It was in the mid-sixties that David Steel, now Lord Steel, introduced a Private Members Bill which would ultimately lead to abortion, under certain circumstances, being no longer illegal. Despite much work and resistance, the Abortion Act 1967 came into force and since that time, the number of abortions taking place annually has steadily risen and now stands at over 200,000.

The first LIFE Group was established in 1972 in Leamington Spa and was set up by Jack and Nuala Scarisbrick. They wanted to ensure that any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and feeling that abortion was the only way out were given all the help and support that they needed to continue with their pregnancy. LIFE groups began to spring up around the country including Middlesbrough, which has a Pregnancy Care Centre operating from 366 Linthorpe Road. Here, they offer women faced with a crisis pregnancy as much practical and emotional support as they need. They also offer post abortion counselling to women and men suffering from the after effects of a termination.

The national helpline (0800 915 4600) and text-to-talk service (07786 200 330) can also be accessed by those preferring an anonymous form of contact. LIFE Education is also going strong in the North East providing schools with a service which compliments their curriculum and encourages students to think about pro-life issues. Nationally LIFE is going from strength to strength and its work is expanding and more and more people are able to access our services.

Alongside its caring work, LIFE has also supported the various campaigns to repeal/amend the present legislation. However, the year on year rise in the number of abortions and the present situation whereby there is virtually abortion on demand, does appear to be causing alarm in government. David Steel himself is now calling for a review of the present law.