It all began with an idea.
Birthright began in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1968, when Louise Summerhill, a busy housewife and mother of seven children, felt something should be done to help women through unplanned pregnancies.
The grassroots response to her idea was overwhelming, and the Toronto chapter quickly grew into Birthright International, the world's first international crisis pregnancy service.
In 2003, Birthright International celebrated its 35th anniversary with over 400 chapters worldwide, including Canada, the United States, and others in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Colombia. Birthright is a fully-independent organization, not affiliated with any church or public agency. It's name and logo are trademarks. An estimated 28,000 women make their first visit to a Birthright chapter every month. Birthright also operates a 24-hour North American hotline, at 1-800-550-4900. Many Birthright volunteers and clients feel a special affection for Louise Summerhill – an ordinary woman who did something extraordinary to help others.
Birthright of Ghana
Birthright- Ghana was opened in Accra, Medina in August, 2004 by Doris Asante and Bertha Adom. The goal of Birthright-Ghana has always been to assist each woman to carry her baby to term. From its inception, Birthright offered free pregnancy tests, helped clients acquire medical care and assisted with other needs the woman or girl might have. Often it was emotional support and encouragement that was most needed. The volunteers at Birthright- Ghana supported and loved the young woman from the moment they met her no matter what her circumstances. Birthright- Ghana has always believed that every new life is valuable and a gift created by a loving God.
The original office opened in a rented building with use of a public restroom. In 2010, land was donated and funding was raised for a building. In August, 2012 Birthright-Ghana moved into their own office building with their private restroom. Since 2004, thousands of babies have been born to the women and girls who have been so wonderfully helped by Birthright-Ghana. It is because of the dedicated volunteers who gave of their time, the generous donors who provided the means to keep the doors of this ministry open and our loving God who has continually bestowed His magnificent blessings on this organization that this has all been possible. Birthright-Ghana is truly an oasis of light and love in the beautiful country of Ghana.