LETTERS: BIRTHRIGHT CENTERS HAVE HELPED REDUCE NUMBER OF MISSOURI ABORTIONS

To the editor:

Since 1988 Missouri has led the nation in the decline of abortions -- down 29 percent. Missouri has more Birthright centers per capita than any other state. These centers are located as far north as Kirksville, as far south as Kennett and as far west as Kansas City, with our own Cape Girardeau center being the farthest east. There are a total of 21 Birthright centers in Missouri. Each center has regular hours plus telephone numbers on answering machines during off hours so that help is available to troubled pregnant women 24 hours each day.

Birthright of Cape Girardeau has office hours five and a half days each week and is staffed by 19 volunteers, including college students, housewives, teachers, retirees, office workers, nurses, counselors, office managers and ministers' wives. These volunteers give direct assistance, advice and referrals to more than 2,000 people annually.

Birthright of Cape Girardeau is funded solely by donations from individuals, churches, organizations, student groups and memorials. We do not have our hand out for government help or taxpayer money. In addition to the adults that give, there are many children and children's groups that give to save the unborn.

There are many people in our community who truly care enough about saving the unborn that they are making daily sacrifices to assure that troubled pregnant women have the help they need available to them 24 hours a day. I believe the people who have given to support this work have made a positive impact in our community and have helped to reduce the number of abortions in Missouri.

DOLORES MIER, Director

Birthright of Cape Girardeau