Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B'Yisrael was formed in 1989 by a group of community leaders, Rabbis and social workers in New York and in Jerusalem. It is a voluntary, nonprofit organization, whose focus is the Israeli family who is faced with the dilemma of an untimely or medically at risk pregnancy. When pregnant women are grappling with difficult choices, it is important for them to know that they are not alone, that there is an organization that they can turn to for assistance. Nefesh Achat has set for itself the goal of providing a safety net and a listening ear to pregnant women who are confronted with financial, emotional or medical difficulties.

The founders envisioned an organization that would provide support to mothers and families and thereby encourage the growth and the strengthening of the family. The organization has developed into a national resource for pregnant women in crisis.

In order to gain access to pregnant women in crisis a bridge had to be built to reach the professionals who see these women during the decision making process in the beginning of their pregnancies. This group ranges from social workers, nurses in well baby clinics, doctors, Rabbaniot and community volunteers. The first few years were devoted to building this network and developing a credible, professional service. Currently, Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B'Yisrael has received more than 7,900 referrals from more than 125 cities, villages and settlements around Israel and over 8,500 children have been born to the women who have been helped by the program. The number of monthly referrals grows constantly, and stands at an average of 60 new referrals per month.

Our service has grown to include not only women who are ambivalent about continuing an unplanned pregnancy, but also women whose pregnancies are at medical risk, single women who have decided to continue their pregnancy, and couples whose current financial situation puts their ability to support another child into question. Helping families through the pregnancy with emotional and financial support offers them an opportunity to rally their strengths and to ready themselves to accept their new baby with love.

The offices of Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B'Yisrael were established in 1989 in Jerusalem and continue to be the hub of the organization's activity. The New York office, under the direction of Rabbi Martin Katz, serves as the fundraising and public relations arm of the organization.