By Elizabeth Sutcliffe
For years, I lived with a secret I never thought I’d share.
The day I had an abortion in 2001 seemed like the end of a crisis—but it was only the beginning of a silent battle I fought within myself for years. What follows is the story I once vowed to keep hidden. Now, I share it so others know they are not alone, healing is possible, and God’s mercy is real.
A Childhood Rooted in Faith
I was born to Portuguese immigrant parents and raised in a devout Catholic home with a deep love for Our Lady of Fatima. As a teenager, I proudly held the title of Miss Osoyoos, representing my community across Western Canada and learning the art of public speaking through Toastmasters.
But beneath the surface of that polished exterior were wounds I didn’t yet understand.
The Wound I Tried to Bury
In 2001, I made the painful decision to have an abortion. The emotional, physical, and spiritual aftermath of that day haunted me for years. I tried to carry on with life, burying the truth, but the weight of regret was relentless. I thought I had forfeited my voice forever.
A Seed of Healing
It was at a work conference in Orlando that I first found the courage to share my story—with a woman named Jan who reminded me of Jesus’ love and mercy. That moment planted a seed of healing that eventually led me back to the Church, the sacraments, and my identity as a beloved daughter of God.
I named my daughter Grace, and I often say she was the one who led me home.
A Calling is Born
I walked into Abbotsford Right to Life in search of healing—and walked out with a calling. This was the beginning of my professional pro-life career.
I joined a small, dedicated team during a time of transformation. Together, we rebranded the organization into what is now known as Advokate Life & Education Services, which has since become Canada’s largest pro-life organization. I was hired specifically to help launch their new pregnancy care ministry—and that seed grew into the Hope for Women Crisis Pregnancy Centre, which now has three locations across British Columbia and is working toward expanding to more in the province.
Serving the Front Lines
As Client Care Manager, I was entrusted with building the foundation of client services. I trained and supervised volunteers, developed intake and support protocols, and offered compassionate, Christ-centered care to women in crisis. I provided post-abortion counseling, helped lead school presentations, and trained others to offer truth with compassion to those facing life-altering decisions.
Speaking Out Through Silent No More
Through the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, I began sharing my story publicly. I’ve spoken in classrooms, churches, university campuses, women’s retreats, and at national pro-life conferences—always with the goal of replacing silence with healing, and shame with mercy.
Each time I speak, I carry with me not only my own story, but the stories of the women I’ve served.
Ministry in the Okanagan
Even after relocating to the Okanagan in 2018, I remained a voice for life and healing—witnessing outside hospitals with my “I Regret My Abortion” sign and staying connected to the ministry through prayer and personal outreach.
In 2024, I returned to Advokate as a board member, helping to shape the direction of the ministry at a leadership level.
A Mission That Continues
I now travel across Canada and the U.S. as a Catholic Speaker, Post-Abortive Advocate, and Pro-Life Educator, offering talks and workshops rooted in personal testimony, frontline experience, and the unshakable truth of God’s mercy.
This isn’t just my story—it’s my mission.
A Spiritual Battle
My ministry has taught me that abortion is not just a social issue—it’s a spiritual battle. I’ve experienced firsthand how the enemy attacks women, families, friendships, and identity. During my most difficult seasons, God fought for me.
Through confession, the Eucharist, Divine Mercy, and the Novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots, I found restoration in my marriage, in my motherhood, and in my mission.
Where I Am Today
I now live in the Okanagan Valley with my husband and have two adult children. I serve on the board of Advokate Life & Education Services and have returned full-time to my ministry as a speaker and advocate.
My heart’s desire is to reach those still hurting, to equip others to speak for life, and to glorify the One who made beauty from ashes.
Invite Me to Speak
If you’re looking for a speaker who blends raw honesty with deep compassion—and who can help your audience understand both the reality of abortion and the hope of healing—I would be honored to serve your mission.
👉 Click here to view my Speaker One-Sheet
📧 Contact: info@elizabethspeakstruth.com
Elizabeth Sutcliffe 