California Catholic Daily Exclusive

Burglars kicked in the door of High Desert Pregnancy Clinic of Yucca Valley on Tuesday night and took, among other things, office equipment, baby clothing, and television sets used during labor and delivery classes.

High Desert Pregnancy Clinic offers pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, crisis and post-abortive counseling services, and adoption and medical referrals free of charge to over a hundred women a month. The clinic also offers free material assistance to their clients in the form of baby clothes, maternity clothes, formula, diapers, and even furniture.

When Brandi Hale, the clinic’s executive director, arrived at the clinic on Wednesday morning, she found that burglars had taken all of the clinic’s computers and televisions as well as the first aid kit, pregnancy tests, a sound system, the printers, $3000 in checks from donors, and baby boy clothes. At this time the clinic cannot estimate the total loss, other than that it will be “several thousand dollars.”

The deputies who responded to the scene followed traces of the burglars to a nearby dirt parking lot where they found the clinic’s candy-machine and stroller. The burglars had taken the money from the candy machine and destroyed the stroller.

The biggest blow to the clinic is the loss of their donor list and appointment schedule, which were stored on the computers. Despite the burglary, however, the clinic has stayed open. In fact, the clinic served two women on Wednesday, the day the burglary was discovered.

Sandra Dell, president of the board of High Desert Pregnancy Clinic, says, “What the devil means for harm, God will turn to good. God will bring something good for us and for His glory out of this.” She notes how the High Desert community has united in support of the clinic following the burglary and even pro-choice people have expressed disgust at the crime. In response to the burglary, supporters have already donated televisions and computers.

Those who wish to help High Desert Pregnancy Clinic make up the loss from the burglary may donate at the clinic’s website or they may mail a check to 56669 29 Palms Highway, Suite D, Yucca Valley, CA 92284.