By Lisa Maxson | catholicnewsagency.com

Omaha, Neb., Jan 19, 2013 / 01:04 pm (CNA).- Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) in Omaha opened its doors 40 years ago as a direct response to legalized abortion, said Nancy Foral, the center’s executive director.

And it was not alone.

Thousands of pregnancy centers opened all over the country after the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion across the United States.

First established in the 1960s to help provide resources for struggling, pregnant women as some states began allowing abortions, pregnancy centers developed quickly in all 50 states after Roe v. Wade. The number of small, faith-based maternity homes also grew.

Foral said that as she reflects on the tragic impact of the Supreme Court’s decision 40 years ago, she also thinks about the good that has come from EPS and other pregnancy centers, including educational opportunities for women seeking medical, parenting and other information.

“We not only want every child conceived to be born, but we want that child to be healthy and raised in a responsible way,” she said.

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