The Obria Group, Inc.

Introduction

The Obria Group, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, operating under the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for religious, educational, charitable, or scientific purposes. It primarily focuses on human services, specifically multipurpose and other services related to children's and youth services.

History and Background

The Obria Group was founded in 1981 by Kathleen Eaton-Bravo, initially known as Birth Choice Health Clinics. Over time, it has evolved into a national network of affiliate medical clinics providing compassionate and holistic healthcare services, positioning itself as a pro-life alternative to major healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood.

Operations

As of 2021, Obria operates 21 fully licensed medical clinics across six states: California, Georgia, Iowa, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. These clinics offer a range of healthcare services, including prenatal care, with the mission to empower women and support families through "Whole Care for the Whole You," focusing on comprehensive wellness for patients. In 2021, Obria clinics served over 7,700 unique patients and brought 1,791 pregnancies to term, also completing 498 telemedicine appointments.

Services and Approach

Obria clinics provide healthcare services that align with their pro-life stance, offering methods like "fertility awareness" for family planning rather than hormonal birth control or other contraceptive methods. This approach has led to controversy, particularly regarding their eligibility for federal funding programs like Title X, which require providers to offer comprehensive family planning services.

Funding and Finances

Obria's financial operations are primarily reliant on donations, which constitute the majority of their revenue. In recent years, they have also received Title X funding, though this has been subject to controversy and legal challenges due to concerns about compliance with federal health service standards.

Leadership

The organization's leadership includes a diverse board of directors and executive team members. As of the latest available information, key leadership roles include Henry Taylor as Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Robiaun Charles as Chief Development Officer.

Controversies and Challenges

The Obria Group has faced criticism and legal challenges regarding their approach to healthcare services, particularly over their receipt of federal funding for programs that do not provide comprehensive family planning options. Organizations like the Campaign for Accountability have questioned the validity of Obria's funding applications and their adherence to federal health guidelines.