In recent communications in this newspaper much has been inaccurately implied about the work of the Gift of Life Foundation.

For the benefit of readers allow me to throw some light on a branch of the foundation that many may not be aware exists.

Gift of Life has been instrumental in setting up, under its auspices, a crisis pregnancy support service in Malta by the name of HOPE. A team of volunteers including medical, nursing, midwifery and other professionals, runs this service. HOPE offers free and comprehensive information and support, including material support, to women and girls, who may find themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation. This help is made available to the woman throughout her pregnancy and beyond, for as long as is necessary.

Our approach is non-judgemental, non-religious and strictly confidential, allowing the woman to freely make an informed choice.

We provide free pregnancy testing and non-diagnostic ultrasound scanning, information about pregnancy, foetal development and options available, medical, obstetric and gynaecological referrals, and social referrals to other agencies. Women who choose to keep their child are helped throughout the pregnancy with maternity clothes and baby items including nappies and milk, practical help in the home, help with parenting and other skills such as budgeting, child care and so on, as the need may arise.

We also offer professional support to women who contact us after having gone through pregnancy loss through abortion.

From our experience, when a pregnant girl or woman in trouble is confident that she will have the support such as that which HOPE offers, she is more often than not happy to go ahead with the pregnancy, in spite of the difficulties that may arise.

All this is made possible through the generosity of private benefactors, the income of the Gift of Life foundation's two +9 Charity Shops in Msida and Birkirkara, again run by another dedicated team of volunteers, donations (monetary and in kind) by private individuals and fund-raising events.

For more information we may be contacted on telephone number 2141 8055 or by e-mail at hope@lifemalta.org.