Pregnancy Counseling -
Program Description and Client Eligibility
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LFS of Nebraska offers pregnancy counseling services throughout Nebraska to persons with unexpected pregnancies or pregnancies that create stress. These services are offered to birth parents and their families at no cost throughout the pregnancy or for up to six months following the pregnancy. Pregnancy counseling services are equally available to birthmothers and birthfathers, as well as single and married persons, regardless of their current relationship, child status, or age.

A birth parent's final decision regarding the pregnancy is not a factor in eligibility for these services. Birth parents or family members who wish to continue counseling beyond six months following the outcome of the pregnancy are offered services based upon their ability to pay.

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska does not support abortion, nor does it assist clients in this alternative through referral or financial assistance. The agency does, however, provide counseling services to help clients fully explore the ramifications of this option and will provide counseling services following the termination of a pregnancy.

The pregnancy counseling program provided by the Agency is primarily focused on the emotional needs of birth parents and their families. Referrals for medical services are made when such requests are made by the birth parents or when this need is identified in the counseling process. Such referral sources are available throughout the state, and efforts are made to identify the resources closest to the client's home. Given the limited number of birth parents who do not already possess a primary care physician, no formal contracts for these services exist.

Pregnancy counseling is a process of education. Birth parents are provided with needed information on childbirth, parenting, child development, and other issues throughout their counseling. When educational needs beyond the scope of pregnancy counseling are identified, appropriate resources are identified and referrals are made on an individual basis.

The agency occasionally helps birth parents secure alternative housing. When other needs such as parenting skills training, financial support, continuing education, vocational training, etc. are identified, the therapist will work with the client to identify community-based resources to meet these needs and will make the appropriate referral.

The role of the Pregnancy Counselor is to help birth parents explore their feelings about pregnancy and make related decisions. Birth parents are guided and supported in pursuing the parenting option of their choice. Birth parents who are parenting are guided and supported in securing material, financial and other needed resources, preparing for independent living, and planning for and arranging needed child care. Birth parents who pursue adoption are counseled in anticipating their feelings about the child and separation from him or her, understanding their right to reconsider the decision of adoption at any time until the signing of the relinquishments, exploring the immediate and long-term placement options, and fully understanding the termination of their parental rights. The adoption program emphasizes openness in the best interests of all members of the triad. The wishes and choices of birth parents are respected in adoption planning.