This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live .. Dueteronomy 30:19

I’m seated in a long, narrow room with Karen. The walls of the room on my right and left are stacked from floor to ceiling with baby clothes in every colour of the rainbow, more pinkish hues on my left, more blues on my right. The clothes are hanging from baby sized hangers in colour blocks. There are baby grows, dresses, shorts, vests, cardigans, hats, mittens and bootees, knitted comforters and cuddly toys, all imaginatively designed and crafted.

In a larger room across the corridor are shelves stacked with nappies, sheets, baby carriers and slings lovingly sewn in soft beautiful fabrics to cater to newborn infants and older babies. Huge tables are covered with boxes of more clothes and other necessities for the first year of a baby’s life. The lovingly knitted and sewn items are donated by individuals and groups from all over the world.

I’m in the Baby Boutique at Be’ad Chaim and Karen looks after the inventory. She receives the boxes, unpacks them, stacks the shelves and advises the new mothers as they stock up on all the necessities their babies require.

In the reception area there’s a young mother with her mother, going through a box of clothes, for her baby in a stroller. Another young mother, looking peaceful and contented is nursing her baby in the Director’s office and a third is looking through the shelves hanging with baby clothes while Be’ad Chaim staff are cooing over her baby.

Be’ad Chaim is a pro life organisation that empowers women to choose life. They are dedicated to protect the lives of mothers and unborn children. They advocate – life for babies and freedom of choice for the mothers and in some cases fathers too. There is so much poverty in the land that 45% of abortions performed are for married couples. In Israel, abortions are rushed through, Be’ad Chaim offer counselling and tangible, practical help. Operation Moses supplies mothers in need with all they need for a child’s first year – nursery equipment, clothes, antenatal and post natal care, food coupons, nappies etc.

 Visit www.beadchaim.com for more information.

About the author: Ann Pawson is a trustee of The Olive Tree Reconciliation Fund