The Wagga Catholic diocese has been linked with a pregnancy centre accused of surreptitiously doling out anti-abortion advice.
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The Women’s Life Centre in Albury aims help “any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or worried that they may be pregnant”.
While the service claims to be founded on “the core belief of the dignity, beauty and the unique gift of women and the precious individuality of each person”, it’s paraphernalia and marketing fails to mention its unashamedly anti-abortion stance.
It has been revealed the website domain for the clinic is registered to the Wagga Catholic diocese.
A spokesman for the church stressed the clinic was an independently registered organisation, but could not explain the digital association.
The diocese has suggested the church may have offered “technical assistance” to help the centre set up its website, but will not release further details “until the process is finalised”.
Director of the pregnancy centre Peta Evans told The Daily Advertiser the Wagga diocese had lent a hand with “start up technical support”.
Ms Evans intends to change the website registration into the centre’s name.
“The Women's Life Centre (WLC) is a registered, incorporated association,” Ms Evans said in a written statement.
“We work with other groups including charities and churches and with many individuals who assist and support us in the work we do.
“The WLC is supported by generous donations from a range of donors, including local businesses, members of the public and churches (including non-Catholic churches).”
The Border Mail has reported a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist has branded the centre’s recent acquisition of an ultrasound machine “vile manipulation”.
“This is another way of coercing women to continue an unwanted pregnancy by increasing her emotional distress,” Dr Pieter Mourik said.
The centre claims the ultra-sound is not for diagnostic purposes, rather it’s hoped women “connect with their unborn babies … they can listen to their baby’s heartbeat between coffee and cake”.