About Life
At Life, we believe no one should face pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone.
Pregnancy can be one of the most joyful, overwhelming and life-changing experiences a person will ever experience. It can also bring uncertainty, fear and isolation. Today, many people navigate pregnancy while facing financial pressure, relationship challenges, poor mental health or grief.
We know that when people have compassionate, practical and emotional support, they are better able to build positive futures for themselves and their families.
Our work is rooted in the belief that every human life has inherent dignity and value from conception. That belief shapes our approach, which is why we are ethically opposed to abortion. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we are committed to offering compassionate, person-centred care that supports people with dignity, respect and without judgement.
Whatever someone is experiencing, they will always be treated with dignity, kindness and compassion.
Across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Life provides free pregnancy tests, a national helpline, skilled emotional support, supported housing for pregnant women and young mothers, baby supplies, community support and specialist guidance for anyone facing pregnancy or pregnancy loss.
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.