Pro-choicers memorialize creator of “abortion counselors”
by Carder
Shortly after the Roe decision, [Terry] Beresford left Preterm and took a position as director of counseling at Planned Parenthood of Maryland.
There she inaugurated a series of workshops on counseling techniques that drew people (mainly, though not exclusively, women) from all over the country who were being hired in the recently-opened clinics.
Beyond the practical skills they developed, these workshops were crucial in helping to forge an occupational identity and a sense of community for those engaged in this newly created role of “abortion counselor.”
~ Carol Joffe, describing the work of recently deceased Terry Beresford, one of the founders of the National Abortion Federation and developer in the field of abortion counseling, RH Reality Check, April 30
[Photo Credit: NAF Annual Report, 2007]
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
We have a Preterm in Cleveland. Its down the street from OUT of business mill Martin Ruddock who is now killing children in MI. Now pro lifers can focus on Preterm.
Abortion “counselor”
Phhhhhhtttttttt. What a joke.
I do believe that Lila Rose has captured so many of those caring counselors on tape.
Back in the day didn’t that used to be called sales? They always change those business euphemisms.
Now I see why the abortion industry insists that they dish out “truthful & honest information.”
In the beginning, True Believers like Terry Beresford genuinely believed that they were helping a woman to make her own choice.
It was a short time later (after the free-standing clinics got established) that the abortionists realized that desperate women were an easy resource to exploit. And thus, the Abortion Industry was born…. and “counseling” became a sales pitch that means to close the deal.
Exactly Del.
Pretend you are empathetic. Pretend you care. Reassure the mother sitting in front of you that she has a chance to get her life back. Lie by omission about the fetal development of her child. Tell her she is making the best decision and that you approve wholeheartedly because it is her body. Hand her tissue as she cries. Even if she seems like she doesn’t WANT an abortion continue to tell her that it is up to her but she better decide right now. Even if she tells you she doesn’t WANT an abortion but doesn’t know what else to do tell her that abortion is quick and simple and painless. Ask this mother if she is paying by credit, cash or check. Close the sale. Make your quota.
Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t “counselors” require somewhat more extensive training, like college and post-graduate? Don’t they have to meet certain requirements, like a Master’s and/or Ph.d? Don’t they have to be licensed?
Someone can be considered a “counselor” by attending some fly by night workshop? And Beresford’s credentials to teach “counseling” were…what?
Under any other circumstances would this be acceptable?
I’m not surprised the standard of “counseling” is right up there with the standards of unlicensed “clinics” that are not subject to state inspection and regulations.
I hope she repented before she died.
Eternity is very long.
Well there are definitely “tiers” of counselors. A lot of counselors can be trained but not licensed. They can take lots and lots of courses, etc.
This often happens in churches and other nonprofits (apparently also abortion clinics). And depending on the nature of the case, this can be enough.
But to be a licensed counselor, yes, you do need to take courses and to be licensed by the governing body in your state, and I think that is good because you’re messing with people’s mind, hearts, and souls.
I do believe that in the abortion industry, though, the danger of having “on site” employee counselors is that they have a financial interest in counseling you a certain way.
At churches, PRCs, etc., they are normally volunteer and normally do not have any vested interest in your decision either way. Once you leave, they do not gain or lose based on your decision. In abortion clinics, they have a financial motivation for counseling you a certain way.
Thank you LibertyBelle,
Good points.
As a CPC volunteer I never saw myself as a “counselor” though, but just as a volunteer making the woman aware of services available and offering support. We had licensed counselors on call though for women who desired more extensive help or who we thought could benefit from more help. In fact, we were severely restricted in what advice and information we could give.
True, there are “peer counselors” such as at churches, etc. and I must admit I have some apprehension about this, however well intended. For uncredentialled people to offer marriage or substance abuse counseling I think is unacceptable, however good their intentions or whatever their own personal experiences.
Agreed LB.
Then you would find what I do unacceptable Mary. I am a Biblical Counselor at my church. I have training. I counsel others who are going through addiction, marriage troubles, abortion recovery, divorce….life. We all need Christ no matter what we are going through.
Hi Carla,
No, not unacceptable at all. If you know your limits. If you know when people need more extensive counseling or help that you are unable to provide, they should be referred. I did the same thing as a CPC volunteer.
Likely many of the people you see have sought help elsewhere, or are in a recovery program, and seek religious guidance and counsel in addition to it. As people will often consult clergy before seeking outside help or in addition to it. Or hopefully the problem can be resolved with religious counsel.
I have no issue with “peer counseling” so long as people understand their limitations and know when more professional services are needed.
I think another great example of peer support and counsel is Alcoholics Anonymous.
Again, they have their limitations and cannot always help people, but they provide, IMO, an outstanding service to those in need.
Majority of Counseling nowadays has been reduced to quick certificates. Consider CADC (certified addictions counselor) and there are many that only require an associate’s degree and a course of some-length.
The term “abortion counselor” is truly one open to all sorts of litigation. One – there is no formal training required of any kind. Two – NO CEUs and no annual re-certifications. You get hired, get the run of the mill (pun intended) and voila, become a “counselor.” What a joke PP is to women’s “rights.”
The term “abortion counselor” is truly one open to all sorts of litigation.
So are many other “professions.” A “nutritionist” (which is much different from a registered dietician, who goes through rigorous training) doesn’t have to have any formal qualifications, nor does a personal trainer, at least in my state. I think you should ALWAYS have some kind of formal training if you are giving advice that affects someone’s health. I was in an accident awhile ago and am receiving physical therapy from a licensed physical therapist, who told me that some celebrity “fitness experts” promote exercises that can actually cause harm.