AUSTIN, Texas — A chain of crisis pregnancy centers in Texas is shifting its strategy. The Source has health centers in Austin and San Antonio, and is now offering contraception.
- Clinic previously known as Austin LifeCare
- Says it wants to help more women
- Now eligible for Title X funding
The recent decision to provide contraception is a huge cultural shift for the religious organization, formerly known as Austin LifeCare, and some are calling the underlying reason for the change into question. CEO Andy Schoonover says he now sees offering contraception as the only way to curb Texas' high unplanned pregnancy rate.
"As I've seen women come through our doors that are on their second, third, fourth abortion, it was clear to me that the way that we needed to address this situation is not only be reactive, but also be proactive," said Schoonover.
Because they offer contraception, but not abortions, The Source is now eligible for a federal funding stream called Title X, but until they're approved, they rely on donor support. Some churches have opted out of contributing to their cause because in some faiths, like Catholicism, all forms of contraception are deemed sinful.
"They interfere with the marital act, they reduce the dignity of the person that's taking them," said Deacon Mark Fair.
The Catholic church isn't their only critic. Abortion rights organizations who've chosen to forego federal funding question whether or not The Source is medically up to par.
In a statement, pro-choice organization NARAL said, "We’ve seen a trend with unqualified, anti-abortion organizations like Austin LifeCare rebranding, medicalizing and offering limited medical services in an attempt to eventually apply for state family planning programs."
Schoonover says it's not money, but his child's own birth story that led him to this work in the first place. A fatal condition prompted their doctor to suggest the Schoonover's abort their pregnancy.
"For us, that just wasn't an option," said Schoonover.
Grace was born alive, but died ten hours later. Schoonover says it was those ten hours that grew in him a desire to help struggling mothers-to-be.
"I know what it feels like when the doctor walks in and says, there's an issue here," said Schoonover.
He says he believes he can help more women if he runs a clinic where birth control is an option.
When The Source re-branded, it also took over the location previously held by an abortion rights organization called Whole Women's Health. In an email, the group told us they believe clinics like The Source seek to "manipulate and shame women who turn to them for help."