Crisis pregnancy center moves to new location

For 29 years, Birthright has served pregnant women in Cape Girardeau, and now the crisis pregnancy center is offering its help at a new location.

Birthright outgrew its former home on Park Street and moved to a new location earlier this week at 2633 Hopper Road.

Birthright is an international crisis pregnancy organization that offers help to women seeking pregnancy testing or assistance with formula, clothing and other baby supplies. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday.

For years, the group operated in a house, but that eventually got too small, said director Judy Seabaugh, who has been a volunteer since 1985.

The organization had tried to relocate last year but met with some opposition from the surrounding neighborhood. Neighbors in the 400 block of South Louisiana where Birthright had wanted to relocate were opposed to the increased traffic and limited parking on the street. Many signed a petition that was presented to the Cape Girardeau City Council, which denied the request.

"We were a little leery after that," Seabaugh said.

The Hopper Road location is zoned for commercial use, so no special permits were needed.

The nonprofit organization prefers a residential area instead of office space. "We like a house because we like to be homey and to befriend the women," Seabaugh said.

Once a woman comes in for a pregnancy test, Birthright volunteers ask to make contact with her weekly. In a year, Birthright will offer about 2,000 pregnancy tests and 4,000 office visits.

Expectant mothers can choose some maternity outfits and can come to the office for a layette filled with new items like blankets, diapers and an outfit two weeks before her delivery.

During the infancy, the new mother also can come for clothing, formula, diapers or wipes and food. Birthright carries children's clothing up to size 6. There is no charge for any of the items.