Real Alternatives

Real Alternatives exists to provide life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support services throughout the nation. These compassionate support services empower women to avoid crisis pregnancies, choose childbirth, receive adoption education, and improve parenting skills. Real Alternatives is the non-profit, charitable organization that administers the Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services for the states of Pennsylvania and Indiana. The General Assembly of Pennsylvania was the first government to fund a program of this type in the nation. The program was funded with $135 million for 28 years and served 353,000 women. In 2023, newly elected Governor Shapiro decided to unilaterally terminate this successful women’s program. The program is now funded through private donations. The State of Indiana in FY 2023/2024 funds its program at $5.5 million through the Indiana State Department of Health. During to 2022 Special Session, the Indiana Legislature and Governor provided an additional $2 million. The Programs in Pennsylvania and Indiana are made up of a statewide or regional network of social service agencies, pregnancy support centers, maternity residences and adoption agencies that offer comprehensive, life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support to women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. Service Providers with their 83 centers located throughout Pennsylvania and 32 centers in Indiana are staffed with fully trained, caring, and compassionate counselors. These Service Providers are non-discriminatory, non-profit organizations that are monitored annually to ensure compliance with the highest professional and ethical standards. More than 463,000 women in Pennsylvania and Indiana have been served since the program began in March 1996. Through their counselors, the centers offer free and confidential support, encouragement, guidance and practical assistance to women so who feel overwhelmed and alone while experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.