Pro-life center sees increase in clients

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By Anne Marie Amacher
BETTENDORF — An increase in the number of clients visiting the Women’s Choice Center has prompted the pro-life facility to rearrange and expand the interior to accommodate.
Vicki Tyler, executive director of the Women’s Choice Center, said client numbers began to rise in the last few months of 2013. The continued increase could be linked to the decision by Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa to discontinue surgical abortions at its clinic across the street from the Women’s Choice Center, Tyler said.
By November, remodeling work got underway at the pro-life facility. The chapel, previously on the first floor, has moved to the second floor. The room divider in the lower chapel was closed. The front half is now a larger reception area with room for activities for small children. New furniture will be installed in the future.
The back half of the lower-level room, previously a conference room and extended chapel area, is now home to Chloe’s Closet, which provides clothing and diapers. The closet was moved downstairs for clients’ easier access.
The former reception area is now the nurses’ station. Nurses have more room to work with clients and a quieter waiting area for a client’s significant other.
A third office has been created, and a second ultrasound room was set up. Tyler said an additional nurse will be available to perform ultrasounds after training is completed.
The second floor had a large room that has been divided into two separate rooms. One room houses the new chapel, where a stained glass window will be installed. New flooring and a water fountain will be added. The other room is for storage.
Tyler said, “God prepared us even before we needed it.”
The number of clients continues to grow in the new year, she said. The Bettendorf Planned Parenthood Clinic, however, is not entirely out of the abortion business. It still offers RU486 abortions, she noted.

Chloe’s Closet
The Women’s Choice Center accepts donations of gently used maternity, infant and children’s clothing. Diapers from infant up to size 5 also are accepted. Drop off donations at the center, 2711 Happy Joe Drive, Bettendorf.


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