Sidewalk counselors in Canada helped a woman who was considering abortion have her baby. She was a new immigrant to Canada. Her name was Gloria. The sidewalk counselors were outside the abortion center run by Henry Morgentaler, who used to do late term abortions in Canada:
“Over three years ago, the family emigrated from Trinidad… The family, financially destitute and emotionally distraught, lived in a one room flat infested with cockroaches and rats over a steamy bakery. The couple did not know where to go for help [after she became pregnant]. Gloria recalls their terrible dilemma. “We didn’t want the abortion, but we didn’t know what else to do.” Heavy-hearted, they set out for the abortuary after being told not to use the front entrance [to avoid picketers]. At the back they encountered two sidewalk counselors, William and Tom. After going to “The Way” Inn [pro-life center], where they discussed their dilemma further, William brought them to Aid to Women [crisis pregnancy center].
Here they met Eileen, who is engraved in Gloria’s memory as “a wonderful, loving woman who helped us in so many ways. I’ll never forget her.” Eileen provided them with subway tokens, bed linens, clothing, emotional support, and even arranged for Aid to Women to pay their rental arrears of $900 to avert their eviction. From that day onwards, the couple’s life took a turn for the better. Eventually more help came their way during that long hot summer of 1987: the donation from a downtown pro-life office of a used air conditioner enabled the family to survive the suffocating heat from the bakery below; medical and social welfare referrals; the help of a resourceful public health nurse; help with immigration problems and a steady job for Ram… Later they moved to a small, subsidized public housing apartment.
The culmination of all these events was the birth of Matthew, a joy to all. Gloria is quick to say “William was our first friend. If it hadn’t been for him, we would’ve gone through with the abortion.… I think what the counselors do outside the Morgentaler place is a very good thing, because many people need help but don’t know where to get it.”
Ken Campbell Five Years Rescuing at the Gates of Hell (Burlington, Ontario, Canada: Coronation Publications 1990) 72 – 73
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