by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

After a busy spring and summer traveling to maternity homes across the country and internationally, and meeting with ministry leaders, my season of travel has come to an end. What a journey it has been! Over the past six months, I’ve visited 14 homes, trained with more than 75 housing staff members, and consulted with 132 maternity housing leaders. I am deeply humbled by the spirit of generosity and humility that defines the culture of maternity housing. You, the leaders who welcome women into your homes, continue to inspire me. I am grateful for all I’ve learned from you as I remain a dedicated student of this important movement. Thank you!

A Surprising Shift

I’ve returned home equipped with new strategies and insights on the latest trends in maternity homes—trends that serve as a forecast for what many homes may soon experience. One of the most concerning trends is the rising number of residents considering—and in some cases choosing—abortion while living in the home. This has been a surprising shift, as maternity homes have traditionally served women who had already decided to continue their pregnancies. But times are changing, and as strong and resilient maternity homes committed to fulfilling our missions, we must adapt as well.

We are seeing that residents may consider abortion even after moving into the home and declaring their decision to continue their pregnancy. Sometimes this is a private struggle due to fear of judgment, but in some cases, residents openly express their indecision. Leaders in maternity housing have observed this shift as access to abortion becomes easier overall with the abortion pill, varying legislation in states, and as social acceptance or even praise of abortion has grown.

In cases where residents have chosen abortion while living in the home, this decision is often made in secret, particularly when it involves a subsequent pregnancy. Common reasons residents report for choosing abortion in secret include fear of losing their place in the home, fear of disappointing staff, or feeling overwhelmed at the thought of having another child. The abortion pill is the most commonly used method, as residents report that it’s accessible even in states with restrictive abortion laws. In less common cases, residents have chosen surgical abortions when the pregnancy is too far along for the pill. These decisions are usually kept private until after the abortion has occurred, and residents often speak about their experiences only when they struggle with unexpected grief and emotional pain—feelings they may not have anticipated given the largely positive messages about abortion they’ve heard from the media.

A Path Forward

A recurring theme among these residents is fear, confusion, and silence. In many cases, staff members have found that talking more openly about abortion can ease the tension and even help residents begin healing. This signals a new era for maternity homes, where we must be prepared and confident to have these difficult conversations and make abortion a topic that can be approached with love and compassion.

As housing staff become more comfortable discussing abortion, I’ve included an excerpt below from Heartbeat’s "Talking About Abortion" manual that applies the basics of the L.O.V.E. Approach to this sensitive topic. 

Additionally, we’ve provided two free, valuable resources: information on Abortion Pill Reversal and details on an upcoming online training to equip staff with the latest information and skills to support residents in their pregnancy decisions.

L.O.V.E. and Truth: Training to Be a Helper

L.O.V.E.

♥ L stands for Listen and Learn - get to know the client and her situation thoroughly, work to help her feel “safe” to talk and share, not “judged” by you for her behavior or circumstances, and develop a relationship with her.

♥ O stands for Open Options - discuss her alternatives thoroughly and help her see that she is at a crossroads and does have paths to choose from, help her see which opportunities may lead her toward danger.

♥ V stands for Vision and Value - introduce a “new vision” for her, a way to see her situation differently, and the value she has in God’s eyes.

♥ E stands for Extend and Empower - offer concrete help and continuing support, including referrals and your own organization’s programs, help her plan an alternative, and take a step in a positive direction).

The L.O.V.E. Approach means also that LOVE (God) is our source and L.O.V.E. is our method. 

This method is best expressed in St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 13:1-7, NIV):

“If  I  speak  in  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  but  have  not  love,  I  am  only  a  resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

Free Resources

Abortion Pill Reversal

• Abortion Pill Reversal 101
• Abortion Pill Rescue - A Case Series Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone
• The Right to Choose Reversal
• Abortion Pill Rescue Network

Recorded Webinar

Her Plan: Presenting Benefits to Homes - FREE!

Presented by Chaney Mullins Gooley and Gina Tomes

Join Her PLAN (Her Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network) to discover the seven primary reasons why women choose abortion and find out how to get your organization listed in the Her PLAN directory. Presenters Chaney Mullins Gooley and Gina Tomes will also discuss how to effectively utilize the directory for partnerships and referrals, ensuring that your clients have access to a wide range of resources.

November 11-15, 2024

        

What is Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week?

Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week was designed by Heartbeat International to honor those working within the pregnancy help movement. Through their work, women and men receive the compassionate support they need when facing a life-changing decision. They walk alongside families throughout the pregnancy and beyond, blessing them with pregnancy tests, emotional support, ultrasounds, parenting classes, and so much more at no cost. 

From volunteers to executive directors, nurses to receptionists, each person working in a pregnancy help organization has been gifted with the passion to advance the culture of LIFE! And for that, we thank you!

How you can thank a Pregnancy Help Foot Soldier:

• Pray. The emotional energy given by those who work in the pregnancy help movement is extreme. They give of themselves daily. Pray for spiritual refreshment for those who go into the center today.
• Volunteer. Connect with your local pregnancy help organization and see what their needs are. You may have just the right skills to fill a need.
• Donate items. Call your local pregnancy help organization and ask them what items they need to bless a new mother (such as diapers or maternity clothes) and start collecting. Not only will you bless a center, you will bless multiple families as well.
• Give. Without the generous donations of those within the community, pregnancy centers would not be able to provide their services for free.
• Share the love. Share the good work of the pregnancy help community with your social networks. Don't know what to post? Like Heartbeat International on Facebook and/or Instagram and you'll find plenty to share!

If you haven't heard of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week before, you should expect special deals, thank-you messages, and extra prayers this week.

Plus! We'll be holding a drawing at the end of the week where one lucky winner will get a fun gift basket from us at Heartbeat!

Click on each image to view the full-sized version. Then, save it to your device and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or post on X to show your love for the pregnancy help movement using the hashtag #ThankAPregnancyCenter

This Summer, of 2024, Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International, visited Zambia! Below are some questions Jor-El answered about his experience:

1. Have you been to Zambia before?

Yes! Parts of Zambia are in the world-renowned Copper Belt that holds an estimated 50% of the world’s concentration of copper. It’s been a few years since I’ve been so I was eager to go back to have the chance to be with our joint-affiliate network partners, AFLA (Association for Life of Africa).

2. Why did you go to Zambia and what impact did you and the conference hosts hope for?

Ndola, Zambia was the hosting site for AFLA’s National Directors Conference. Barbra Mwansa, our long-time friend (since 1998), and her AFLA team always create a great opportunity for building friendships, deepening understanding, and envisioning the future. While AFLA has affiliates in nearly 18 countries, their home base is in Zambia (Kitwe). 

3. What was planned for this trip?

It was my privilege to get to connect with African leaders from many countries. Particularly new to me were the many key leaders from French-speaking countries in Africa, such as the Congo, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast. I was also able to support the AFLA conference line-up with a workshop and two keynotes.

4. Did anything surprise you?

My biggest surprise for this trip was an unexpected, and extended, stay in Nairobi, Kenya. After the long flight from New York City (JFK) to Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) I missed my connection by just a few minutes. Unfortunately, the next flight was scheduled for the following morning so that meant an overnight in Nairobi was in order. This included applying for a visa at the airport. When the next day’s flight was canceled as well, the long trek became even longer. In all, it took 73 hours to get from my home to the conference in Zambia. Not only did that scramble the schedule a little bit for my presentations, but it meant lost time with our good friends gathered there.

A fun surprise was speaking (with interpretation) in French. While I have worked with interpreters for Spanish, Russian, and other languages, this was my first time hearing my words in what is often called “the language of love,” French. I’m grateful our French-speaking friends in Africa were able to hear the conference content in the language of their hearts!

5. Who did you get to connect with—either for the first time or to foster an existing relationship?

Meeting with Pastor Edward and Barbra Mwansa is always a joy. This couple is, in some ways, the patriarch and matriarch of the pregnancy help movement across much of Africa. In addition, I was able to visit with some familiar friends who have been able to join us for past Heartbeat International conferences in the U.S. But it was the many new leaders in AFLA, who lead pregnancy help outreach and pro-life churches, who I was able to meet with for the first time and hope to see in the future.

6. Why is it important for those in the pregnancy help movement to connect with others internationally?

Community is a cornerstone of the biblical imperative. God created us for community because He existed in community, the Godhead, before creation. That’s why it is important for all of us to seek, affirm, and cultivate our community. The pregnancy help community has a specific, even unique, calling to champion life where we find ourselves. In the United States pregnancy help can look different in, say, Texas, than it does in California. This is also true internationally where the variations in culture, economy, government, and spiritual foundation can be challenging. Building community across the country and around the globe helps us to encourage one another and stimulate each other “toward love and good deeds.” (See Hebrews 10:24-25.)

Every story below represents a woman's experience with a pregnancy help organization, including several stories that involve the abortion pill reversal protocol through the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network. While the support and care they received may differ depending on each woman's specific needs, their life-changing experience made them feel compelled to share their story with us! Their courage to share their story is underlined by their desire that no one ever feel like abortion is their only option. Today, these women and their babies thrive!

Real Lives, Real Help

Thousands of lives have been saved thanks to the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network. Here are just a few of their stories:

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition of Heartbeat International

Leading a maternity home is both incredibly rewarding and undeniably tough. You're there for women at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, and your impact extends far beyond today. Remember, your work touches not just the mothers you support, but their children too. It's a legacy that spans generations.

The Big Picture: Two Lives at a Time

Think about this: every woman you help today influences two lives—hers and her baby’s. The support you provide helps these women find stability and strength, setting up their children for a brighter future. Your efforts are like planting seeds that will grow into strong, healthy families. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Keep this close to your heart as a reminder that your work truly matters.

Tackling Challenges Head-On

We know the job comes with its fair share of challenges. Residents can exhibit difficult behaviors, often rooted in past trauma. It's tough, but your patience and empathy are crucial in their healing process. Progress isn't always straight, but every small step forward is a victory.

Frequent changes to programs can also feel overwhelming. Just remember, adapting to meet your residents' needs isn't a sign of failure, it's a sign of effective leadership. Programs that can evolve are the ones that make the most impact. Stay focused on your mission and the outcomes you want to achieve. Second Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Lean on God's strength as you navigate these changes.

Avoiding Burnout: Practical Tips

Burnout is real and can sneak up on you and your team. Acknowledging the emotional and mental load is the first step in addressing it. Consider shorter shifts or rotating schedules to give your staff more frequent breaks. Housemoms, in particular, often feel the strain by day three. Creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs can make a big difference. Remember Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Encourage your team to find their rest in Christ.

Staying True to Your Mission

Amid all the challenges, keep your mission front and center. Your work is transformative, and the importance of what you do cannot be overstated. While methods may change, the core mission remains the same: empowering women and nurturing healthy, thriving children. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Trust that your efforts are not in vain and that God is with you every step of the way.

by Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line

Have you ever felt hemmed in by the pressures around you? A mile-long to-do list with deadlines by the end of this week and a meeting schedule with no margin…Budget woes, an interpersonal conflict on your team, Board questions that you’re not sure how to answer…And let’s not forget that when you get home from the office today, there will still be dinner to cook, laundry to do, and bills to pay, and as much as you wish they would, the coach is not canceling your little guy’s practice tonight (hockey mom, here!). 

Truth be told, anyone can handle that feeling for a few hours…maybe days, or a few weeks. Catch up on that to-do list and you notice the stress leaving your body like steam from a release valve on a pressure cooker. Unexpected income above and beyond what you thought you needed takes away those budget worries for the moment—hallelujah! When that hour, day, or week is over we rejoice and thank God for His grace, strength, and provision; which, by the way, is always more than we could ask, think or hope!

But what happens when those pressures become your every day?

In this critical season of pregnancy help, combined with economic stress, political uncertainty, and increasing hostility toward our movement, I sense many of us are experiencing the reality of life in a "pressure cooker." In such a season, platitudes about self-care such as “If you don't have time for self-care, you need to make time,” “Take time to rest,” and “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” do little to alleviate the pressure (no matter how true they are).

We can add exercise, hobbies, and gratitude journaling to our to-do list. Sure, we can work on our sleep schedules, make coffee dates with friends, and reserve spa days. But during some seasons of life, even those (healthy) choices may be impractical or, worse, ineffective at combating burnout. So, what do we do?

When we realize our own resources are depleted, and we have to keep moving, we must walk in the strength of the Lord. It is wise to do this before our own strength is depleted, but when we are in that "pressure cooker," there is simply no other option. To do this requires a few steps.

1. Come to the Lord. Pray, seek God in His Word, and listen for His voice.
2. Learn from Him. Discern what He is asking of you in this season. Is it possible that some aspects of that to-do list were not in His marching orders for you?
3. Trade His yoke for yours. This requires daily, intentional trust in Him and regular gut checks of “Am I walking in my strength or His?”

How do you know whose strength you are walking in?

We will know by the lightness of our burden.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
- Matthew 11:28-30

When we are on the edge of burnout when we are feeling the pressure of all that we think we’ve been called to do…If what you are carrying is creating so much pressure around you that you cannot bear up under it, could it be that you’ve picked up something the Lord has not asked you to carry? 

As we faithfully carry out what the Lord has called us to, let us not forget Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.”

Next steps

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

- Matthew 18:19-20

This year, we’re saying ‘thank you’ to all those working in pregnancy help by offering a special gift every day of Advent,
December 1-24.

How does it work?

• Open the calendar and the current day of Advent will be indicated with a present.

• Click on the present to reveal your gift!

by Terri Fox, Program & Events Specialist at Heartbeat International

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” - Ps. 71:20-21 

It's a privilege to be part of Heartbeat’s Babies Go to Congress. There’s a transformation that begins to unfold with each mom as she prepares and shares her personal story during orientation through to the final meetings with her congressional representatives and the closing lunch.

Three things caught my attention on this recent trip.

1. First, after spending the evening getting to know the moms and walking through their stories, I awoke in the night singing the song “Good Plans.”  The lyric, “He has good plans for me; so I will take heart in deserts and gardens...” speaks of how God has good plans for us no matter where we are on our journey. I thought about the good plans that are being revealed to these moms whether they are still walking through the desert or resting in the garden.

I knew that in a few short hours, these women, vulnerable and brave, would be sharing how a pregnancy center or maternity housing program helped her find the strength and courage she needed to say yes to the life she was carrying. She would talk of breaking generational cycles, and how not one life, but two lives had been saved.

2. Second was a sign in an elevator that read, “When flashing help is on the way.” I thought about the work of pregnancy centers and how they are beacons of hope and help as they shine in the darkness of this fallen world. And I thought about how God is always available, no flashing button required.

3. And third, I witnessed each woman display an increasing sense of honor, accepting the comfort of the Lord with every retelling of her story.

A spirit of gratitude penetrated my heart as I thanked God for the pregnancy help organization staff members, volunteers, board members, and donors, who are walking with these women into the restorative power of Jesus who is bringing them up to live out the good plans he has for each of them.

To learn more about this event and the stories of the brave women who joined us in D.C., click here.

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About the Author

Terri Fox has worked in administrative support, and management, has been a B&B owner, and held a real estate license. In 2011, she joined Heartbeat International as an office assistant, advanced to Grant Writer and Coordinator, and for a season served as Executive Assistant. Today, she serves as the Program and Events Specialist. Through her personal stories of loss and healing, she shares evidence of God’s love in all circumstances. Terri resides in central Ohio with her husband, Scott.