate 17 years of ministry to the unborn.¬Ý

For more information about the center, call 760-741-9796.