2003: Research about services to women

This month I have had some experiences while doing a research about the services that centers in Bolivia are giving to youth facing an unplanned pregnancy.  One of the highlights for me was in the public maternity hospital here in Santa Cruz.  The hospital is located very close from our public University and other hospitals.  The only way you can enter in is with your ID card that a policeman asks for at the main door.  I have gone to this center before, so it is not new to me to see the lack of light in the halls, the paint peeling off the walls, the crush glasses in the windows that need to be replaced, etc.  Well, I was there looking for abortion information.  The lady in the information office thought I wanted and abortion, and suddenly in front of all people around started yelling me at me what a great sinner I was for thinking about doing it.  I tried to tell her in different ways that all I wanted was just information and she continued blaming me for such a horrible thing... there was no love, care or compassion in her words.  While leaving this medical center, I couldn't stop thinking about the pregnant girls who are walking in the streets looking for advice, help, information.  Who is giving our girls accurate information about the abortion and its risks?  Who is showing love and compassion without condemning?  Who is showing the ultimate truth they are looking for?