Do you know what “ambivalence” is? "Ambivalence" is when you have mixed feelings about something. Abortion is an irreversible process. The Guide for Dispensing Mifegymiso® for Medical Abortion in Canada says (top of page 2) that ambivalence is an "absolute contraindication" for the abortion pill. An "absolute contraindication" means that this medication must not be used. A procedure or medicine that falls under this category is to be avoided. This means that if you are experiencing ambivalence (mixed feelings), that the procedure should be avoided. We specialize in helping people work through their mixed feelings so they can make an informed health decision. Text or call us today at 902-678-6217. When considering your options, it's important to note that the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education has quoted (on pg. 5) the World Health Organization which labels abortion as a "negative" condition or outcome, and the personal stories from all the women who have shared their abortion experience with us strongly support that statement. After a medical abortion, you'll likely experience a range of emotions — such as relief, loss, sadness and guilt. These feelings are normal. However, if, like many women who have shared their story with us, you find that your negative feelings about your abortion do not go away or get worse or they seem to be causing problems in your relationships, we facilitate after-abortion care which many women have found extremely helpful. Contact us any time to learn more about the help and support we have for you.

The information you need regarding pregnancy, parenting, adoption and abortion can be found at the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Text or Call us today for the knowledgeable, compassionate care you are looking for. Text or call today 902-678-6217.

For pregnancy, adoption or abortion information, you need a safe place to get help. That's what our guests say they find at the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre. Text or Call us now: 902-678-6217 or 902-670-8510

Abortion "The Valley Care Pregnancy Centre offers caring, respectful, loving and open-minded support." - a recent guest ​ You may be considering abortion as an option for your unplanned pregnancy. We offer information on abortion and decision making tools and support to help you make an informed health decision. An unplanned pregnancy is difficult to experience. We are here for you. Most women say what they need most when facing an unplanned pregnancy is loving support and a safe place with someone who will listen. We are here for you. We have information that you may find very helpful. However, if you are only looking for abortion and do not want any other information or support or help with decision making, you may not want to visit this centre because providing or assisting with abortion is outside our scope of services, so that's important for you to know. Our first priority is you, and we look forward to seeing you. Text or Call us Now 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE ​ "The honesty and caring and integrity is what I liked best about my visit with the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre." - one of our recent guests ​ Read about Plan B and other Emergency Contraception (EC) pills' effectiveness for how long you wait after taking it and how your weight may play a role. ​ Have you seen magazine ads for a medical treatment, followed by one or two pages of warnings in small black print? That's because it's important to explore the risks of of any health care procedure so that you make an informed decision. Here are some things you may want to consider. Risks of Abortion ​ Ambivalence "Ambivalence" is when you have mixed feelings about something. Abortion is an irreversible process. That's why ambivalence is an "absolute contraindication" for the abortion pill (see top of page 2) . Absolute contraindications are when it is inadvisable without exception or qualification; the procedure is either permanently recommended against, or temporarily until the disqualifying condition is remediated. It means that this medication could cause a life-threatening situation if used. As long as you are experiencing ambivalence (mixed feelings), then this medication is not recommended; a medical abortion must be avoided. We specialize in helping people work through their mixed feelings so they can make an informed health decision. ​ Abortion and Mental Health "Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences." ( Mayo Clinic ) ​ While emotional responses to abortion can vary widely among individuals, the emotional risks some studies find that are associated with abortion include: 1. Depression or anxiety. 2. Feelings of guilt, shame, or regret. 3. Relationship issues or conflict with partners or family members. 4. Difficulty coping with the decision to have an abortion. 5. Substance and Alcohol abuse. We are here to support you and heal from any or all of these symptoms if this is your experience. (1 ) The World Health Organization considers abortion to be a "problem." When considering your options, it's important to note that the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education has quoted (on pg. 5) the World Health Organization which labels abortion as a "negative" condition or outcome , and the personal stories from all the women who have shared their abortion experience with us strongly support that statement. Countless women and men have shared with us their deep, long-term, unwanted feelings of regret, sorrow, guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, long-term physical health complications and suicidal thoughts and behavior which they say are directly linked to their abortion experience. (This sentiment is also expressed in the YouTube Rap music video by Flipsyde created on the anniversary of the abortion of his child. He called the video "Happy Birthday" as he grieves the regret of the loss of his child through abortion.) A local abortion provider told us that in his experience "there aren't any women who are glad they had an abortion." ​ We share these things with you because for some reason, these more difficult experiences with abortion are often not discussed. Maybe it's because people think their difficult experience is unique or maybe people don't want to add "bad news" to an already difficult situation. Whatever the reason is, we share this with you to help you make an informed health decision. ​ One crisis textbook states, "Faith plays a huge role in the outcome of a crisis ... To deny or act as if religion, faith, or spirituality are not part of any crisis is to neglect a large part of a crisis response for most people. For most people trauma is the ultimate challenge to meaning-making, and for most people, that meaning-making is attached to some kind of faith." ​ If you would like to know our heart's conviction here at the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre which we have for those facing an unplanned pregnancy (which includes a faith perspective), please read the following sentences. It is our conviction that God is the author of all life and that He has a plan for every life and that every human life is wanted and designed by Him, for He created us in His image. He can and will give you what it takes and the support you need to handle this situation if you will turn to and trust in Him. He entered into our struggles and our deepest pain in the person of His Son, Jesus. He took on Himself all the blame for all the wrong we have done and displayed His love for us by dying for our sins, in our place. He was buried and then rose again bodily from the dead three days later. If we trust in Him and His love for us, He will give us His life and love that empowers us to face any challenge. For those of us here at the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre, He has given us His love and has sent us to do whatever we can to help and support those facing an unplanned or difficult pregnancy so that they might know His love through us. ​ Some studies have been interpreted to say that there is no link between abortion and later mental health problems. However, Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences evaluated 30 studies and found that, "abortion is a risk factor for subsequent mental illness when compared with childbirth." Then again, the American Psychological Association put together a task force on mental health and abortion. Their conclusion was that there is "unlikely to be a single definitive research study that will determine the mental health implications of abortion once and for all given the diversity and complexity of women and their circumstances." After reviewing the evidence, you will have to decide for yourself as you make an informed health decision. We are here to be with you through this decision making process. Please let us know how we can help you. ​ Some say they do not regret their abortion. Others say it was the worst thing they've ever done. We have the time and resources to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings in making an informed health decision. ​ Other Notes of Interest The cost of abortion in Nova Scotia is free to those who have a Nova Scotia Health Card. A medical (procedural) abortion may be done if your pregnancy is 15 weeks and 6 days or less, counting from the first day of your last normal menstrual period. If you have medical concerns, like, "How long should I bleed after an abortion," please call 811 in Nova Scotia to speak to a registered nurse free of charge. Some people have voiced concern over the debate as to whether or not contraception can end the development of a growing human life. Karen Swallow Prior has written an article about this concern for The Atlantic magazine. ​ Text or Call us Now 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE ​ Fetal Development Many inform us that fetal development is an important consideration for them as they consider making an informed health decision. There are myths that abortion is only about clumps of cells. You may find it important to know how well developed a little one is at even 5-6 weeks. If you are interested, scroll down to see live video of human development during the early weeks of pregnancy. V V V V V Most abortions in our province are performed when the baby is between 7-10 weeks gestation (after fertilization). The images below are of a fetal sac (inside and out) at 45 days gestation (about six weeks gestation). Below, click the "play" button to view this video (below) of what is inside that 6 week fetal sac. Play Button Click the play button to see 7 and a half weeks gestation (below) Play Button Click the play button to see 9 weeks gestation (below) Play Button Pregnancy and Breast Cancer ​ Having a first full-term pregnancy before the age of 20 is a factor that has been associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Not giving birth at all increases the risk for breast cancer. ​ According to The Canadian Cancer Society 's website , reproductive history is a "risk factor" for breast cancer. A risk factor is something that increases the risk of developing cancer. The website states, "Estrogen is the main hormone associated with breast cancer. Estrogen affects the growth of breast cells. Experts believe that it plays an important role in the growth of breast cancer cells as well. The type of exposure and how long cells are exposed to estrogen affects the chances that breast cancer will develop." Therefore, waiting until you are older to become pregnant (called "late pregnancy " resulting in birth) or having no pregnancies resulting in birth are risk factors for developing breast cancer. ​ As long as a woman is pregnant, exposure of breast cells to circulating estrogen is interrupted. The Canadian Cancer Society's website goes on to say that pregnancy "also lowers the total number of menstrual cycles a woman has in her lifetime. ... Women who have their first full-term pregnancy after the age of 30 have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women who have at least one full-term pregnancy at an earlier age. Giving birth at an early age (such as before age 20) reduces breast cancer risk." ​ The National Institutes of Health website seems to indicate the risk of breast cancer is actually more than "slight" stating that "women who have a first full-term pregnancy before age 20, the risk of developing breast cancer is about half that of women whose first full-term pregnancy occurs after the age of 30 ... Early age at first full-term pregnancy " is a factor that has "been associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later in life." ​ The Canadian Cancer Society's website goes on to state, "The more children a woman has, the greater the protection against breast cancer." Not giving birth at all (called nulliparity) "increases the risk for breast cancer." ​ Other Cancers and Pregnancy As in the development of breast cancer, exposures to hormones are thought to explain the role of pregnancy in the development of ovarian, endometrial, and other cancers. Changes in the levels of hormones during pregnancy may contribute to the variation in risk of these tumors after pregnancy. ​ ​ cancer

Loving Support COVID 19: SERVICE CHANGES Call or Text us Now at 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE Visit us: 104 Webster St., Kentville Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10-4:30 We are also available evenings and weekends ... text or call any time. Pregnant? "The Valley Care Pregnancy Centre offers caring, respectful, loving and open-minded support." - a recent guest ​ An unplanned or challenging pregnancy situation can be difficult to experience. It is important to make an informed decision about your pregnancy and health and find loving support for a difficult pregnancy. Our guest support team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the support you need during this time. We offer free (self-administered) pregnancy tests and decision-making tools and customized personal support to fit your specific needs. Our services are intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or counselling advice. Only a healthcare professional can confirm pregnancy. ​ Recent guests described their visits with us as, “Well organized,” “Wonderful,” “Very accommodating,” “Informative and welcoming.” Text or call us now at 902-678-6217 and be our guest or Set Up an Appointment HERE . WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Text / Call Now ​ We offer ​Free, confidential, personal support for you, your partner and your family (or any combination of those). Loving support from people who understand for as long as you need us Free pregnancy tests Maternity clothes & prenatal vitamin referral Personal, one-on-one pregnancy coaching Your own individualized pregnancy & parenting education Pregnancy, Labour, Birth & Parenting videos & a private lounge for viewing & learning with a facilitator Community referrals for tons of resources Help with diapers, formula & breast feeding Quality baby clothes up to age two Connection with a mom's group in your area Phone, text & email support after hours Text / Call Now 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE Common Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms The early signs and symptoms of pregnancy many experience are: Missed or Late Period (for those of childbearing years). Tender or Swollen Breasts due to hormonal changes. Feeling Like Throwing Up (with or without vomiting), often called, "morning sickness", which can happen any time of the day or night. Having to Pee More Often Feeling Tired (due to increased hormone called progesterone). However, many of these signs and symptoms can also simply mean that you're coming down with a cold or that your period is about to start. At the same time, you can also be pregnant even if you do not experience many of these conditions. ​ So if you miss a period and notice some of the above signs or symptoms, you can contact us for a free, private and confidential pregnancy test, or see a health care professional. If your pregnancy test is positive, see a health care professional. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care. Abortion Call or Text us Now at 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE You may be considering abortion as an option for your unplanned pregnancy. We offer information on abortion and decision making tools and support to help you make an informed health decision. An unplanned pregnancy is difficult to experience. We are here for you. Women tell us that what they needed most when facing an unplanned pregnancy was loving support and a safe place with someone who will listen. We are here for you. We have information that you may find very helpful. However, if you are only looking for abortion and do not want any other information or support or help with decision making, you may not want to come here because providing or assisting with abortion is outside our scope of services, so that's important for you to know. Our first priority is you, and we look forward to seeing you. Text us now at 902-678-6217 ​ Read More about Abortion Parenting Call or Text us Now at 902-678-6217 or Set Up an Appointment HERE ​ Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent can be challenging. We offer support, parenting classes and other resources for parenting. We Are Here for You! ​Free, confidential, personal support for you, your partner and your family (or any combination of those). Loving support from people who understand for as long as you need us Free pregnancy tests Maternity clothes & prenatal vitamin referral Personal, one-on-one pregnancy coaching Your own individualized pregnancy & parenting education Pregnancy, Labour, Birth & Parenting videos & a private lounge for viewing & learning with a facilitator Community referrals for tons of resources Help with diapers, formula & breast feeding Quality baby clothes up to age two Connection with a mom's group in your area Phone, text & email support after hours ​ Text us now at 902-678-6217 ​ Read More about Parenting Adoption Call or Text us Now at 902-678-6217 Navigating pregnancy options in an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult. Our decision making tools will help you evaluate if this is a good choice for you. If you are considering the option of adoption, we can refer you to a licensed adoption social worker from Family & Children's Services. If you choose to make an adoption plan we can provide further support (according to your expressed needs) during the pregnancy as well as after birth. Our client support team is dedicated to making sure you get the support you need. ​ You may be interested to know that in Nova Scotia, there are many, many families waiting to adopt infants. There are older children in Foster Care who are available for adoption in Nova Scotia. But the fact is that there are very many families in Nova Scotia looking to adopt infants today, but there is a lack of infants available for adoption in this province. As the Department of Community Services' webstite states, "There are fewer infants available for adoption than in the past and there is a lengthy waiting period (to adopt infants)." We are here to help you learn more about adoption and walk with you through this process. Some of our team have adopted in Nova Scotia. We would love to talk with you. ​ Text us now at 902-678-6217 ​ Guys Call or Text us Now at 902-678-6217 There's a lot of talk these days about taking responsibility. We're here for you. We've got guys you can talk to who understand. All this can be messy and difficult to sort out. That's why we're here for you. Fatherhood, too, can be challenging. We offer parenting programs and support designed specifically for men. Not only do all the regular parenting topics apply, but we have a specific 11 week study for new and expecting fathers called, "The Dad Difference". ​ Text us now at 902-678-6217 ​ Help Us Help Us Donate Contact Us: Mailing Address PO Box 723, Kentville, NS B4N3X9 ​ Civic Address 104 Webster Street, Kentville, NS ​ Email info@asafeplaceforme.com ​ Text / Call 902-678-6217 Hours Regular Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10-4:30 ​ ​ Spending of funds is confined to Board approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met or cannot be completed for any reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for such programs or projects will be used where needed most. Donate

One Time Gift ​ Yes! I want to make a BIG impact on lives in our community! Monthly Giving Planned Giving Donate Stocks Give Online with your Credit Card Click the "Donate" button below and select "Credit Card" (See Example) Give through e-Transfer Send an e-Transfer to our email info@asafeplaceforme.com ​ Send a Cheque You can write a cheque to: The Valley Care Pregnancy Centre. Our mailing address is: PO Box 723, Kentville, NS B4N3X9 Consider giving more! Did you know? At the end of the year, for the total amount you give this mission over $200, every additional $100 will increase your tax credit by $50 (for those earning under $100,000 / year). ​ Awesome, helpful links: General Charitable Giving information : Charitable donations tax credit rates Basic explanation of how to calculate tax credits & example “Spending of funds is confined to board approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met or cannot be completed for any reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for such programs or projects will be used where needed most.” ​