HBI
Jinja – Uganda
Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM): Caring for Unborn Children and their Mothers.
Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM) was established in 2012 as a Community Based Organization (CBO) starting its services at the church premises but in 2013 we got a single room to operate from. The establishment was based on Ministry of Health (MOH) Maternal and Perinatal Death Review (MPDR) 2012/2013 which indicated gabs in service provision and therefore the gabs needed to be addressed in order to reduce on the deaths and injuries on mothers and children especially on the unborn. In the report there were 724,806 deliveries at the health facilities and 1157 died in child births. The causes of death were due to bleeding, pregnancy complication associated with high blood pressure, infections, abortions and pregnancy related sepsis among others.
To end the avoidable causes Pregnancy Care Ministry has devised on addressing on the root causes of abortions and unplanned pregnancies with preventive and curative interventions to address the shortage of blood at the heath facilities, lack of skilled birth attendants, lack of critical resources, lack of transport for mothers to be taken to health facilities from their homes, lack of partner support, dependence on herbal use and refusal to be taken for medical treatments.
In 2018 Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM) got a permission to operate the medical health center which included a maternity home to provide life affirming reproductive health care services, alternative to abortion, new parents educations, and rescue services in a caring and conducive environment.
A SAFETY NET
Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM) helps to serve as a safety-net for men, women and children in Jinja City. Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM) aims at being a place where women, men, and children who need hope, restorations, rescue, healing of heart and peoples life’s touched in most compassionate way and in love. The services will include parents education, free pregnancy diagnosis, low cost STD testing and treatment, laboratory Tests, counseling and Guidance, prenatal vitamins, post abortion healing, sexual risk avoidance education, natural family planning, baby shower, safe health delivery (Maama Kits), ultrasound scan, livelihood skills, material & education support.
The medical and psychosocial support Services will be provided under the direction and supervision of qualified medical and psychosocial professionals who are recognized locally and internationally.
Since inception 2012 we have impacted over 50,000 young and old women and men through medical provisions, life skills trainings and sensitization, provision safety space, spiritual nourishments, counseling, education support and care.
DONATIONS
In the words of Luciano de Crescenzo “We are all like one-winged angels, it is only when we help each other that we can fly.” Pregnancy Care Ministry appeals for donations to build a medical center which will be center to extend Gods healing hand and providence to those in dare need, your generosity and support will create lasting impact to those we serve.
Artistic Impression for Pregnancy Care Ministry (PCM) Medical Center:
Some of the stories obtained from hospital records showing avoidable causes of death and injuries to mothers and unborn children, and need for a pro-life / family medical center.
- A 32-year-old mother gravida 9 para 1 aborted at 5 months and developed severe anemia. She got renal failure and sepsis and passed away.
- A mother was admitted from a traditional mother attendant (TBA) with a big baby and obstructed labor and a history of having taken native medicine. She had a cesarean section but died on the operation table. A live baby boy was delivered.
- A 35-year-old pregnant mother was admitted to obesity. Injury Severity Score (ISS) and pregnancy-induced hypertension. She was treated and discharged only to be re-admitted within 7 hours after collapsing suddenly with difficulty in breathing, severe headache, palpitation ad dizziness. She shortly died after admission.
- A 24-year-old mother diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension who had refused referral from the lower Health Center unit was admitted with eclampsia. She was delivered by cesarean section and began to convulse after c/s. she died soon after.
- A 37-year mother gravida 4 para 3 was admitted with a history of transverse lie and Arm prolapse. A cesarean section was done. She got post-partum hemorrhage and was given 1 unit of blood before she died of anemia.
- A 36-year-old mother was admitted with obstructed labor and maternal distress having been reoffered from traditional birth attendant (TBA). History showed she had not attended antenatal care. She was delivered by cesarean section and died of the shock of no obvious cause.
- A 30-year-old mother gravida 6 para 5 was referred from Health Center II where she had stayed for 2 days. She came in with both maternal exhaustion and fetal distress. A cesarean section was done but she died suddenly after the operation.
- A 14 year admitted to RRH 2 weeks before and was transfused. She was re-admitted here through the antenatal clinic critically ill with severe anemia and pregnant 20 wk. she was transfused 3 times but each time she became more jaundiced ++. She died 2 days later.
- A gravid 3 and para 2 HIV+ mother not ART with baseline CD4 of 540 cells who had collapsed suddenly for one day had been referred but refused. She had an abortion after 2 days and died.
- A 17-year-old mother was admitted after delivery in a clinic and got retained placenta. There was a delay in reaching the hospital. Manual removal of the placenta was done in the labor ward. Blood transfusion had just started when she gasped and died.
All financial gifts received designated for our approved “alliance” affiliates will be forwarded to them in a reasonable timeframe (usually upon exceeding $250US). Heartbeat International deducts $30 plus 3% from the transfer, to help defray internal cost for money transfers, currency conversion, clerical costs, bank fees and any processing fees that might be charged. Should any funds be unable to be forwarded – primarily related to the recipient - they may be re-allocated for similar international work.
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Voice for Life (Glas za Život) - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Our vision is to help women in the situation of unplanned pregnancy, by walking alongside them in their own unique circumstances. We provide counseling, as well as emotional and material support. We also help women who have suffered reproductive loss and have had abortion/s to find healing and restoration.
These are some of our client's testimonials:
I got pregnant with my third child unexpectedly. My first thought was, oh no, how are we going to provide for this one?! I went to see a doctor and he told me I was 12 weeks pregnant. The only thought I had in my mind is to have an abortion. I thought that would be the most responsible decision. Still, I had my doubts, so I decided to look for answers online. There I found your FB page, and I read that you help women in crisis pregnancy.
I called you, and you were so patient and kind to me. I talked to my husband after that and we both agree that we actually want this baby and that we will manage to provide for her somehow. Now after A was born, we couldn’t imagine our lives without her. Thank you so much for being there for me and for encouraging me to make the right decision.
At the beginning of our relationship, everything was “perfect”. He was kind, gentle and loving. However, the moment I told him I was pregnant, he completely changed. He said he could pay for my abortion and that things can go back to how they were before. I was raised Catholic, and I knew that abortion was wrong. I told myself that I will not have one. Still, I didn’t know what to do. I went to the priest and I asked for help. He told me he could refer me to some people who could help. He connected me to a lady who then connected me to your center. Words can’t express how grateful I am that you paid my rent for all of those months when I couldn’t afford a place to stay. I’m forever grateful to you all for providing a safe place for me and my daughter.
Through “Save One” that you offered me as a tool for healing I discovered some wounds that I was still carrying around. Through all of this, I’ve learned (and I’m still learning) the following:
- I believe that God forgave me in His mercy, even though I remember and cry about it sometimes.
- I have to accept forgiveness, not because of my own merit, but by the grace of God.
- I want to move on trusting that I will help someone else change their view on unborn life.
Center for Life LIGHTHOUSE (Centar za Život SVJETIONIK) – Bosnia and Hercegovina
WHO ARE WE?
The LIGHTHOUSE Center for Life, the first pro-life registered center in the nation of Bosnia and Hercegovina since 2001, is managed by Robert and Sara (Sandrina) Jurjevich. The LIGHTHOUSE offers information and education for women about pregnancy, regardless of whether it is planned or unplanned. Through our educational activities and workshops, we aim to answer the questions that pregnant moms have concerning their pregnancy and how to prepare for the most precious gift in life – parenthood.
The highest priority of the LIGHTHOUSE ministry is to offer hope to women facing a crisis pregnancy and to offer alternatives to abortion, which is considered the main birth-control remedy in Bosnian society.
Testimony: “I was in a situation where I already had one baby of 14 months and found myself quickly with an unplanned pregnancy with a second baby. I was hit with fear and worry. What now? It was too soon…would I be able to handle it or not, because there was little difference … I have no help … I have no one … I will go crazy … I will fall into a depression. I cried and said to myself I did not wish for or want an abortion. By chance, I then came across the website of the LIGHTHOUSE! While seeking advice I wondered why this website? How could they help me? I received support through counseling and understanding. The pregnancy calendar I received prevailed, and I did not decide on an abortion. Through it, I learned so much that I didn’t know about. I highly recommend the LIGHTHOUSE! To everyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances and does not know what decision to make, contact the LIGHTHOUSE!” – I.G., Sarajevo
‘PREPARE FOR YOUR BABY’ PREGNANCY WORKSHOPS. Throughout the year the LIGHTHOUSE team offers a course of 6 consecutive weekly workshops for pregnant moms where we discuss the development of their baby in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy; the importance of a healthy diet and exercise; preparation for the birth of the child; and, what to expect in the first weeks after birth.
In the workshops, we provide pregnant moms with a nine-month pregnancy calendar called ‘The Miracle of Life’ which walks them through the details of their pregnancy month by month. Additionally, at the end of the workshop, the attendees receive a gift bag filled with items they will need for the baby.
Testimony: “All the information, examples, exercises were useful in preparation for giving birth, staying calm, understanding my body through each stage of development. The breathing exercises were most important for me during my own experience in giving birth because I was able to control the pain and helped myself and the baby.” – Samka M. H., Sarajevo
We stay in touch with the moms up to the first birthday of their child.
OTHER SERVICES OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
- Counseling after a stillbirth or crib death
- Post-abortion healing classes
- Humanitarian aid for single moms and families in need of food, clothing, firewood, etc.
- Online counseling
- Publishing books and literature focused on pregnancy issues
All financial gifts received designated for our approved “alliance” affiliates will be forwarded to them in a reasonable timeframe (usually upon exceeding $250US). Heartbeat International deducts $30 plus 3% from the transfer, to help defray internal costs for money transfers, currency conversion, clerical costs, bank fees, and any processing fees that might be charged. Should any funds be unable to be forwarded – primarily related to the recipient - they may be reallocated for similar international work.
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It is a wild west ... but we have an opportunity.
Every single day there is an opportunity to Rescue Her and Her Baby from the grip of the culture of abortion. Would you help deliver hope so pregnant moms can save their babies? Your monthly gift can ensure Option Line Consultants answer every call to our 24/7 helpline every month.
As a part of our Monthly Answering the Call Team, you will see firsthand -- how your gift makes a difference. More than 1,100-1,500 women reach for hope each day so no woman has to choose abortion. You can Rescue her and her baby! Thank you for generously delivering hope to women through Option Line.
An Option Line update from Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line, and Cindi Boston, Vice President of Mission Advancement:
Determined Mom Receives Life-Affirming Support Through Option Line
Amber* discovered Option Line’s number through an online search for pregnancy help. Sahara answered the call and patiently listened to Amber who said that she knew she was pregnant.
Amber shared that just earlier that day, her boyfriend had let her know that he had “taken care of everything.” He had called an abortion provider and set up an appointment for an abortion without telling her beforehand and he said he would pay for everything. Amber told him that would not be happening. She told Sahara, “come hell or high water, with or without him, I am having this baby, but I need some help.”
Sahara recognized Amber was determined to choose life for her child and discussed how a pregnancy help center would be able to assist her directly and through referrals to other local resources. As they talked, Sahara provided the contact information for the center closest to Amber.
Knowing she now had at least one place to go to for both emotional and material support, Amber expressed her gratitude. She also let Sahara know she was going to try to talk to her boyfriend and see if he would come with her, too!
Thanks to Option Line answering this call, Amber will now be able to receive life-affirming support in her community.
*Name changed for privacy
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Evalynn and Hezekiah
EVALYNN'S STORY
Hezekiah — Born October 2021
Born to a crack-addicted and alcoholic mother, Evalynn was removed from her mother’s custody at the age of only 10. She had her first abortion at 19 and at 24 she almost died from a second abortion that led to her having an emergency D&C three days later.
At the age of 30, she found herself pregnant out of wedlock again.
“I was already a single mother of a 3-year-old and I was attempting to finish my Bachelor’s degree. I had no idea how I was going to support myself, two children, and finish college.”
Evalynn felt alone as the father of her baby was encouraging her to have an abortion and she had no one else to support her. Not knowing if she was going to choose to have an abortion or keep the baby, she reached out to the Women's Center of Ohio for an ultrasound.
That ultrasound changed her entire life, as it made the pregnancy real to her and empowered her to choose life for her baby! That choice also led to choosing life for herself as two months after that she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ.
Today, baby Hezekiah is a year old. Evalynn earned her bachelor’s degree and then married shortly after!
“In this age, the world tells women that to be happy and to have a successful life we must abort our unborn babies. That is the furthest thing from the truth! I have never lived a life that is so fulfilled physically, mentally, and spiritually. God used this baby's life to save mine and I am forever grateful!”
Baby Hezekiah
Danielle and Lei’Lani
DANIELLE'S STORY
At 20 years old, Danielle was terrified to find herself staring at two pink lines on a pregnancy test. She was immersed in a world of drugs, alcohol and risky behavior that she used to numb the pain of years of abuse and assault.
“I knew that I was carrying life - that it wasn’t just me anymore,” she said, “but I had no money, and my family refused to support me.”
That is when found a local maternity home, the Paul Stefan Foundation. It was here when she was welcomed with open arms and spent the next five years learning valuable life skills and gaining the education needed to get a good job for herself and her growing baby girl.
Danielle describes those years as the “hardest of my entire life, but they transformed me and my future in an incredible way.” She has remained involved with the home ever since, and today she serves her community as a foster care social worker in the Virginia Department of Social Services.
“So many women resort to abortion because they think it’s their only option, or that their baby will hinder their goals. I wish I could comfort those women, and tell them how keeping my baby motivated me to achieve every single goal that I set my mind on. I’d tell them that I named my daughter Lei’Lani, which means royal child of heaven. Why? I tell anyone who will listen – God sent her to me to save my life.”
Lei'Lani and Danielle
Kylie and Zoe
KYLIE'S STORY
Kylie* was a mom of two and had just started a new relationship when she found out that she was pregnant. She felt that she wasn’t ready, and even though her boyfriend was excited to be a dad, Kylie decided to have an abortion.
She quickly regretted this decision, especially as she and her boyfriend struggled to get pregnant again over the following years. She was overjoyed to find out she was pregnant in the summer of 2019 with a baby boy.
And then, when her son was seven months old, she found out that she was pregnant again with twins. Kylie felt overwhelmed and that she couldn’t go through with the pregnancy as her boyfriend was out of town quite a bit. The financial strain of raising five children on her own was just too much.
Hoping to get more answers, Kylie reached out to Real Options. She was still on the fence about getting an abortion, but after discussing the many resources that were available she realized she had all the support she needed!
Sadly, one of the twins passed before birth. Real Options was there for Kylie at that time as well, so she knew that she wasn’t alone. They provided her with counseling services and a baby shower. They gave her the support that she needed and became the family that she didn’t have.
“Now that my boyfriend is temporarily away, I still don’t feel alone. I know I have my family at Real Options and they are only one call away…If I didn’t come to Real Options, I would not have chosen life for my daughter. For that, we are forever grateful!”
*Name changed for privacy
Support the efforts of pregnancy help organizations today so that moms like Kiley are encouraged and equipped to choose life for their little ones.
Baby Zoe
Katelynn's Abortion Pill Reversal Story
Watch as Katelynn shares her reversal success story.
We found out we were pregnant on Christmas day. At first we were really excited! It was the most amazing Christmas gift we could ever have. At the same time, it was really scary because we have other kids we needed to care for. I had lost my job and my husband was struggling with his business. I just couldn’t see how we could possibly feed and care for another child.
My husband said he would support me whatever my decision and my decision was that I needed to abort this baby. I talked to Planned Parenthood - they seemed so knowledgeable and I thought I just needed to push through and get it done quickly; that would be the easiest way. That was a big mistake.
I took the first pill. All that night, I was awake. I knew in my heart that what I had done was just wrong. “Is it too late? Can I do something else?” I Googled what to do if you want to reverse an abortion and that is when Heartbeat International came up.
While I waited for my appointment the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network helped schedule for me, I was just praying that there was still a Heartbeat... and there was!
Aubrey Lynn was born August 24 weighing 8 pounds and one ounce that included 10 sweet fingers and 10 cute little toes! We know she is going to have a great future. She has parents who love her. God sent her to us and I think she is going to do amazing things!
Interested in helping more women like Katelynn? Visit hbi.life/socialgive to give today.
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Heartbeat International Open House and Ribbon Cutting
Join us for a tour of our new office, talk with Heartbeat Staff and Board members, and enjoy refreshments.
Date: Thursday, November 3, 2022
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Address: 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH 43240
RSVP using the form below:
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Get the latest news updates from Heartbeat International. Stay up-to-date on what Heartbeat International is doing around the world and in your backyard to advance the pregnancy help movement. Receive the latest pro-life news and read Heartbeat's perspective as well as what you can do to make an impact on your community and save lives!
Heartbeat International Welcomes Tracie Shellhouse
Beginning her pregnancy center work as a volunteer in Alabama, Tracie has led teams in Texas and Tennessee, allowing her a unique perspective in comprehending the issues pregnancy centers of all shapes and sizes face. Her willingness to follow God’s calling on her life has taken her around the country and now back to Ohio where she will relocate to join Heartbeat headquarters.
“Tracie is a familiar face around Heartbeat as she has tapped into our leadership trainings for years,” said Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International. “When the search began for such a critical role, Tracie was on our radar immediately.”
“I’ve known Tracie for over 10 years. I have watched her grow, wearing many different hats and growing in her leadership. I had the privilege of being part of her first New Director’s training here at Heartbeat International and we developed a friendship,” said Betty McDowell, who is retiring from the role after nearly 19 years. “She is well respected, and she cares deeply about people, which for me was really key as I was thinking about somebody taking the place where I have been. That care for people is a hallmark of what Heartbeat is and how we care for our people on our teams -- and Tracie has that.”
“I am excited to start a new season of service in the pregnancy help movement. I am committed to the mission of Heartbeat International and its legacy of saving lives. Learning from the unique experiences and diverse perspectives of people all over the world who share the goal of making abortion undesirable today and unthinkable tomorrow is humbling and exciting,” said Tracie Shellhouse, Vice President of Ministry Services. “It is an incredible blessing to join such a passionate and dedicated team in this vitally important work. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Hello!
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Heartbeat International. We are the largest network of pregnancy help worldwide, providing women with life-affirming options when facing an unexpected pregnancy. Our pregnancy help organizations provide the most basic needs of women (free pregnancy tests and ultrasound) to the most dire of needs, such as housing.
Through our efforts, we work toward our vision of seeing a world where abortion is unwanted today and unthinkable for future generations.
Special Message from Pastor Wootton, Heartbeat Board Member
The Power of the Pregnancy Help Movement:
Learn About Life-Affirming Pregnancy Help:
- Life Trends 2022 Report
- 9 Things You Should Know About Pregnancy Help Organizations
- Pregnancy Help News - Articles on current events
Get Involved:
- 4 Ways to Rescue Lives in Your Town
- 10 Things You Can Say and Do
- Equip your community with The Love Approach Book
More on the Pregnancy Help Movement:
- Read: The Power of Pregnancy Help: Lasting Foundations for the Movement
- Watch: The Pregnancy Help Movement in Heartbeat's 50th Year
- Watch: 50 Years of Pregnancy Help Remarks from Jor-El Godsey
Heartbeat is here to serve you, so please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 888-550-7577 to connect.
