Madam, - I am writing in reply to recent articles relating to Cura Crisis Pregnancy Services. The ethos of Cura "upholds the right of every child to be born and to receive from society its consequent human rights". Therefore, Cura cannot regard abortion as an acceptable option nor can it find itself able to assist in any arrangement to facilitate abortion.
At the same time Cura recognises that some clients will make choices and take decisions at variance with its own philosophy. Cura respects the values and beliefs of clients and, through mutual respect, their right to self-determination and the freedom to make a good and thoughtful decision. Working in accordance with this ethos, Cura counsellors are available to support any person facing a crisis pregnancy.
Cura does not offer information on or assist in obtaining an abortion. Working strictly within its ethos, Cura operates a compassionate open-door policy for all those who are facing an unhappy or an unplanned pregnancy or are troubled by the decisions they have made in this regard. It is a non-directive counselling service; one which provides a safe space in which a person experiencing a crisis in their lives can slow down the decision-making process and calmly discern the way forward. While stating clearly its ethos, Cura respects the right of each individual to make personal decisions.
Experienced counsellors in the 16 Cura centres throughout the country continue to provide our full range of services including crisis pregnancy counselling, free pregnancy testing, information on rights and entitlements and counselling after an abortion. - Yours, etc,
NOREEN KEANE,
National PRO,
Cura National Office,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.