Since 2013, Option Line has served as a vital ministry of Heartbeat International, providing hope and connection for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Through the years, God has used this life-affirming service to Reach and Rescue as many lives as possible through an effective global network of pregnancy help. Option Line continues to connect women to compassionate care, trusted resources, and life-affirming support when they need it most. In 2025, we celebrate a remarkable milestone—more than 2 million connections made with women around the world seeking pregnancy help. This achievement reflects Heartbeat International’s mission to Renew communities for LIFE by ensuring no woman and no child is ever beyond the reach of hope.

by Michele Cheresnick, Affiliate Coordinator

Early in my pastoral ministry, I discovered Sanctity of Human Life Sunday almost by accident while searching for tools to start a women’s ministry in our church. I remember pausing and thinking, How have I missed this all these years? That moment would shape the way I view life, ministry, and healing.

At the time, I didn’t have the words for it, but something stirred in me. Sanctity of Human Life Sunday didn’t feel like a program or a cause. It felt personal. Sacred. It gave voice to something God had been shaping in my heart — a deep passion for life, dignity, and compassion, long before I ever served in pregnancy help.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is usually observed on the third Sunday in January, around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But it’s not meant to be political. It’s about a much deeper truth: 

Every human life is created in God’s image, known by Him, and worthy of care, protection, and love, from the very beginning and through every stage of life.

For me, this day became more than just a day of awareness. It became an invitation to healing. As I leaned into it, God gently nudged me to face my own story. 

Long before I ever walked alongside women in crisis, I was one of them. I carried the quiet weight of my own abortions. Experiences full of shame, fear, and silence. 

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday didn’t condemn me. It called me toward hope. 

It reminded me that Jesus isn’t just the author of life, He’s the Redeemer of broken stories.

And I know I’m not alone.

On Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, there are men and women sitting quietly in churches—worshiping, serving, listening—while carrying hidden grief and shame from past abortions. Some have held it for years, wrapped in silence and fear.

As leaders in pregnancy help, we get to hold them in our prayers, not with judgment, but with compassion, asking God to meet them with healing, restoration, and grace. 

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 

He sees what others cannot and longs to bring light into places of hidden pain.

But this day isn’t just about grief. It’s also a day to celebrate life, to recognize the sacredness in every person, and to proclaim the truth that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). 

It’s a day to step into something meaningful, connecting with pastors, church families, neighbors, and friends, lifting up families in prayer, having real conversations about life, and celebrating the value of every person.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s not just for our ministries. It’s a simple, powerful way to take what we do in our own circles and share it with the wider community, reminding everyone, through our words, our actions, and our service, just how precious life really is.

Why does this matter to Jesus? 

Because life matters to Him. He came into the world vulnerable, born to a young woman who courageously said yes to God. He moved toward those overlooked. He healed the broken. He restored the shamed. 

And He gave His own life so we could experience forgiveness, freedom, and new life. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

For me, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday marked the beginning of a journey toward healing, purpose, and a renewed commitment to honor every life. How might it inspire a new beginning in your story?

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

This year has been one of remarkable growth, reach, and life-affirming impact for Heartbeat International and the thousands of affiliates who carry this mission forward each day. Together, the movement has reached milestones that reflect not only expanding global influence but also the steady, compassionate presence offered to women, children, and families in moments of need. Quite simply, look at God at work.

At the heart of these achievements is Heartbeat International’s affiliate network, which has now eclipsed 4,000 affiliated locations across 102 countries. This milestone represents far more than a number. It reflects pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and support organizations on six continents, standing ready to serve women with practical help, truthful information, and hope. Each affiliate brings the mission to life in local communities, offering personalized care that meets women where they are and walks with them toward life-affirming outcomes.

As the affiliate network has grown, so too has its collective impact. One of the most profound examples this year comes from the Abortion Pill Rescue Network. Our statistics show that in Spring 2025, the network surpassed 7,000 lives saved through abortion pill reversal. Behind each number is a mother who sought help, a medical professional willing to act, and a local affiliate prepared to provide support during a critical window of time. These stories are a powerful reminder to pause and say, look at God at work.

Equally significant is the reach of Option Line, which celebrated more than 2 million connections in 2025 alone, shattering previous records. These connections represent calls, texts, chats, and online engagements from women and families actively seeking help. Option Line serves as a vital front door to the pregnancy help movement, linking those in need with trusted, local help who can provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, material assistance, housing, and ongoing support. For many, this first connection becomes the bridge from fear and uncertainty to care and clarity.

These milestones are deeply interconnected. Option Line’s ability to make over a million connections depends on a strong, accessible affiliate network. The Abortion Pill Rescue Network’s life-saving outcomes rely on trained medical providers and pregnancy help medical clinics ready to respond quickly and compassionately. The expansion to 102 countries is sustained by affiliates who understand their communities and remain committed to serving with excellence and integrity. In all of it, we can step back and look at God at work.

Heartbeat International’s role is to equip, connect, and support this global network through training, advocacy, and resources. Yet the true impact belongs to you and each one in a pregnancy help organization—the receptionist who answers the phone with kindness, the nurse who offers medical care with confidence, the mentor who listens without judgment, and the volunteers who ensure no woman walks alone. These daily acts of faithfulness, multiplied across thousands of locations, are what make milestones like these possible.

As we celebrate what God has done, we are also encouraged to look ahead with confidence and hope. To every affiliate, volunteer, donor, and partner: Take heart. The best is yet to come. Scripture reminds us of this promise: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

This year’s achievements are worth celebrating together, not as an endpoint, but as a testament to what is possible when a global network is united around a shared mission. We are truly grateful for every affiliate who stands in the gap for women and families each day. Together, the movement continues to grow, serve, and save lives. Just look at God at work.

As we celebrate Christmas, we want to thank our incredible affiliates around the world for the life-saving work you do every day. Your compassion, faith, and commitment are making a lasting impact in the pro-life movement and bringing hope to women, children, and families everywhere. 
This Christmas video is a small way to share in celebrating this season with our families and memories. From all of us at Heartbeat International—thank you, and Merry Christmas.

by Terri Fox, Events Specialist

It was late in the evening; I was tired and wanted to finish one more thing before heading home. Just three more emails. I scheduled them to go out the next morning.

The next day, as I looked through my work, I shouted, “Oh no!” I realized I had goofed! I sent an email with information that I wasn’t ready to share. I confessed to my supervisor with an explanation of how I might overcome my error, but the mental gymnastics that followed were overwhelming.

Guilt! Failure! Fear! Disappointment! I was certain others were already judging me in that same way, though they had no idea I had even sent any emails.

I was barely in the door before I unleashed a monologue of self-loathing upon my husband. I couldn’t sleep. Words of condemnation swirled in my head.  I tried to refocus by making lists in my head.  I tried to take my thoughts captive. I tried to pray. Sometime later, I finally fell asleep.

In the restlessness of my sleep, God was at work. When I awoke the next morning, I felt a sense of peace. Yes, I had made a mistake, but God in His abundant grace had given me a solution. He had given me words to explain. And a reminder that He is bigger than I.

What contributed to my error in the first place? Feelings of guilt. I was behind on timelines. My inbox was approaching 200 unread emails.  I felt there were more tasks than I could possibly handle at the moment. I let my hyper sense of responsibility and the notion of perceived expectations interfere with balance and grace.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul talks about a thorn that he was given. Three times he asked the Lord to take it away. Guilt is sometimes my thorn. But when the Lord reminds me that His power is made perfect in my weakness, I can receive the grace that he longs to give me.

What undeserved condemnation are you heaping upon yourself in this busy season? Behind on paperwork? Unfinished projects that have lingered too long? Feeling that clients need more help than you personally think you are equipped to handle? Are family demands overwhelming you?

In this, or any season of busyness, I encourage you to step off the wrestling mat, take captive every thought, and surrender them to the Lord. Let His power conquer those feelings of guilt and then receive and rest in His grace.  Let His power shine through your weakness. For when we are weak, then He is given room to be strong.

by Michele Cheresnick, Affiliation Coordinator

As winter settles in and the year draws to a close, the pace of ministry often quiets on the outside—but the spiritual work deepens. In Scripture, winter is often a season of waiting, preparing, and depending more fully on God’s sustaining presence. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

For pregnancy help organizations, these months can bring unique challenges: clients facing holidays with uncertainty, families carrying heavy burdens, and staff weary from a year of pouring themselves out. Yet winter also invites us to a sacred stillness—a time to strengthen our roots in prayer, renew our trust in God’s faithfulness, and seek His wisdom for the year ahead.

As you reflect on the work accomplished and the lives touched, let your heart return again and again to the One who equips you. Each appointment, each conversation, each man or woman who walks through your doors is held in God’s compassionate hands. And He invites you to bring every concern, every need, and every hope before Him with confidence.

Finishing the year strong doesn’t come from striving; it comes from surrender—choosing prayer over pressure, supplication over self-reliance, and gratitude over worry. In this winter season, may you rest in the assurance that God is at work in the unseen places, preparing new life, new beginnings, and new mercies for the days to come.

Reports & Assessments 

• Annual Report - Crafting a comprehensive and impactful annual report for pregnancy help organizations

• Impact Report - Instructions and examples for creating an engaging impact report

• Health Assessment - Board Members, Directors, and center leaders can use the Q&A Health Assessment to take stock of where you are and plan where your center needs to go

Articles

• Tips for Your 990 Preparation

• Guidelines For Political Activities Of Not-For-Profit Organizations

• Abortion Risk Assessment Framework

Podcasts

• Tax Credits for Life Affirming Organizations

• Marketing Strategies for the New Year

• Board and Leadership Strategies for the New Year

Trainings

• Preparing Annual Summary for Restricted Funds

• Abortion Risk Assessment Framework

by Margie Mayes, Donor Care Manager 

We live in a world that rarely rests. There’s a constant hum of notifications, deadlines, and demands. The pressure to be available, the drive to perform, the fear of falling behind — it’s all around us. We move through our days half-present, half-drained, always reaching for something more. The world tells us that our worth is measured by what we produce, that rest is indulgent, and stillness is weakness.

But God invites us into a completely different rhythm; one that is anchored in His presence, not our productivity. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Stillness is not laziness or giving up. It’s a quiet strength that grows out of trust. It’s the peace that comes from letting go of what we can’t control and resting in the truth that He holds it all. Stillness reminds us that we are not our own source.

The Hebrew word for Sabbath (Shabbat) means to cease. It’s the intentional stopping, the holy pause that opens our hearts to receive what only God can give. Sabbath was never meant to be a rule to follow but a rhythm to live by. God modeled it Himself. After creating the heavens and the earth, He rested. Not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied. Completion led to rest. Striving leads to exhaustion.

Jesus echoed this when He said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

He wasn’t talking about a nap or a vacation. He was offering rest for our souls. The kind of rest that quiets anxiety, dissolves fear, and reminds us that our lives are held in the hands of the One who never slumbers or sleeps. (Psalm 121:4)

But rest doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. It means releasing our grip on the need to control outcomes and trusting that God’s provision is enough, even when our to-do list is not complete. Sabbath rest is not just taking a day off work; it’s the posture of our hearts. It’s a declaration that God is God, and we are not.

We can’t pour from an empty vessel, yet many of us keep trying. We push through our limits and call it faithfulness. We confuse being busy with being fruitful. But apart from Him, our efforts run dry. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Our strength doesn’t come from constant motion but from continual connection to the source of life, Himself. We draw from the divine thesaurus God, the endless reservoir of wisdom, peace, and renewal. Every word that describes true strength, peace, steadiness, courage, and rootedness finds its meaning in Him. These aren’t personality traits; they are the fruits of communion with the Lord. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:1)

Learning to Sabbath is learning to breathe again. To inhale grace and exhale striving. To let go of the illusion that everything depends on us. The world keeps spinning even when we stop. God holds it all. He holds us all.

Strength in stillness is not about doing less. It’s about trusting more. It’s found in those sacred moments when we quiet the noise, light a candle, close our eyes, and whisper, “You are God, and I am Yours.”

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

This verse captures the heart of Sabbath living. Repentance reminds us to return to God as our source. Rest reminds us that He is enough. Quietness reminds us that His voice is gentle. Trust reminds us that His promises never fail.

The world measures worth by output, but God measures strength by surrender. He invites us to stop striving, to step away from the noise, and to find our peace in Him. When we choose Sabbath, we are saying, “God, I trust You more than my effort.”

Stillness becomes power. Silence becomes prayer. Rest becomes worship.

Let the striving cease. Be still. Let your soul Sabbath in His presence. That’s where your true strength will always be found.

by Lauri Campbell, Affiliation Coordinator

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."(Ephesians 6:11,13) 

The command to “stand firm” is repeated in this passage and elsewhere in Scripture. What does it mean to “stand firm?”

The Greek verb is (histēmi), meaning "to stand, set, or place". There’s a military implication here, referring to a soldier holding their position firmly in battle. The imagery is of an individual soldier holding their position while undergoing an assault.

Sound familiar? 

You’re likely no stranger to “spiritual forces of evil,” and yet day after day, we have to get up and get right back in the fight. 

How?

• Keep our eyes on Jesus
   ” ...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
  (Hebrews 12:2-3)
  
  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must constantly look to His example for us when faced with warfare. He endured! He gives us the grace and strength to do the same.

• Keep our eyes on our assigned position
  In John 21, Jesus appears to the disciples for a 3rd time since rising from the dead. He reinstates Peter (after his three denials), and an interesting conversation ensues. 
  
  Jesus has just charged Peter to “Follow me.” Peter looks up, sees John, and asks, “‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’”(John 21:21-22)
  
  As Believers, we’ve all been given an individual mission, and we must keep our eyes on our own position or assignment.  It’s difficult to stand firm with our necks cranked in various directions, looking at the duties or roles of others.

• Keep a humble heart
  “Pride goes before destruction.”(Proverbs 16:18a)
  
  Humility protects us from destruction and from falling out of a firm stance.
  
  The Prophet, Micah, instructs: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”(Micah 6:8)

• Have an unshakable faith in God
  “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”(Ephesians 6:16)
  
  While standing firm, we will encounter accusations, deceptions, and temptations. That’s what the shield of faith is for. To extinguish those assaults quickly and not allow them to take root or gain any ground in your life.

• Have a grateful heart
  "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."(1Thessalonians 5:18)
  
  Even with our feet firmly planted, we can experience discouragement. The discipline of counting our blessings is the best weapon against a “woe is me” attitude. By simply listing all the things we have to be thankful for and giving praise, our despondency will begin to shrink as our gratitude for our faithful God grows.

• Have a forgiving heart
  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”(Colossians 3:13)
  
  The whole Gospel is based on forgiveness. God forgave us. We’re commanded to forgive others. Unforgiveness is a sure-fire way to lose our footing because it tortures us.
  
  In Matthew 18, Jesus tells a parable about a man who refuses to forgive someone even after he has been forgiven. And Jesus describes the consequences of that unforgiveness as being like torture. 

Put on the full armor and plant your feet firmly on The Rock.  PRAISE GOD, He has given us everything we need to: stand firm, stand our ground, and after all is said and done, STAND!

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, we put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the scheme of the enemy and so that when the day of evil comes, we will be able to stand our ground. After we have done everything else you have commanded us to do, teach us to stand. Jesus, we want to be found steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the works of you. May we be on the alert, standing firm in the faith as well as resisting our enemy. We know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings, and we ask you to help them stand as well, God. Help us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. May others see that we are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. We give you all the honor and glory, God. Thank you for the strength to stand firm.
Amen.

(references: Ephesians 6:11,13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 16:1 & 3, Philippians 1:27 & 4:1, 1 Peter 5:9)

By Lori Kuykendall, MPH, President of Beacon Health Education Resources (www.beaconhealthed.com)

Sexually transmitted infections have risen to all-time record highs across the nation. There are 26 million new infections each year, with half occurring in young people under age 25. Nearly twice as much money is spent on direct medical costs associated with STIs than on teen pregnancy. Sexually active singles are more likely to have an STI than to be pregnant.

The fastest-growing numbers of new infections are cases of congenital (newborn) syphilis, which presents serious health risks. In 2023, there were 3,882 babies born in the U.S. with congenital syphilis, and 279 of them died. While syphilis is a curable bacterial infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “condoms will not protect” against syphilis because it can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Unfortunately, this information is not widely known or understood.

We want to be prepared to promote holistic sexual wellness and flourishing with all our clients, and sharing medically accurate information and resources about STIs is an important part of serving them well. Whether your center offers STI testing or not, addressing both female and male clients about their risks and need for screening and/or treatment can be an opportunity to care for them and to continue building a supportive relationship.

The CDC is a good place to begin for current information on the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Client advocates and medical staff should have a working knowledge of how the infections spread (modes of transmission), their short- and long-term health risks, and the varying levels of risk reduction offered by condoms. In addition to the physical risks, STIs can bring significant emotional and relational consequences as well.

Pregnancy Clients — Every pregnant client needs support in starting and following through with prenatal care that will include comprehensive STI screening (and treatment if needed). Centers may provide this themselves or work with local health care providers to ensure clients receive the necessary care. Several STIs pose serious risks to babies, passing directly during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Ensure your client understands these risks and follows through with appropriate testing.

Negative Test Clients — For the occasional pregnancy test client whose test comes back negative, she (and her partner, if present) may feel relieved and ready to go on their way. We have the opportunity to ask about STIs and encourage testing. STIs can be a place of vulnerability that opens a “window to their heart,” enabling you to address deeper lifestyle and relationship issues. A simple question like, “Is not having sex an option for you?” can gently help them reflect on whether their current choices are truly supporting their life goals. Keep in mind that you may be the only person asking these questions and pointing them to a healthier way.

STI Testing Clients — Many centers offer basic STI screening and/or treatment. Be sure to communicate clearly with clients which STIs you screen for and which you do not. Find like-minded health care providers in the community to partner with in order to encourage more comprehensive care and follow-up. Sharing basic information about the different kinds of STIs and modes of transmission, as well as the effectiveness and limitations of condoms, can help equip clients to make better decisions.

Education Classes — For pregnant and parenting classes, look for ways to add STI information into discussions about healthy prenatal care and healthy relationships. For prevention and outreach programs, STIs are a key part of promoting sexual wellness to protect physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. As described earlier, many people lack a basic understanding of the different types of STIs and their associated risks.

Pregnancy help centers have an incredible opportunity to share God’s beautiful design for sex and sexuality. His Word is clear that sex was intended to be shared solely within a covenant marriage. Sexually transmitted infections are evidence of this good plan—outside His design, there are physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences. We can use STI education to point back to this truth. We can teach or re-teach His design in a way that is compassionate and relevant for our clients, with the ultimate goal of their safety, wholeness, and thriving within God’s good plan. Let’s take courage to share this good news!

(Beacon Health Education Resources offers online STD training and new client-facing STD brochures at www.beaconhealthed.com.)