Response to Guardian story on Crisis Pregnancy Care Services 

Following the investigation into the standards of practice of Crisis Pregnancy Care Services in the United Kingdom, we are concerned to hear that there may have been some isolated incidents where the excellent service normally provided by LIFE has not been delivered. Investigations into the points raised in the Guardian report have already begun, and if, after investigation, we find there is any foundation to these allegations, we shall take all necessary measures to ensure that clients receive only the highest quality counselling and skilled listening in the future.

We are wholeheartedly committed to offering the best service possible to women facing crisis pregnancies by providing them with non-judgmental, person-centred, non-directive counselling and skilled listening.

Person-centred counselling puts the client at the heart of the counselling experience. Women faced with a crisis pregnancy often have many people telling them what to do - boyfriends, husbands, friends, other family members - and their own feelings and thoughts can often be masked by the opinions and needs of others. It is the role of the counsellor, therefore, to provide a neutral, safe and peaceful environment in which the woman can explore her feelings about the pregnancy, and to look at the possible options open to her and her feelings about these options. LIFE's counsellors and skilled helpers are there to help each woman in her own specific circumstances, giving her the necessary time and space for her to come to make her own decision.

This form of counselling works on the assumption that the client has the answers within her. The role of the counsellor is to enable the client to uncover these answers and so move forward. Person-centred counselling is marked, therefore, by a deep respect for the client and what they are experiencing, and the counselling relationship is characterised by empathy, acceptance and congruence.

With this in mind, and in order to maintain the sense of trust that is essential to this relationship, the counsellor should at no point share her own feelings on these issues with the client. Factual information, such as foetal development, abortion procedure, lone parenting and post abortion syndrome, is brought into the conversation when an interest to know has been clearly expressed by the client.

Over the years, LIFE has helped thousands of women through its Care Services. We rarely know the decision a woman makes. We make it clear that whatever her decision, we are there for her. For those who do choose abortion, we offer free post-abortion counselling should they feel they need it. For those who choose to continue with their pregnancy, we provide practical help and support.

LIFE is dedicated to helping in the situation of crisis pregnancy; we do not judge, we care. We can only achieve this with your ongoing support, and the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and staff.