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Crisis Pregnancy Centre Commences Legal Proceedings Against Planned Parenthood Ottawa

OTTAWA, May 22, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Ottawa, operating under the registered business name First Place Pregnancy Centre, issued a Statement of Claim Tuesday against Planned Parenthood Ottawa and two of its representatives before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. First Place alleges that Planned Parenthood Ottawa interfered with critical funding and defamed their charity putting the charity and the women they serve at risk.

On Monday, November 26th, 2007 the wives and girlfriends of the Ottawa Senators announced the launch of their holiday fundraiser, the "SENSational Tree Raffle", naming First Place as one of three chosen charities. The following day, Planned Parenthood Ottawa issued a press release in which it is alleged that they made false and defamatory statements about First Place. Planned Parenthood's actions caused First Place to withdraw from the fundraiser and forego the thousands of dollars that could have assisted First Place and its clients.

Terri Mazik, Executive Director of First Place Pregnancy Centre asks, "Why did Planned Parenthood Ottawa interfere in this way? While we do not refer for abortion we provide and have always provided nonjudgmental support to women facing an unintended pregnancy in order for them to make an informed decision. We have an obligation to our clients and to the community to realize our mandate and we have therefore decided to take legal action to protect our ability to do so."

In an interview with the Ottawa Citizen, Terri Mazik stated that the staff at First Place Pregnancy Centre felt that they had to withdraw from the fundraiser out of respect for the reputation of the Ottawa Senator's foundation.

"We felt, under the circumstances, [the foundation was] doing a wonderful thing by including us and they did not deserve to be receiving the negative press," said Mazik.

First Place Pregnancy Centre is a registered Christian charity providing fully informed choice and compassionate service to anyone facing an unintended pregnancy. "We provide information about all pregnancy options, including abortion, in order to support women at a very difficult time in their lives", says Marlene Caicco, Client Services Director.

As a policy, referrals for abortion are not made by the charity and all clients are thus advised before they meet with a counsellor. First Place offers non-judgmental support regardless of the outcome. In all cases clients are referred to a medical professional and are offered support following their decision. If a client chooses abortion, First Place offers post-abortion support. In fact, post-abortion support is offered to anyone dealing with an emotional response to their abortion, whether they've been a client of First Place or not.

Terri Mazik states, "We don't want anyone to be isolated and alone in their time of need. Women are confronted with difficult choices when faced with an unintended pregnancy. We believe it is our responsibility to provide a safe and confidential place where women and men explore all their options and make a fully informed choice. For years the community has supported First Place in fulfilling our mission as our organization depends entirely on individual donations to survive. As a result we have been privileged to serve thousands of men and women, many of whom have been repeat clients. The people of Ottawa deserve to benefit from the diverse services of a variety of charitable organizations. Our services are vital and we are passionate about serving our community".

As a charitable organization, First Choice Pregnancy Centre is sustained primarily through donations while Planned Parenthood is known to be among the wealthiest of non-profit organizations in the world. Last year alone, Planned Parenthood received $18 million from Canada's taxpayers. Planned Parenthood is not only heavily supported through funding by the Canadian government, but the organization directly caused a sharp decline in the clientele at First Place Pregnancy Centre following the erroneous and unjustly condemnatory press release.

To Contact First Place:

Erica Terris Director of Operations 889 BANK STREET SUITE 201 OTTAWA ON K1S 3W4 http://www.first-place.ca t 613.228.7475 f 613.228.5590

For additional background information: http://www.prowomanprolife.org/?p=645

See First Place Pregnancy Centre website http://www.first-place.ca/

Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Centre Bullied out of Fundraiser by Vicious Abortion Crusaders http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/dec/07120705.html

Abortion Campaigners Launch Attack on Hockey Wives' Charitable Support for Crisis Pregnancy Centre http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/dec/07120511.html

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