December 18, 2022

Clearway Clinic delivers joy for Christmas

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – When Yajaira Ramos found out she expecting, she admits she was not ready to be a mother. She said she was in an abusive relationship.

“Abortion did cross my mind. The other person was pressing it. He didn’t want her. It was a toxic relationship,” said Ramos.

Alone, and worried, Ramos started looking for clinics that could help her. Clearway Clinic came up in her search so she booked an appointment.

“I wanted to check out what my options were, but was I really entertaining that (abortion)? Not really. I don’t believe in that stuff especially when I saw that ultrasound. I said no that’s not going to happen,” Ramos continued.

She said it was love at first sight, as is the case with many women who are helped by Clearway Clinic. Her baby Ari is now 11 months old.

“I felt like it was a new beginning for me. She was going to be born in January,” said Ramos. “She is a blessing from God.”

Clearway Clinic first opened on East Columbus Avenue in Springfield in 2018. There is also a Clearway Clinic in Worcester, which opened in 2000.

The faith-based non-profit operates a pro-life, state-licensed free medical clinic. They specialize in pregnancy diagnosis and medical confirmation. In addition to pregnancy testing, they offer STD testing, ultrasounds and classes to help new mothers. They also offer and have had success with the abortion reversal pill. They are supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal.

“They were just really a text away no matter the time. I kept them up to date. I sent pictures. I’ve never heard of a clinic doing that,” said Ramos.

Clearway Springfield has helped to welcome more than 381 babies into the world in the last few years.

“So our mission is to be the first step for a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. We want to turn her fear into confidence and then equip her to make a life affirming decision,” said Jill Jorgensen, the new director of Clearway Clinics.

Jorgensen said Clearway gives mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy a true choice.

“When you get into the ultrasound, you just see the heart beating. You see the image of movement. You’re not feeling it yet, but you can see movement and you know this is a real baby. The instinct a mother has to protect kicks in and that’s from God,” she said.

Jorgensen recently met with Father Dan Pacholec, the director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Springfield, and Judy Cross, a member of Clearway’s board and the diocesan pro-life committee.

“We’re always thrilled that Clearway is in our community in Springfield,” said Father Pacholec.

“So it’s a wonderful resource for moms making a decision about an unexpected pregnancy. They’re a total package when it comes to offering support to mothers,” he said.

This will be baby Ari’s first Christmas.

“I experienced God’s love through her. Really, motherhood is beautiful for me. I love every minute of it since she was born. God’s grace is beautiful,” Ramos said.

To learn more about Clearway Clinic, go to clearwayclinic.com