Little Life: Helping women and families in crisis pregnancy
Aside from the most obvious medical needs, doctors and NGOs in Hong Kong have also voiced concerns over rising abortions numbers with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the eight-month period from January to August 2020, The Family Planning Association (FPA) received 7,477 applications for pregnancy termination, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Understandably, women, especially teens, are under immense pressures during crisis pregnancies due to a wide range of reasons, from premarital and unplanned pregnancy to economic, relationship or health concerns. Navigating available support from the public health system can also be a struggle and many have little understanding of where they can find practical help and an accepting community.
Urged by a desire to better support the women of our city, the Board of Seeds Foundation reached out to the local non-profit organisation, Little Life, in fall 2020.
Little Life is one of the few Christian-based organisations responding to these issues by engaging the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of pregnant ladies. Grounded in the belief that every life is fearfully and wonderfully made, this grassroots organisation is committed to walking with ladies struggling with unplanned pregnancies and adding a support network to their lives through partnerships with churches and doctors.
Led by Zoe To, the group focuses on crisis pregnancy interventions, counselling after abortion or pregnancy loss, sex and life education and natural family planning. Building on trusted relationships, they walk with families throughout and after the pregnancy process, leaning on God’s love and following His way.
When Seeds got to know Little Life, the group had been straining to serve the growing number of families that were coming to their door. Seeds funded the hiring of a full-time social worker, Ling, to fill the need and support the organization’s ongoing work.
Ling has been a great addition to the group. With her experience in working with children with special educational needs, she offers practical guidance to families seeking help. Ling accompanies single mothers to seek help from the Social Welfare Department and other relevant NGOs. She also helps with the day to day needs of these families, from finding a flat to moving home. In addition, Ling assisted Little Life’s volunteer training program for medical students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Little Life currently serves over 60 families. They conduct outreach in schools on sex education and collaborate with pro bono doctors for in-crisis cases. They regularly partner with other NGOs by referring women to YoungLives' playgroups and services offered by Mother’s Choice and YWCA.
Moving forward, Seeds is committed to better understand the service and support landscape for teen pregnancy in Hong Kong and contribute to efforts to facilitate greater resource sharing across different organisations.
