This past February, the Pregnancy Help Network of South Africa celebrated a significant milestone when its crisis line assisted its 5,000th client since launching in April 2021.
Formerly known as Africa Cares for Life, the network has been providing services to over 70 pregnancy help organizations throughout South Africa since 2000. They give guidance to emerging pregnancy help groups, mentor existing organizations, provide training on how to counsel those in crisis, and more.
So, it was only natural for the network to create a crisis line that would eventually connect so many women in unplanned pregnancies to affiliated help centers around the country. As shared previously by Pregnancy Help News, the hotline has been a major help in dispelling abortion myths and giving the network a chance to offer a listening ear.
“Reaching 5,000 clients is humbling and we are honored to serve in this ministry and see how it is growing,” Pregnancy Help Network of South Africa told supporters in an email.
Tweet This: The Pregnancy Help Network crisis line has been able to serve many women, hitting the 5K milestone earlier this year.
The crisis line was created through Facebook Messenger over four years ago. Every weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the crisis coaching team, consisting of six dedicated counselors, listens to women in crisis, offers guidance, and connects them to pregnancy centers closest to them, or to an online center if necessary.
According to Executive Director Danièle Gradwell, the line has reached 5,341 clients to date and 417 new clients just this year, and their team remains dedicated to their goal of serving women in need.
“They provide compassionate support to women and men facing distressing pregnancies,” Gradwell explained for Pregnancy Help News.
Many of these pregnancy support centers provide ultrasound services free of charge to clients in need.
Choices Pregnancy Center in Somerset West is one such center, and this year it served 62 mothers in just the first three weeks of January. The crisis line is able to connect women to these services, which certainly aid in helping them bond with their unborn children.
A particularly powerful testimony of the hotline’s work came from a woman named Samke.
Earlier this year, she found herself in a difficult, scary situation during her pregnancy, and she was considering abortion. Not knowing how impactful it would be, Samke came across the number for South Africa’s Pregnancy Help crisis line and was met with the voice of a kind, patient, and supportive woman she later called a sister.
Rather than judging her, the counselor offered Samke real resources and options. She provided information about adoption, foster care, and the risks of abortion.
“What stood out most was how much she genuinely cared,” Samke testified to the Pregnancy Help Network. “When I didn’t respond, she followed up with messages and support. She didn’t give up on me — not even once. Her support continued until I delivered my beautiful baby girl.” Today, Samke is pursuing her education as a proud mother.
Another testimony comes from Ayanda, who reached out late last year after discovering she was pregnant with an unsupportive boyfriend. She thought abortion was her only option, but the crisis coaches helped her explore her options and connected her to a community pregnancy help center.
Once she saw an ultrasound of the growing baby in her womb, she knew she wanted to be a mother.
“I felt like mother of the year!” she later told the network. “I won't lie, it was the best feeling ever seeing my baby's heartbeat, spine, and everything. I can’t explain it. I’m happy—thank you again!”
Sadly, not every client’s story ends like Samke’s and Ayanda’s. Many women the crisis line supports live in remote areas with no nearby pregnancy center, and others never return to share if they connected with help or what decision they made. Despite this, the crisis team remains devoted to their mission and grateful for every life they’ve touched.
As Heartbeat’s International Specialist Ellen Foell told Pregnancy Help News, “The growth has been rapid and the care excellent. We are delighted that the Pregnancy Help Network crisis line has been able to serve so many women and look forward to even greater things in the years to come.”
Editor's note: Heartbeat International manages Pregnancy Help News.
