Irina’s Story

Christian Daily International: Language should never be a barrier for women facing unexpected pregnancies

Article appeared in Christian Daily International | By: Irina Perez | Photo credit: Christian Daily International and Irina Perez

The Triad region of North Carolina is an epicenter of medical innovation, yet even in the midst of our research universities, sprawling medical complexes, and large hospitals, there are countless women who are unsure about where to go and who to turn to when facing an unexpected pregnancy.

Many of these women are looking for help, resources, and advice, and an increasing number of them are looking for someone who can offer support and care in a language other than English. At The Pregnancy Network, located in North Carolina, approximately 25 percent of the women we serve are native Spanish speakers, and that number continues to grow each year. These clients come to us, often through referrals from friends, unsure of how to navigate a system that they don’t understand in the midst of challenging and scary circumstances.

As the Spanish Client Services Manager for the center, I make sure that these women and their families are welcomed and informed when they walk through our doors. When women visit our center for the first time, they are met with compassion and care. I listen to their stories and tell them about the range of services our facility provides, from ultrasounds to STD (sexually transmitted disease) testing to peer advocacy and mentorship.

I listen and answer their questions. Most importantly, I do all these things in the language they are most comfortable speaking.