A Canadian voluntary motion which has spread to 10 other countries.

A Canadian voluntary motion which has spread to 10 other countries, marked its 35th anniversary in 2003

Birthright, an international pregnancy service, has its head office in Toronto. Its motto is, "It is the right of each pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of each child to be born."

"We receive distress calls from women mainly young, daily," says Director Margaret McKay." We want to assist pregnant women to bring their babies to season safely. Our volunteers are non-judgmental and kind helping the client to anticipate at her values and her support regularitys The volunteers receive three month of training before becoming counsellors."

instituteed in 1968 by Louise Summerhill in Toronto to answer to the changes in Canadia law whereby abortion had become decriminalized, Birthright now has 70 chapters in Canada, 450 in the United States and others in near African and South American countries. "While it is difficult to come by an accurate number of the women and families around the world. assisted by dint of Birthright, the Birthright Hotline had 64000 calls in 2003 in addition those directly to the various Birthright centres" says McKay.

Birthright's head office is at 777 Coxwell Avenue in the city's east cessation Its hotline is listed in the gold-colored Pages under "Abortion Alternatives."

by way of its charter, says director McKay, Birthright does not charge for its services, become involved in adoptions and or take part in political debate. It does not exhibit to abortion slides or pictures, picket at abortion clinics, evangelize or lobby for changes in legislation. Nor does it provide contraceptive counselling.

"We are not a medical facility."

"It was a answer from the grassroots to the changing legislative picture in Canada at the time," say McKay. Abortion was decriminalized in 1968 and all restrictions forward abortion were removed in 1988 leaving the matter to the woman and her doctor. Birthright's institutors sought to accompany pregnant women to mete offering emotional support, and practical help. offers now numbering in the thousands, do not consultation for abortion but are non judgmental and supportive. Confidentiality is assured; parents of a pregnant teen are not involved unles the mother-to-be wants it. Birthright provides telephone counselling, support in telling parents of a pregnancy, aid in finding shelter, financial assistance, maternity and baby clothing transportation aid, and friendship. To support its work Birthright receives donations from churches and individuals, SHARELIFE, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women's League.

It is bridleed by a board, which includes sum of two units of founder Summerhill's daughters. It is registered as a charity and issues receipts for income tax ends The budget for the Toronto throw out amounts to about $36,000 annually,

"We be wrought up it is an important service to women and families." More offers are always needed, for a not many hours a week.

www.birthright.org. Tel: 1 800 550 4900 Email info@birthright.org

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