Reaction to the story of Elaine Riddick

In the midst of all the other news-worthy stories this week, the story of Elaine Riddick has fascinated, horrified, and inspired me. She was featured in a story on the news program Rock Center this week as they covered the sterilization of young men and women by the government run eugenics programs of the 1920’s-1970’s in many states. I was first horrified because I was unaware that these programs had existed in our country, and then more horrified that so many young women like Elaine Riddick had suffered such an invasive and unjust procedure.

All I could think through all of my fascination with this story was: what if they had helped these “at risk” individuals and equipped them instead of taking away their ability to parent? I have seen the answer to that question in my work at The Hope Clinic for Women. Here at Hope Clinic, we daily equip women facing unplanned pregnancies and those who support her through free medical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and practical assistance. By accessing our services, women are able to find the strength and help that they need to make healthy choices and become confident and capable parents. We also offer support to the partners and families of these women so that they can have a strong and healthy support system as well.

I am so thankful that we not only no longer allow sterilization of “at risk” individuals, but also that there is a program here in the Nashville area that specifically reaches out to those facing difficult choices and holistically helps them to overcome their obstacles. I am grateful that I have the privilege of being a part of these women’s lives and the mission of the Hope Clinic for Women as we offer a safe and confidential place for anyone dealing with life choices regarding past, present, and future pregnancies.

See more on this story at the following link:http://rockcenter.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8640744-victims-speak-out-about-north-carolina-sterilization-program-which-targeted-women-young-girls-and-blacks

Amy Moseley, M.A. is the Client Programs Manager at Hope Clinic for Women. She is passionate about working with individuals in crisis. In addition to 12 years of ministry experience, she has worked with sexual abuse victims and individuals in the foster care system. Amy leads the prevention and outreach programs and works with individual clients as well as the counselors who serve them. You can email Amy at amoseley@hopeclinicforwomen.org