Mother and Child Welcome House upset by comments contained in letter

Re: Letter from Simone Leibovitch called Please stop frightening, misleading our clients

We are appalled by your public attack on our reputation.

While the letter purports to be addressed to us, its insincerity is obvious. Had you wished to communicate with us, you could have written by normal mail.

Instead, you preferred to spread numerous allegations against us publicly, allowing our good name to be tarnished and undermining our services to pregnant mothers and their unborn children.

This interference with our legitimate service to the community is unacceptable.

Our house was established to promote the sanctity of all human life and to assist pregnant mothers in need.

We operate the Women's Care Centre, which offers information, counselling and support to women who may be pregnant or who may be dealing with the aftermath of past abortions.

Among your sweeping allegations is that we protest outside your location.

You characterize these activities in a highly pejorative way.

Our house does not engage in protest.

Those who do protest do so as individuals.

You should know that full well. It was directly stated to you in a 2007 legal letter.

Among your most serious accusations are that our centre doesn't offer women information "on all options," that we "scare them and mislead them," etc.

Your diatribe is beyond the pale.

Here's fact, as opposed to your fiction.

We advertise our services in the Yellow Pages under "Abortion Alternatives."

We give information on all options, including prenatal and abortion facts women won't obtain from an abortion clinic.

Our principles of counselling are based upon empathy, respect and informed consent.

No misleading, nothing heavy-handed, no effort to scare, intimidate or shame.

The fact that we help post-abortive women shows our compassion and respect.

Your charge that our actions "encourage violence" is reprehensible.

To preach to those committed to total non-violence about "taking a life" must leave many people incredulous.

It's ironic you espouse being good "neighbours."

Good neighbours may disagree; they don't hit below the belt.

Since our house opened we have been good neighbours. We've shown goodwill toward you, your owner, and your staff. Sadly, I've yet to see you reciprocate.

Remember that snowstorm when your car was stuck and I offered to push you?

You adamantly refused.

You seem to bear an animus towards us. I hope that changes.

Your letter has seriously damaged our reputation.

Simple fairness demands that you retract it.

Peter Ryan

President