The difference a Pregnancy Centre makes:
Thirty-six years ago, the Christian Advocacy Society (CAS) embarked on a vision of doing justice and loving mercy in the Greater Vancouver area. The heart of the matter was focussed on the value of human life where all persons are recognized as distinct and precious human beings, from conception until natural death. The first ministry under the umbrella of CAS was Crisis Pregnancy Centre (now Cedar Pregnancy Care Centre) in Burnaby. What started as a single pregnancy help ministry is now two pregnancy care centres (Vancouver was added in 2007), two homes (a safe house and maternity home), post abortion grief services, rape victims support, sexual integrity education, online messaging support in English and French, and global trainings.
Knowing the impact of a woman’s experience at pregnancy centres has not been widely studied. A June 2024 research article by Elliot Institute* focussed on the impact of pregnancy help centres with women who had problematic pregnancies. When asked to rank whether their contact with the pregnancy help centre made their lives worse or better on a scale of 0 (very much worse) – 100 (very much better), the average score for women at lower risk of abortion was 84.8 and 77.1 for women at higher risk of abortion. Only one woman’s rating was below 50. The Institute also concluded that women facing problematic pregnancies who did not choose abortion experienced rapid improvements in feelings of wanted-ness, timeliness, acceptance, welcoming, and desirability toward the pregnancy. The rate of improvement was most rapid among those who had investigated and considered abortion. Women reporting contact with pregnancy help centers almost always assess it as having improved their lives.
A little research goes a long way in confirming that the importance of pregnancy centre ministry has not declined in recent years. For the Cedar Pregnancy Care Centres in Burnaby and Vancouver their services have been integral to providing a physical location in their communities where the many services of the Christian Advocacy Society could be offered. Since 1989, over 23,800 women have been impacted by compassion, care and community. This number doesn’t include phone calls, texts, emails, or the many students who have sat through sexual integrity presentations in schools. The presence of a pregnancy care centre in any place offers a lifeline of hope to people seeking support for an unexpected pregnancy. It raises awareness of the value of having access to practical help and life-affirming alternatives, as well as highlights the real need for a community to come alongside the women and men in these situations to help raise a child. The services of these centres continue to be an essential piece to growing communities and families.
*Reardon, D. C. (June 07, 2024). Women Highly Rate Help from Pregnancy Resource Centers: New National Study. Elliot Institute. https://www.afterabortion.org/women-highly-rate-help-from-pregnancy-resource-centers-new-national-study/
Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreat – Healing After Abortion
Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats offer a beautiful opportunity for healing to any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. The retreat focuses on God’s love and forgiveness in a non-judgmental environment. The event is open to and welcomes individuals of all denominations.
This year Rachel’s Vineyard will be held on May 23-25, 2025. The weekend begins on Friday afternoon and concludes on Sunday afternoon. The cost is $300 per person and includes lodging for two nights, meals, and materials. For those needing financial assistance, subsidy is available. To register please call Yoori at 604-525-0999 or email info@pacscanada.org. Registration deadline is May 19, 2025.
Rachel’s Vineyard Vancouver is a joint venture between Post Abortion Community Services and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Edmonton Pro-Life
At Edmonton Prolife, we are dedicated to upholding the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. We are committed to protecting and promoting the rights of the unborn, the elderly, and all vulnerable individuals. Edmonton Prolife offers an extensive range of invaluable presentations for audiences of all backgrounds. We offer presentations to Pre-K and Early Elementary Age Groups, Upper Elementary thru to Jr. and Sr. High Age Groups, as well as other groups such as youth, church, and home school groups. We have Life is Precious Kits (can be borrowed) that include lesson plans, fetal models, brochures, movies, and worksheets.
We have resources, such as brochures (free) and books and DVDs that can be borrowed. Annual scholarships are given out to eligible recipients. Contact our office for more information: 780-425-1637 or info@edmontonprolife.org. Visit our website: edmontonprolife.org
Surrey Mechanical
Protection of Human Life – Family – Freedom of Speech: These three are under increasing attack by Governments, who have slowly turned away from defending the Judeo-Christian principles that were the basis of Canada’s legal system. We allowed this to happen, but it is never too late to change course. If Christians would refuse to vote for any Party or candidate who are not committed to:
1) Protecting human life at all stages of development from conception to natural death.
2) Supporting the Natural Family and Marriage as between one woman and one man.
3) Defending Freedom of Speech and Religion and Canada’s Christian Heritage.
The overwhelming victory of the “Delta Hospice Society’s” vote to refuse the killing of patients (MAID) in palliative care is a good example that we can have a positive effect when we get together and vote for principles instead of voting for the lesser evil.
Note: There is a Christian political party in Canada, (CHRISTIAN HERITAGE PARTY OF CANADA) that uncompromisingly defends our principles.
Gerhard Herwig
Surrey
Press Release
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