Compassionate support for life-giving decisions Birthright of Rochester is a free, confidential support service available to any woman who may be pregnant and in need of help in determining an appropriate course of action.

A volunteer organization, Birthright is dedicated to providing alternatives to abortion, support and friendship to anyone who is facing an unplanned pregnancy.  There are no fees, no eligibility requirements, no judgments made.

History ...

Founded in Canada a quarter of a century ago, Birthright has flourished as a social service agency  dedicated to the concept of providing compassion and caring to pregnant women of any age, status or station in life.  Birthright International now has chapters in more than a dozen countries world-wide, including South Africa - 500 in the United States and Canada.  Serving the Greater Rochester area since 1971, Birthright of Rochester, a United Way agency, stands tall as a beacon of help for any pregnant teen or woman needing assistance. (For more information, look at www.birthright.org.)

Birthright of Rochester exists to support a basic premise -

It is the right of every pregnant woman  to give birth... And the right of every child to be born!

Birthright services include

• Pregnancy tests.  Counselors can only provide a positive or negative reading; a physician must confirm pregnancy.
• Mentoring.  Mentors receive intensive and on-going training and follow agency policies.
• Referrals.  Depending on circumstances, appropriate housing, medical, adoption, legal and financial support is identified and contact arranged.
• Maternity/infant clothing.  If clothing and nursery supplies are needed.   Birthright maintains a well-stocked loan closet.
• Friendship program.  This companionship program establishes a loving relationship between a caring volunteer and a Birthright mother-to-be continuing beyond the birth of her child.

The essence of Birthright is the love, confidential support, and friendship for women facing unplanned pregnancies.  It does not engage in any political activism; does not use any graphic material in its counseling; does not make judgements and urges every client to make her own decision.

Because our locations are confidential, please contact us at:

The Essence of Birthright

Our founder, Louise Summerhill, wrote that the "essence of Birthright is love." -- unconditional, non-judgmental love -- for any woman who asks for help.   And she admonished us: "When a woman has problems that make it difficult, even impossible, for her to bring her child into the world with joy and gladness, when problems arise that are far beyond her capacity to solve, she should be able to trust in the community to surround and support her, to provide her the assistance she needs."

You can help ...

While Birthright's compassionate services can lead to a decision to enjoy the experience of motherhood, there are many practical considerations required to make the program work.

In addition to its core group of mentors, Birthright volunteers are needed to make followup phone calls, sort and stock the clothing depot, provide clerical help in the office, build community awareness through participation in the speaker's bureau and give the gift of time and self as a companion in the Friendship Program.

Donations of new and 'previously enjoyed' maternity and infant clothing (up to 2T) are greatly appreciated.  Call 385-2100 for pick-up or drop-off information.

While Birthright of Rochester receives funding from the United Way, it also relies on private donations.  As a volunteer organization, it has only one paid employee, the Executive Director.  All other expenses - community awareness campaigns, office rent and supplies, telephones, postage and mailings, test equipment and materials - are a part of an ever-expanding budget.

We invite you to join our annual "Walk for Life" to raise funds and awareness of Birthright services.  We could use some help in the planning phase. See details on the the local events page.