The Catholic Bishop of Auckland is rejoicing at the number of babies who have been born since he vowed in March to help women who choose life over abortion.
At least 72 girls and women chose to become mothers following Bishop Pat Dunn's public vow.
"It is small-scale still but it is quite touching ... when you actually see a child and the mother will say, 'I was going to have an abortion.'
"We are not talking about a cause. We are talking about individuals."
Bishop Dunn gave a personal undertaking in March to help any pregnant girl or woman who was undecided about the future of her unborn child.
"I make this pledge to any woman regardless of creed or circumstances and without any conditions attached," he said at the time.
"It ... will allow women the right and freedom to choose life instead of death."
Bishop Dunn's offer was attacked by the Auckland Women's Health Council, which was concerned that women would be pressured by the church.
It was not appropriate for the church to be involved, the council said.
But Bishop Dunn said there were times when people needed a hand to overcome crises.
The director of the Dominion Rd Family Life Pregnancy Centre, Colleen Bayer, said it had received nearly 1000 telephone calls this year from women who thought they were pregnant or who wanted an abortion.
The centre and Bishop Dunn had worked together.
Five hundred of the women who called had come to the centre to talk to counsellors.
The centre had carried out 310 pregnancy tests, of which 125 were positive.
While 12 women had chosen abortions and 41 had not been heard from again, 72 women chose to have their babies.
Colleen Bayer said 18 of these women needed continued care, including financial help and practical advice.
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