Anti-abortion goodie bags distributed at Chilliwack parade
Posted October 5, 2019 7:16 pm.
Last Updated October 6, 2019 1:36 am.
CHILLIWACK (NEWS 1130) — Anti-abortion literature–packaged with lollipops and miniature fetuses–was distributed by a crisis pregnancy centre at a parade in Chilliwack Saturday, prompting an apology from festival organizers.
The Chilliwack Pregnancy Care Centre had a float in Saturday’s Rosedale Harvest Festival parade.
One parent took to social media to post pictures of the packages she says were distributed by the centre.
@PeeJayAitch @CHWKcommunity pic.twitter.com/Zg9BjIjnzt
— Humanist Home (@TheHumanistHome) October 5, 2019
There are no abortion clinics in the Faser Valley. The centre is not a medical clinic.
It describes itself as offering information and counselling to pregnant women, including those considering abortion.
“An abortion can never be undone, so it is critical that you take the time to carefully consider all aspects of abortion as you determine what is best for you and your baby. It is vital that you equip yourself the best information available to help you make your decision. You have a right to know all the facts,” says the website.
Organizers of the Rosedale Harvest Festival say they were blindsided by the distribution of the packets.
The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada says studies show that centres like the one in Chilliwack misinform and try to intimidate women considering abortions.
“Many agencies that counsel pregnant women and transgender people are actually anti-abortion Christian ministries that hide their true agenda, which is to stop people from having abortions. Most of these centres are not medical facilities, and most of their ‘counsellors’ are volunteers who are not medical professionals and have no recognized training in counselling. Some of these centres are called ‘crisis pregnancy centres’ or ‘pregnancy care centres’ although many of them have different names that make them sound secular and non-biased,” says the website. “Clients describe being harassed, bullied, and given blatantly false information. Their confidentiality has been violated, and mistreatment by CPCs has threatened their health.”
NEWS 1130 has reached out to parade organizers and the concerned parent.
The Chilliwack Pregnancy Care Centre is closed on weekends.
