Across its more than 40 years, Aid to Women has stood firm in its mission of being a compassionate, physical and emotional lifeline for Toronto mothers, counselling abortion- minded women into choosing life for themselves and their babies. 

Now, even in a time of soaring costs and potential looming threats to its charitable status, the organization continues to walk alongside expectant mothers, offering both physical needs and non-judgmental support through the toughest decision of their lives. 

To its staff and supporters, the vitality of the pro-life cause is seen far beyond the initial decision to choose life by continuing pregnancy, a critical time Aid to Women prides itself on being present for. 

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“What attracted me was that here is an organization that understands when a woman chooses life, which is wonderful, you don't just shake her hand, pat her on the back and leave. We need to support them, we are the only pro-life agency that supports the mother and the child for two years after, that includes everything from diapers to clothing, food, car seats, strollers, practically anything they need,” said Mark Jacot, a longtime board member. 

 While needs are often met on a client-by-client basis, mothers receive a newborn package with a car seat, stroller and various other items for their child. Volunteers frequently deliver packages containing baby formula, diapers, wipes, clothing and the occasional toy set to clients. 

Aid to Women also connects mothers to resources they may not be aware of. Essentials like shelters or food banks are recommended for cases where they cannot provide the level of support needed.

Each item and resource provided by donors is crucial to women once overwhelmed by crisis pregnancies. However, the emotional bond between Aid to Women and its client base has long been championed as the most impactful element of the agency. 

“We know that this is the most difficult decision that a woman will ever make in her life, and so we are very understanding, compassionate and sympathetic towards what these women are going through,” Jacot said. “These women are not just clients, they become our friends, and they know that we're there for them.

“Of the hundreds of women that we've helped over the years, there has never been any woman who has said they regret having their child. That’s a testament to our committed relationship in walking alongside them.”  

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As Aid to Women continues to support roughly 25 to 30 mothers annually on top of various one-time donations to those in need, ongoing funding challenges, such as rising costs for essentials, remain ever-present.

Perhaps more concerning is the threat of losing its charitable status due to Liberal ideology. Despite no law being officially passed yet, Oct. 29, 2024, saw MP Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, re-introduce the prospect in the House of Commons, saying “I would like to table, in both official languages, a notice of ways and means motion that contains our plan to require more transparency from charities that use deceptive tactics to push women away from making their own reproductive decisions.” 

To new executive director Chrissy Lockhart, if acted upon, the change would be disastrous. 

“It could be devastating.  If we are all out there voting for what we believe in, hopefully, it will never be able to get that far,” she said. “In that situation, we would have to rely on those people who are truly passionate about the important work that we're doing.” 

Jacot speculates that while Prime Minister Mark Carney is focused on ongoing tariff and trade issues with the United States, the legislation may not be brought forward for some time. However, he agrees with Lockhart that its impact would be seriously damaging to Aid to Women and hundreds of other charities. 

Despite these uncertainties, Lockhart remains committed to the agency’s future success by looking into furthering online outreach, such as social media and targeted ads for women facing crisis pregnancies. At the same time, she carries a steadfast approach to preserving Aid to Women’s 40-year legacy of personal, compassionate relationships, ensuring every client feels valued beyond the supplies they receive.  

“ Simply being a beacon as people there for women is something that we will always continue to do. The way that we do that always has to grow and develop and we have to be a little bit more cautious in how we're communicating, but it doesn't change the fact that we are intentionally presenting them with this other option where so many other places are pushing one destructive option in their face,” she said.

This continued commitment has turned fear into hope for mothers who once faced life-altering choices. Lockhart, Jacot and staff have witnessed, daily, the profound impact of their support, with women embracing motherhood with pride and joy thanks to Aid to Women’s constant support. 

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“We go to (these women's) homes and we see them interacting with their children, knowing that just a year ago, they were considering abortion. Every mom is so proud, so excited and so filled with love and joy for the little human that they've created, one that the world was telling them to just get rid of,” Lockhart said. 

“When you see the change that happens in these women, it just reiterates to me every time just how important the work is that we're doing.”