Birthright enlists 'prayer mentors' for pregnant women in need

Published: 2005-07-06

WILMINGTON, Del. (CNS) -- Dawn, a 32-year-old woman from New Castle County, was surprised to learn that an anonymous stranger was praying for her and her baby, who was born in March. "It is comforting," she said. "I feel I'm not alone." Dawn, which is not her real name, and 61 other new or expectant mothers are the recipients of the good thoughts of "prayer mentors" participating in a program begun in January by Birthright of Delaware. Birthright, an international organization with local chapters, assists women experiencing crisis pregnancies in hopes the mother will give birth to her child rather than have an abortion. Volunteers are asked to pray daily for the women and their children. While some of Birthright1s clients decline the offer of prayers, most welcome the attention, said Mary Jo Frohlich, Birthright director. The mentors, meanwhile, develop an attachment to their "prayer mothers," whom they know only by aliases. The mentors receive monthly postcards with updates on the mother's and child's health until the baby's first birthday.

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