Our Story

Everything we do is driven by one simple ambition: to create a society where no one has to face pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone. 

For more than 55 years, Life has stood beside women, families and anyone facing the challenges that pregnancy and pregnancy loss bring. Life has always believed no one should have to face these moments alone. 

Founded in 1970 by Professor Jack Scarisbrick MBE and his wife Nuala, Life began with a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves compassionate support, practical help and the opportunity to become mothers free from fear, pressure and isolation. 

Jack and Nuala created Life not simply as a charity, but as a movement. They opened doors to counselling, housing, practical assistance and emotional support at a time when many women had nowhere else to turn.  

As Jack Scarisbrick said: 

“Being a mother isn’t always easy, but it’s always something to be proud of.” 

More than five decades later, we are a national pregnancy support charity, and the spirit of compassion and practical action continues to inspire our work, we support women without direction and judgement, knowing that the simple kindness and support of standing beside them can help to make parenthood possible. 

Every year, thousands of people receive counselling, housing, practical support and compassionate care through Life. Thanks to our volunteers, supporters, funders and partners, more people can navigate pregnancy and pregnancy loss with confidence and hope.  

Our work is not about a political debate. We exist to support people through some of life’s most complex experiences connected to pregnancy. 

Our work is rooted in the belief that every human life has inherent dignity and value from conception. This means we are ethically opposed to abortion. At the same time, we believe everyone deserves compassionate support. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we do offer person-centred care that empowers people with the support they need to move forward. 

 As we look to the future, our ambition remains unchanged: to create a society where no one is left to face pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone. We will continue to listen, care, and advocate so that every person knows they never have to face these challenges alone.