Click here to read "A Flawed Law: Canadian 'Bubble Zone' Doesn’t Protect Women" on Pregnancy Help News.

Behind the Scenes

On October 25th, an announcement was made that Ontario passed legislation to protect women's right to choose abortion (click here to read the full report). The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017, allows for safe access zones to be established around facilities that offer abortion services as well as the homes and office of regulated abortion providers. British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have already enacted similar safe access zone laws.

     Attorney General, Yasir Naqvi, said, "Our government believes that every woman in Ontario has the right to make decisions about her own health - and she deserves to do so freely, without fear. This legislation sends a clear message that we will always stand up for a woman's right to choose." 

     At first glance, this news can be intimidating and discouraging. Or, we can see it as an opportunity to enter the conversation and bring clarity to the work we do!

     On some points, we agree with the government and legislation. We don't condone intimidation, harassment, or violence, and we believe a woman has the right to choose without fear or pressure from others. However, we do know that some women choose abortion because of fear or pressure from others. We also know that many women make the choice for abortion without full knowledge of what they are choosing. 

     CBC Radio contacted Dr. Laura and asked for a statement. We are thankful that Dr. Laura was able to share the information above, as well as explain very clearly what it is that pregnancy care centres do -- offer education and support in a caring, nonjudgmental environment. 

     Although engaging with the media on the controversial topic of abortion can be intimidating, we are thankful for the opportunity to speak the truth in love. We are also thankful for your prayers and support which provide for the work being done!

Making an Impact

We are excited to recently have held the CAPSS Director Accreditation Training (DAT) last month in Ontario. 13 Directors from pregnancy care centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario participated.

 

These new CAPSS Directors received training in: Right Roles (Board and Executive Director Relationships), Servant Leadership, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Branding, Counselling the Abortion-Minded Client, Developing Programs, Training and Caring for Volunteers, and Self Care. 

     Here are some quotes from their training evaluations:

• I feel so much more focused and prepared to go forward as Director at the centre. I was feeling overwhelmed and scattered before but this training really helped.

• This has been a great week and I feel so thankful for the knowledge, prayer, and connections that we've been blessed with this week. Thank you!

     We know there will be a ripple effect of impact and excellence as these Directors take this training back to their centres. This is one of the many ways that your support is utilized to impact and equip those serving and helping on the front lines!

(Text and photos taken from CAPSS newsletter)