"I came here to see if I was pregnant," says a shy, soft spoken, yet very mature Magaly Martinez about her first trip to El Rio.  She was only 18 when she discovered here daughter was on the way.

Magaly enrolled in the "Midwives" program at El Rio Center.  She received prenatal care, learned about proper nutrition, and how to take care of the baby.

Nine months later, on Dec. 17, 1992, a daughter, whom they named Magaly, was brought into this world.  It was a joy for the couple.  Magaly and her husband Gilbert knew health care was important, so they took the baby to El Rio for regular check-ups and other medical attention.

Two years later, another surprise.  Magaly was pregnant again.  And again, she says she headed straight to El Rio for her care.  This time the joy was a baby boy, named Gilberto.

Her first pregnancy test brought Magaly to El Rio Health Center, but she says the kindness and help she received kept her coming back.

"It's wonderful knowing that when my kids need medical care, they will be seen."

Twenty-four-year-old Magaly Martinez is a homemaker, and her husband Gilbert makes his living laying tile.  The couple think it's important for Magaly to be home with their five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.  That means a one-income household, so money is tight.  When it comes to health care, it has to be affordable.

"El Rio provides affordable medical care.  It's only $15 to bring the kids in," she says with a smile.

Adapted from Tucson Lifestyle
December 1998
Portrait Photos by David Fox