By Ruth Henrich, member of Grey Bruce Humanists
In communities like ours, generosity runs deep. When a local philanthropic group recently donated to a crisis pregnancy centre in Owen Sound, the impulse was commendable: help people through a difficult moment with care and compassion. But good intentions can be undermined when organizations present themselves as neutral, “all-options” resources while steering people away from abortion and contraception and toward a single outcome: continuing a pregnancy.
Unregulated pregnancy centres (UPCs) (sometimes just known as the local pregnancy centre) or CPC (crisis pregnancy centre) are typically faith-based organizations that position themselves as health or counselling providers. Many adopt the language of choice: “women’s health,” “options counselling,” “support for every decision”, yet do not refer for abortion and often exclude accurate information about contraception. Some are staffed primarily by volunteers rather than licensed clinicians and are not bound by the privacy, oversight, or quality standards that govern real health-care settings. The result is a troubling pattern: delay, dissuade, and direct people away from evidence-based care at the exact moment they need clear, unbiased information.
Why This Matters To Donors
Philanthropy should amplify community well-being. If a charity misrepresents what it does—or withholds essential information—donations can unintentionally fund practices that put people at risk. Research and monitoring by professional medical bodies and advocacy organizations have documented recurring UPC tactics: overstating abortion risks, using non-diagnostic ultrasounds to create attachment, inflating gestational age to push people past local service limits, and, in some cases, promoting unproven “abortion reversal” treatments. Even when delivered with kindness, misinformation and delay can close the door on timely, evidence-based care. That isn’t care; it’s obstruction.
Abortion Is Health Care
Humanist Canada affirms that abortion is health care and that decisions about pregnancy belong to the person who is pregnant. Humanism upholds personal autonomy, evidence, and compassion. Those values are not ideological—they are practical. When someone seeks information about pregnancy options, they deserve full, accurate facts; referrals to regulated providers; and genuine support for whichever path they choose.
How UPCs Co-Opt The Language Of Choice
In recent years, UPCs have deliberately adopted the words of reproductive rights movements to appear balanced and benign. Labels like “pro-choice” or “non-directive” are sometimes used while excluding abortion referrals and contraception from the actual services provided. This linguistic sleight-of-hand wins trust, garners charitable funding, and blurs the line between pastoral care and health care. Donors, journalists, and the public should look past the branding to the substance: What information is given? What services are offered—and which are not? Who provides them, under what credentials, and with what accountability?
A Practical Checklist For Ethical Giving
Before donating to any organization that offers pregnancy-related services, consider asking:
- Do they provide full, medically accurate information about all options—including abortion and contraception and make referrals upon request?
- Are the counsellors and/or ultrasound operators licensed health professionals? If so, by which regulatory college? If training is provided, what is its content, and who provides it?
- What privacy standards apply to clients’ information? Do health privacy laws govern them?
- Do they follow evidence-based clinical guidelines (e.g., from recognized medical bodies) and clearly disclose any religious affiliations or constraints on care?
- Will they provide you with written policies on options counselling, referrals, and informed consent?
Transparent, accountable organizations will answer these questions directly and in writing. If they will not, donors should take note.
A Respectful Ask of Our Neighbours
Local philanthropic groups do tremendous good. Our goal is not to shame donors or the group, but to equip them and our wider community with clear information. If a centre does not provide or refer for abortion, it is not “pro-choice.” If its staff are not regulated health professionals, it is not a health-care provider. If it withholds or distorts evidence, it is not offering “all options.” Words matter—because people’s lives, health, and futures are shaped by what they hear in a moment of crisis.
A Better Way Forward
If your aim is to support people facing unplanned or complicated pregnancies, consider directing funds to organizations that provide comprehensive, evidence-based care, including referrals for the full range of legal services. That may include hospital-based programs, community health centres, sexual-health clinics, abortion funds and practical support networks, or vetted counselling services delivered by licensed professionals. Ethical giving means ensuring your donation empowers informed choice—not narrowing it.
We share these concerns in a spirit of collaboration, not confrontation. Our community’s generosity deserves the greatest possible impact. Let’s make sure donations truly serve the people they’re meant to help—by backing organizations that are transparent, accountable, and aligned with evidence-based care.
About the author: Ruth Henrich is a member of the Grey Bruce Humanists and is also Chair of the Morgentaler Committee at Humanist Canada. She lives in Bruce County. Editor’s note: A version of this article was sent as an open letter to the philanthropic group “100 Good Men Who Give a Damn” in October 2025. A list of sources and further reading is available upon request.