By Thea Jarvis, Staff Writer

ATLANTA – Although much has changed since Birthright opened its first U.S. branch in Atlanta 25 years ago, the organization’s mission and motto has remained steadfastly simple: “It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth and the right of every child to be born.”

Founded in 1968 by Canadian housewife Louise Summerhill as a pregnancy service for women in distress, Birthright International has grown to over 500 centers across the U.S., Canada and South Africa.

“We have a very narrow focus,” said Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner Terry Weaver, national director for Birthright USA.

Birthright eschews picketing, marching and legislative lobbying in favor of direct interaction with pregnant women. The organization also steers clear of post-abortion, contraceptive and chastity counseling because these areas are beyond the mandate and training of Birthright volunteers, according to Mrs. Weaver.

“We’re non-judgmental,” she said, offering instead cost-free counseling and referrals to a supportive network of medical professionals and social service agencies.

Birthright’s single-mindedness sometimes draws fire from those who believe it should expand its menu of services, and its independence from religious and public institutions often makes it financially vulnerable. But the quiet interdenominational, non-profit group, operating on private contributions and a solid, faithful core of volunteers, gets the job done.

“We’re primarily pro-life people looking for a positive way to encourage women to have their babies,” said Mrs. Weaver, adding that clients are best served if Birthright can work unhampered by outside restrictions. Some 50 men and women cook, sew, sort clothes and man phone lines at the Birthright offices off Clairmont Road in Chamblee. Those needing help can find food, baby clothes, maternity wear and friendship at Birthright.

“A high school senior is our youngest volunteer,” said Mrs. Weaver. One of the oldest is “a woman in her nineties who’s still sending us handmade afghans” for newborns and their mothers.

Additionally, physicians, attorneys and counselors lend their specialized skills to Birthright clients when professional advice or office visits are called for.

“Their expertise is invaluable,” said a grateful Mrs. Weaver.

The Chamblee office, close to the MARTA line, serves local women who call or drop in, often on their lunch hour. Written materials are available in English and Spanish, and a Spanish-speaking office volunteer is usually available for phone calls and visits.

While referrals to Birthright come from schools, public agencies, parole officers and counseling professionals, the last three to five years have seen a significant increase in women over 30 seeking Birthright’s pro-active services, Mrs. Weaver said.

Also on the rise is the number of calls to Birthright’s toll-free crisis number, now averaging over 2,500 a month. Traditionally, requests for Birthright services slow during the holiday season and pick up after the new year, Mrs. Weaver said. When the hotline (1-800-550-4900) expands to 24-hour, seven-day service beginning Jan. 1, she expects the numbers to be even higher.

“It’s a relief for callers to know they’ve reached somebody, maybe the first person who cares about them and their problem,” said Joan Jacoby, a 17-year Birthright veteran who now coordinates hotline volunteers.

Giving comfort and practical answers to women feeling frightened and overwhelmed by a difficult pregnancy has kept her coming back, said Mrs. Jacoby, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Decatur.

“Once you start with Birthright, you never leave,” she said.

Last month in Atlanta, regional consultants from the U.S. and Canada met with Birthright International co-presidents and Mrs. Weaver to celebrate “25 Years and Growing.”

An upcoming meeting for directors of local Birthright offices across the southeastern U.S., headed by regional consultants Carolyn Duclos of Albany, and Linda Booker of Waycross, is planned for March 1995 in Atlanta.

For more information on Birthright services or opportunities to volunteer, call (404) 451-6336.