Birthright is a crisis pregnancy center without the frills. They are not involved in politics. They are not involved in anti-abortion rallies. They are not involved in the medical world. Instead Birthright attempts to be all about creating a space where women can connect, find support, be listened to, and cared for. Early on in Birthright’s story they decided that involvement in politics, while important, could get in the way of a woman feeling safe or comfortable in visiting a Birthright house.

I’ve been on the board of Vancouver’s Birthright for a few years now and am continually impressed by it’s commitment to individuals, by their willingness to live and die in relationship, and by their commitment to a non-judgmental and invitational posture toward women in crisis.

If you’re a woman in a crisis pregnancy that needs a safe environment to ask questions, be pointed toward resources, or to just be listened to you should come downtown to Birthright on the corner of 17th and Broadway.

If you’re a woman who wants to volunteer a few hours of your week to be available at the Birthright house to listen to women you can call 360-604-8156. We’re always looking for women who are willing to take that non-judgmental posture toward others and who are willing to prioritize listening over speaking.

As an organization they’re still a little old school (visit their website and you’ll see www.birthright.org) and we’re working on that. But as a philosophy, in practice they are right on with what I think we should be all about! Listening. Caring. Being present for others. Compassion. Relationship. Good stuff…