Mother & Infant Care Inc. was launched by Executive Director Ruth Ann Eccles in the historic Skogman Building in downtown Cedar Rapids. It served as a pro-life, pregnancy testing site.

“The center was to welcome women for free pregnancy testing. There were no pregnancy tests for purchase in stores. There were to be two arms of Mother & Infant Care. One would be the pregnancy testing and support center; the other was to be an educational arm.”

-MaryAnn Nelson, MD, Founding Member

Only a year after launching, the center was renamed Aid to Women. 

Robin Perry was named Executive Director.

“My journey started back in March of 1989 when I heard a speaker for Aid to Women, Robin Perry, talk about the mission of Aid to Women. She challenged us to get out of our comfort zone and be a part of the movement to stop abortion.”

-Barbara Hosford, Founder of Treasures Quality Resale Shoppe 

The building took on 4.5 feet of water on the first floor; more than 400 volunteers showed up over several weeks to clear the building and tear everything down to the studs.

“Aid to Women suffered great damage in the flood of 2008. Staff were displaced and operated from three separate locations across the community. Client Support was housed in Sunday school classrooms at Cedar Hills Community Church. Client Advocacy was conducting pregnancy tests at His Hands Free Medical Clinic. Treasures rented a retail space further up Center Point Road, with a couple of staff working remotely from home. God showed up in amazing ways to remind us that he continually has HIS hand on this ministry!” 

-Leanne Rezac, Former Volunteer Coordinator  

“God blessed us with a beautifully remodeled building with designated space for our ultrasound services. Informed Choices, a pregnancy center in Iowa City, donated an ultrasound machine. In 2010, the designated space was transformed into a beautiful ultrasound suite. We then launched ultrasound services in April 2011.”

-Leanne Rezac, Former Volunteer Coordinator  

Take Heart Pregnancy and Infant Loss program was launched despite the changes to Bridgehaven’s work environment.

“In spite of rapid shifts in healthcare, Take Heart moved forward with its launch. We felt that miscarriage and infant loss support was a missing piece in our services as a life-affirming organization.”

-Haley Brimmer, Director of Client Advocacy

“There was so much need for miscarriage and infant loss support. It is pain that so many people experience in silence. We wanted to be able to walk with others through that pain.”

-Therese Mefferd, Nurse Manager

“Today is a historic day for all who value the sanctity of human life. In upholding Mississippi’s law in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to make their own laws to regulate abortion. But changed laws don’t equal changed hearts. The reality is women still need compassion, hope, and help in their moment of need.”

-Chelsey McDill, Executive Director

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Governor Reynolds held a special session to enact legislation restricting abortion. The Fetal Heartbeat Law passed late Tuesday night, restricting abortion once fetal heart activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy. Governor Reynolds signed the law on Friday, July 14, 2023.

At the same time, a Polk County district judge was hearing arguments to instate an injunction on this law as soon as possible. On Monday, July 17th, less than 48 hours after signing the bill, an injunction was put into place allowing abortion until 20 weeks.

The Iowa Supreme Court voted 4-3 to remove the injunction blocking the enforcement of the fetal heartbeat law and remove legal barriers for future abortion restrictions. Abortion became illegal after a heartbeat is detected (around six weeks of pregnancy) in Iowa.  

Nationally, online access for the abortion pill (RU-486 or medical abortion) rises significantly due to decreased restrictions, anonymous mail order websites, and telehealth services.  

The Board of Directors made the strategic decision to close Treasures Resale Shoppe, creating an opportunity for the organization to refocus its resources on the ever-changing landscape of life-affirming care in our community. We are deeply grateful for the many years Treasures was a valued part of our community and for the support of our loyal customers, volunteers, donors, and staff who made its impact possible.

Bridgehaven’s Board of Directors moves forward with the purchase of the building at 4250 Glass Rd. NE 

Bridgehaven hires its first Fatherhood Coordinator supporting a Fatherhood Program at Bridgehaven.