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Elizabeth House

151 Lemarchant Road, St. John's, Newfoundland

Telephone 1-709-726-0731 or 1-709-579-1500

Elizabeth House is a residential maternity shelter for expectant mothers who, regardless of age or marital status, lack a supportive home environment during their pregnancy.  This service is operated by the St. John's office of the Newfoundland Right to Life Association. Please also see our Pregnant? Need Help? page.

The Story of Elizabeth House

As the St. John's Right to Life Association became increasingly active in the late 1970's, the need arose for a positive and practical alternative to abortion. In 1979, the Sisters of Mercy decided to acknowledge and celebrate the Year of the Child by donating a large, two-story house to the Right to Life Association as a home for unwed mothers. The name Elizabeth House was chosen in remembrance of the help that Elizabeth gave to her cousin, the Virgin Mary, when, as an unwed mother, she carried the baby Jesus.

 Funded and supported by the Newfoundland Right to Life Association, Elizabeth House is managed by a sub-committee of this organization. Since its opening in October of 1980, it has accommodated about 20 women each year. These individuals have come from all across Newfoundland and Labrador , as well as other parts of Canada .

The Physical Facility

Elizabeth House is a large two-storey house located at 151 LeMarchant Road. It has a warm and spacious living area with kitchen, living room, family room, and laundry facilities. Each woman occupies a second floor private or semi-private bedroom

Family Room at Elizabeth

Livingroom room at Elizabeth House

Kitchen at Elizabeth House

Bedroom at Elizabeth House

Elizabeth House has a convenient, mid-town location within easy walking distances of hospitals, doctors' offices, and social services, and is on a direct bus route to major shopping centres.

How Elizabeth House is Run

A staff of concerned housemothers are committed to meeting the special needs of the pregnant woman. Their responsibilities include providing balanced, nutritious meals and maintaining the house on a day to day basis. Each woman is responsible for her own room but may also help with household duties such as cooking.  

A House Committee of volunteers assist with the operation of Elizabeth House. This Committee offers support to the housemothers, manages the referrals of Elizabeth House residents, and helps with the general operation of this facility.

Services Available at Elizabeth House

A liaison program is designed to offer residents of Elizabeth House:

• completely confidential help
• friendship and emotional support 
• free pregnancy tests 
• medical information and referrals
• prenatal medical care
• legal information and referrals, including legal aid
• life skills such as financial management
• parenting skills
• chaplaincy services
• educational assistance 
• maternity and baby clothes 
• housing information and referrals 
• referrals to social agencies 
• referrals for professional counseling 
• referrals and/or information on: 
  • prenatal development 
  • job search/career development 
  • adoption
  • pregnancy & childbirth 
  • child care options 
  • child safety issues 
  • other related topics

Experienced, compassionate counselors are prepared to spend time with those who have special needs. As well,  flexible social program provides opportunity to pursue such interests as knitting, sewing, cooking, crafts, fitness, and cultural events.

Admission Requirements

Admission may be arranged by contacting Elizabeth House at 1-709-726-0731 or the Newfoundland Right to Life Association at 1-709-579-1500. Prior to staying at Elizabeth House, each woman is required to have a medical examination.

Financial Arrangements

Elizabeth House is designed to provide shelter only during pregnancy. When necessary, a mother may, upon leaving the hospital, return to Elizabeth House temporarily until other arrangements are made.

In the case of adoption, a woman has the option to remain at Elizabeth House until the necessary legalities have been completed.

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, feel free to call the Newfoundland Right to Life Association at 1-709-579-1500 and speak to someone confidentially. Our volunteers are as near as your telephone, and they want to help.