Pregnancy Care Canada celebrating 25 years

Many people have contributed to twenty-five years of compassionately serving women, men, and families impacted by an unexpected pregnancy. Contributions by the original founders, staff and board members, pregnancy care centre personnel, and generous ‘seed money’ donors.

In the early 1990s, a small gathering of centre directors envisioned a best practice, equipping association to serve the unique needs of pregnancy care centres in Canada. A “wish list” of documents, standards, resources, and support was compiled from the existing Canadian pregnancy care centres.

On November 30, 1998, the fledgling Canadian Association of Pregnancy Support Services (CAPSS) was approved by CRA as a charitable organization. The CAPSS lofty goal: “Encourage, Equip, and Establish” pregnancy centres nationwide. 

In 2019, CAPSS became Pregnancy Care Canada (PCC). Today, the PCC has a proficient and robust team. Their resourceful crew includes full time and part time staff working in administration, communications, resource development, training and programming, centre leadership support, and more – all under the sage leadership of executive director, Dr. Laura Lewis. 

Pregnancy Care Canada has far exceeded their original aspirations for resources, services, and partnerships which the founders never imagined. Notably, each and every year, PCC-affiliated centres provide thousands of women, men, and families with immeasurable care. Over the last twenty-five years, 

• 169,361 have accessed pregnancy related help 

• 195,681 received material needs, diapers, formula, and clothing 

• 20,588 helped by prenatal education 

• 34.836 helped by parenting programs 

• 11,909 requested and received support after their abortion 

• Tens of thousands assisted through phone calls, text messages, and online support

Remarkable. Pregnancy Care Canada plays an invaluable role in Canada’s continuum of health care for pregnant women by providing accurate options information and offering practical and compassionate support. 

Celebratory applause to the visionary pioneers, who dreamed, prayed, laboured, and cheerfully donated to make Pregnancy Care Canada a reality. Today, the availability and expansion of life-affirming services continues as a labour of love by a community of donors, staff, and volunteers – from coast to coast.  For more information on the educational and pastoral work of Pregnancy Care Canada, go to pregnancycarecanada.ca.