In light of concerns regarding organisations serving women in unexpected pregnancy, Life is issuing this statement:
Life is a charity based on the Values of humanity, solidarity, community, charity, and the common good.
Therefore, we are committed to integrity, transparency, and the highest standards of care. We do not condone or support the use of deception, false advertising, coercion, or manipulation of women in unexpected pregnancy, regardless of the position of the individual or organisation on abortion.
Instead:
Listening and counselling
- We are an associate member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and adhere to their ethical guidelines. This includes that our counselling and skilled listening service is non-judgmental, does not tell clients what to do, and allows clients to make their own decisions.
- Alongside 350 other organisations, we are members of the Helplines Partnership (the membership body for helpline organisations) and their Helpline Freephone Range.
Advertising
- We follow Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) guidance, so we are clear with people using our services that we do not refer for abortion or give information on abortion providers.
- We are also listed on Google as not providing abortions.
Services
- Our services are for anyone facing any kind of pregnancy-related issue, including those considering an abortion or who has had abortion or other reproductive loss, including miscarriage or stillbirth.
- We are a member of the member of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, an alliance of 120+ UK charities and organisations working to increase support for pregnancy loss. Its working group members include Sands, Bliss, the Miscarriage Association, and Tommy’s.
- Our services – counselling, housing, practical support, and education – give long-term care across motherhood, pregnancy, and the early years stages.
Information
- If clients wish to explore medical topics, we inform – not advise – using NHS information.
- Where needed, we encourage clients to seek medical advice.
Excellence
- We seek excellence in all our services, and therefore seek accreditation, regulation, and registrations where applicable. Explore more on our accreditations page.
- In 2022, we were awarded the Trusted Charity Standard by The Growth Company in recognition of our service and charity excellence.
This approach enables us to have the greatest positive impact on the people we serve – women, children, fathers, families, and the wider community. As one Life client said (and we are delighted to hear this):
“All I have received from you is acceptance, listening, and care. The words thank you does not seem anything in comparison for what you have done for me but Thank you.”