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Terri McDade is pictured next to the new ultrasound machine at Women's Center West in Catonsville. It was donated by the St. Charles Borromeo Knights of Columbus Council as part of the KOC ultrasound program.  (Courtesy Women’s Center West)

Beacon of hope: Women’s Center West finds new home


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life

Since 1984, Women’s Center West has served women in West Baltimore by providing support and information enabling them to make safe and conscientious decisions regarding pregnancy.

The new facility for Women’s Center West is located at 5 Ingleside Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228.  (Courtesy Women’s Center West)

Now in a new location, nestled on a busy community street in the heart of Catonsville, Women’s Center West continues its mission with the goal of expanding its outreach and increasing pregnancy testing and ultrasound numbers.

The center relocated March 20.

“We believe God fully orchestrated this as we were not looking to move,” said Terrie McDade, the center’s managing director and a parishioner of St. Benedict in West Baltimore. “It is a larger and less expensive space, and being in the heart of Catonsville with plenty of visibility, we trust God will allow us to serve many more women and babies.”

The medical clinic, a nonprofit organization which operates totally through the generous gifts of donors, provides alternatives to abortion and support in crisis or unplanned pregnancies. Included in the services are free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, educational material assistance and resources for additional services such as adoption and post abortion counseling.

“The number of clients we serve varies month to month,” McDade said. “Our pregnancy testing and ultrasound numbers are not fully back to pre-COVID, but maybe 15 or so monthly.” 

The educational material assistance program, managed by McDade’s daughter, Jessica, has anywhere from 30 to 40 women actively enrolled.

Tucked inside a house built in 1900, the main office and waiting room of the new Women’s Center West reflects some of the charm of the century-old home.  (Courtesy Women’s Center West)

McDade expressed appreciation for the St. Charles Borromeo Council of the Knights of Columbus, with members from the parishes of St. Charles Borromeo, Pikesville, and Holy Family, Randallstown, for the generous contribution of a new ultrasound machine in December.

“Our hope,” McDade said, “is that when these ladies see the image of their baby on the ultrasound screen, their hearts will be softened, and they will choose life.”

Joseph Ignatius, a member of the Knights of Columbus who spearheaded the proposal, explained that the KOC ultrasound program is funded by KOC state and local councils with matching grants from the New Haven, Conn., Supreme Council’s Culture of Life Fund, and is one of several KOC pro-life initiatives.

Ignatius acknowledged a personal commitment to the ultrasound program, recalling that, when he and his wife, Linda, were expecting their second child, an ultrasound showed their son would be born with serious health issues. Termination was suggested, but was not an option for the couple. 

“We decided to put our unborn child in God’s hands,” Ignatius said. 

Benjamin was born three months prematurely with serious complications. One week later, Ignatius’ wife died suddenly.

“Benjamin joined his mother in Heaven three weeks later,” Ignatius said. “My involvement in the ultrasound program is a tribute to (them), and I want to assure all mothers and unborn children have the greatest opportunity to receive the best care possible.”

McDade shared the story of their client, “K,” who had come to Women’s Center West after leaving the local abortion clinic. A few weeks before giving birth to her son, K sent a letter to McDade, thanking her “from the bottom of my heart.”

Women who enroll in the educational material assistance program at Women’s Center West in Catonsville earn points which they may then spend in the Baby Boutique for new items. (Courtesy Women’s Center West)

“You welcomed me with open arms from the moment I walked into your facility,” K wrote, “up until now. You, your daughter, and other staff have poured out unconditional compassion and gratitude.

“You have gone above and beyond to make sure my health, my strength, and most importantly, my faith was always my first priority. You encouraged me while making the major decision to continue with my pregnancy. … you helped with the unknown and helped deal with the uncertainty of following through. I know with the small mustard seed God has stored in me; anything is possible.”  

St. Benedict pastor Benedictine Father Paschal Morlino will bless the new center April 24. There will also be a reception, recognizing all the Knights and KOC councils that have, in some way, contributed to the center.

McDade also acknowledged the generosity of the many area churches, women’s groups, individuals, and students from Mount de Sales Academy, Catonsville, for their invaluable and varied support.

For more information on Women’s Center West visit Women’s Center West – Baltimore, MD – Home (womenscenterwest.com).

For more information on KOC pro-life initiatives visit Life Programs – Faith in Action | Knights of Columbus (kofc.org).

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