Since Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, pregnancy centers across the nation have been vandalized.
Locations for the vandalism include Minnesota, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee and New Hampshire.
Mary Holley, the executive director for Birthright of Odessa, said Wednesday morning that no vandalism or threats have been made to the establishment. Holley did say as a precaution after the Supreme Court ruling was announced that she asked the Odessa Police Department to make extra patrols around the office.
“We haven’t had any ugliness aimed at us,” said Holley, who also serves as regional consultant for Texas and Oklahoma Birthright.
Holley added: “We were proactive to ask the police to do extra patrols around our office. They were very kind and were happy to do that for us.”
According to its website, Birthright states “Birthright is interdenominational and is not involved in any political activities, or lobbying. Birthright’s focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring she is not alone.”
Holley reiterated over the phone that Birthright doesn’t get involved politically.
“We aren’t political in anyway,” Holley said. “We don’t get involved in any marches or anything legal. We are simply there to help women, help them have their babies and help them with their needs.”
The services Birthright offers includes pregnancy help, childbirth, adoption, prenatal care, community programs, parenting skills and child care.
Referrals include medical support, financial resources, housing, social assistance and professional counseling. Birthright also offers free pregnancy tests, maternity and baby items, a 24/7 helpline and live chat through its website.
“We are there to guide women to whatever help they need whether its shelter or finances or counseling,” Holley said.
The Odessa American also reached out to The Life Center in Odessa. The Life Center director of operations Matthew Davis issued this statement “The Life Center is safe and secure and we believe in the goodness of our communities.”
