Cura to expand services for men

MORE men are contacting a national agency set up to help women deal with a crisis pregnancy.

Cura, established by the Catholic bishops almost 30 years ago, is looking at ways their services can better meet the needs of men affected by a crisis pregnancy.

“The men we see are either the father of the unborn child or the father of the expectant mother and we need to ensure that they are getting the help they need,” said Cura spokesperson Noreen Keane.

Men often contact Cura simply because their pregnant partner or girlfriend is too afraid to do so.

“They are worried that their girlfriend or partner may not be thinking clearly and needs someone to talk to and they also have concerns of their own in relation to the pregnancy that they want to talk about,” she said.

Cura, which held its annual conference in Waterford over the weekend, wants to be seen as a safe haven for people experiencing a crisis pregnancy.

“We are often the first person to hear about the pregnancy and what we can offer is a place for time and space so that those involved can come to terms with their situation. We can advise on the best way forward.”