Lifeline Pregnancy Help Clinic

Lifeline Pregnancy Help Clinic is a nonprofit organization located in Kirksville, MO with a goal to “provide support and tangible resources to new moms and dads as they progress through pregnancy and into parenthood.” Lifeline is an organization that offers services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, all of which are confidential. Lifeline is unique in the Kirksville area in that it is the only organization that offers services completely free of charge. The nonprofit is funded by donations from individuals and organizations in the local community, as well as grants. The services offered at Lifeline are not meant to replace proper prenatal care, but staff at Lifeline are able to refer clients to necessary services.

Services: Lifeline offers a variety of services, including obstetrical ultrasounds. Lifeline does not offer full health care services, but helps clients with community referrals and encourages regular follow up visits.  Lifeline serves mothers and fathers throughout the entire pregnancy and through the first year of the baby’s life.

Here is a list of Lifeline services (which are all free and confidential):

• Pregnancy Tests
  • If the test is positive, clients are given information about prenatal nutrition and a starter pack of prenatal vitamins, as well as referrals for community services and OB doctors
• Ultrasounds
  • A registered nurse will perform the scan
• Confidential Counseling
  • A peer counselor will listen to clients to process the new information and talk through next steps
• Support for Dads
  • A peer counselor will listen weekly to a new dad-to-be and answer any questions he may have

• Prenatal and Parenting Education
  • An education program for any new parents to ask any questions
  • This is also a way to “earn points” and receive items, such as diapers, baby clothes, etc
• Teen Parent Program
  • Any teen parent is eligible for weekly counseling and services
• Community Referrals
  • Lifeline is able to refer clients to services, such as medical care, housing, education, jobs, and insurance
• Post Abortion Support
  • Clients are able to meet weekly with a peer counselor to offer hope and support after an abortion

Clients: Lifeline Pregnancy sees a diverse demographic, “including individuals with limited education and limited access to insurance, as well as individuals with insurance and post-secondary education.” The services are intended for women facing unexpected pregnancies, but are available to anyone who is in need of their services. Lifeline serves approximately 40 individual clients per month. Lifeline also offers services for non-English speakers, with a staff member who speaks Spanish, a volunteer who speaks French, and “many resources in various languages.”