Mission

Prenatal Partners for Life is dedicated to providing families, either expecting, or those who have had, a child with special needs or a life limiting condition, the support, information, and encouragement they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn child’s care.

We believe these children are unique gifts from God and have a special purpose in life that only they can fulfill. We believe that these children are made in God’s image and that He has a plan and a purpose for every life He creates, no matter how long or short. We believe that these precious children are a blessing to their families, their communities and the world.

Our goal is to provide honest, practical information and support about parenting a child with special needs by linking expectant parents or new parents with other parents who have had the same or a similar diagnosis.

This support can be provided in person, over the phone, by email or in written correspondence and may include a variety of practical support that is based on each family’s individual needs.

Ethics

The following passages from Pope John Paul II in “The Gospel of Life” summarize the philosophy of Prenatal Partners for Life:

The Pope condemns the “conspiracy against life” (n. 17) which endeavors, among other things, to “eliminate malformed babies” and those with disabilities (n. 15). The Holy Father reaffirms the Church’s teaching that “the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral” (n. 57), as is evidenced in “selective abortion” aimed at preventing “the birth of children affected by various types” of physiologic anomalies (n. 63).

The Pope calls for the fostering of “a contemplative outlook”, one which recognizes “every individual as a ‘wonder'” (n. 83). We must all develop a posture which makes “unconditional respect for human life the foundation of a renewed society” (n. 77), enabling us “to see in every human face the face of Christ” (n. 81). With this outlook in mind, we “accept [life] as a gift, discovering in all things the reflection of the Creator and seeing in every person his living image” (n. 83).

This perspective does not falter when confronted with those who are sick, suffering, marginalized or dying. Rather, we are “challenged to find meaning … precisely in these circumstances” (n. 83) and perceive in the face of every individual an encounter with God.”

Prenatal Partners for Life recognizes that life cannot always be extended, and while abortion and euthanasia are always gravely wrong, it is the conclusion of our organization that disproportionate measures to extend life are not necessarily called for when death is imminent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “over-zealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted” (CCC 2278).

Prenatal Partners for Life recognizes the gift of all life, no matter how short, as a great gift to be cherished and loved for the time God allows.

In situations where sound, moral advice is needed to help with medical decision-making, Prenatal Partners for Life directs clients to:

The National Catholic Bioethics Center
6399 Drexel Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19151

http://www.ncbcenter.org

PHONE
(215) 877-2660