by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

In maternity housing, providing a safe and nurturing environment goes hand-in-hand with giving residents a voice. Honoring each woman’s dignity requires valuing her unique perspective and ensuring she feels heard. After all, the mission of a maternity home is to serve residents—not the other way around. This foundational commitment, established at incorporation and upheld for donors and constituents alike, keeps the organization focused on its true purpose: service through ministry to residents.

Structured resident surveys can be instrumental in fostering this environment. Anonymous surveys with open-ended questions allow residents to express their thoughts freely, supporting both transparency and safety. However, concerns inevitably arise: "What if residents lie or don’t tell the full story?" or "What if they manipulate responses to create triangulation?" Acknowledging these realities—along with the possibility that staff voices might go unheard—does not diminish the value of feedback. In fact, it strengthens it by promoting checks and balances between residents and staff. The survey process itself, done with integrity, serves as an accountability measure that protects both parties.

Beyond immediate insights, surveys reveal trends over time. While one resident’s perspective may be unique, repeated themes across surveys highlight patterns that can guide program adjustments. Additionally, survey data provides essential outcome measurements, serving as a valuable tool for evaluating program efficacy and reporting to donors, board members, and staff.

Example survey questions that invite honest reflection include:

• "What has your experience in the home been like this month?

• “What helped you?”

• “What did not help you?”

• “Did you feel safe this month? Why or why not?”

• “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like us to know that you might not feel comfortable sharing in person?”

• “What has your spiritual experience been like this month?”

• “Did you learn anything new this month? If so, what did you learn?”

• “What do you feel you need most right now?”

• “How was your sobriety journey this month?”

• “How many close friends do you have right now?”

• “What are your goals for the future?”

• "What do you feel you need most right now?"

Through structured feedback, maternity homes can fulfill their mission of dignified service, ensuring the organization remains a sanctuary of support, integrity, and growth.

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

It's been a long election cycle, and I'm sure for many of you it was a long election night. I stayed up to watch all of the results and the speeches that followed. In the wake of the recent events after the election, I would be remiss not to address the state of our nation and how that affects our maternity homes nationally as well as globally. This election season was particularly notable to me as I've witnessed the increased resistance to maternity homes, specifically within mainstream media, coincide with the temperance of our political climate during the presidential campaigns.

What began in 2023, increased in 2024 with great vigor. There was an increased slander against maternity homes across America, particularly maternity homes that are faith-based in Jesus Christ. This wasn't altogether a surprise, however, the rapidness of the intensity was indeed a surprise. We saw the media accuse maternity homes of impure motives with conspired plots to harm women. As the election grew closer, I couldn't help but notice that the media attention to homes also grew stronger as well as accusations that grew intemperate. 

So what do we take away from all of this?

Three Takeaways for Maternity Homes

1. First, we remember that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV).

For those of you who have become the focus of negative media coverage because of your devotion to righteousness, you are blessed. We are praying for you and stand united with you.

2. Secondly, we found that while negative media coverage creates great turbulence, wind, and busyness, it has not proven to be effective in halting the operations of the Kingdom of God. We find that there are homes across the United States that are in the midst of lawsuits from corrupt media as well as homes that have become the year-long focus of entertainment sources suggesting scandal in maternity homes. Although this focus is persistent and the audience is broad, we have found that the work of Jesus Christ in ministering to women during their time of need carries on.

The same grace afforded to Peter to walk on water with Christ during a storm is active and available to those carrying out the exploits of the Kingdom today (Matt. 14:28-31).

We have no cause for fear. We pray that you are strengthened with this divine grace in every storm. 

3. Third, at this time it is critical that we operate with prudence, humility, and strategy. Our strategies must build off of the wisdom of the generations that preceded us and also operate in prudence with anticipation for the generations that are to come. While we await the changes anticipated in government as a result of our most recent election, we do not anticipate a reduction in slander toward maternity homes. This is our season to prepare, review our practices, renew our public relations policy, and fortify our teams to be ready to operate in the grace of Jesus which enables us to walk above water during the storm.

New Series!

Given our current times, we will begin a new series called “Recommended Practices: Considerations for Maternity Homes.” These will include practical considerations for operating a maternity home within all approaches and populations. As always, maternity homes affiliated with the Maternity Housing Coalition have access to cost-free monthly consultations. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you would like to further discuss the application of these practices for your organization. Click here to schedule a Housing Consultation.

Read Part 1 of this series: Empowering and Protecting Resident Voices: The Cornerstone of Dignity and Purpose in Maternity Housing

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing

1. Have you been to Italy before? 

I had never been to Italy before this opportunity, but have had the pleasure of meeting our Italian friends here in the States several times at our training conferences. I also have had the privilege of participating in Movimento per la Vita's (MPV) training events virtually in the past.

2. How did this trip begin? 

It just so happened that the MPV Symposium occurred at the time of my anniversary, so my husband was able to join me and we got to familiarize ourselves with the beautiful countryside. Venice is everything you imagine it to be. There is beauty all around. From here, we joined new friends from other areas of the country to drive up into the mountains where the training would be held. Thankfully, one of our fellow travelers happened to be my translator for the week! Camilla was a God-send and has an incredible zest for pro-life work and reaching the youth with a message of hope and love.

3. How long were you in Italy?

With travel and training, we were in Italy for a week. 

4. What PHOs did you visit during your time in Italy?

The MPV Symposium brought in pregnancy center leaders from all over the country, which is quite vast. Ultimately, there were about 65 people present, representing dozens of pregnancy centers and maternity homes. 

5. What did your visit cover (curriculum, training, visits/meetings, etc.)?

The symposium was such a powerful event. Italians have a love for education, so this was a true example of that in-depth teaching. We covered three primary topics, with various subtopics within.

First, we discussed cultural changes in the world from both a physical standpoint as well as a psychological standpoint. The abortion pill use is expanding all over the world, and it is important to understand the impact it has on women, both physically and emotionally. 

Second, there was a clear generational gap that needed to be addressed. Many at the training have worked in the field for decades and have an amazing heart for the work. On the first night, however, we were asked how many in the room were under the age of 35. Four hands raised. (Mine was NOT included.) To come back to a culture that embraces life, we must reach the youth with a positive message about family and hope. For effective succession planning and true impact, we must have more involvement from the youth. MPV has a good youth program that sadly lessened with COVID-19. They are rebuilding and have grand plans for future expansion.

Sticking to culture, we unpacked the role of media today and how we can use it to positively share stories from pregnancy help. We must recognize that journalism has shifted over the last decade and has activated an aggressive media attack on the abortion issue. I had the opportunity to provide media training there alongside two professional reporters. There are ways to counter the narrative, but we must be intentional about putting stories out into the world. There was a theme of becoming good storytellers throughout the Symposium. 

Finally, I was able to provide an overview of the global landscape of pregnancy help. This brought us back to talking about the abortion pill and abortion pill reversal. We must be fully aware of the implications easy access to abortion has on society and adapt to this new landscape.

6. What was the biggest thing you learned from or about the organization(s) you visited? 

I was very impressed with the depth of MPV's work. They encompass all life issues. In fact, while we were on-site, a couple of the presenters went down the road to present at another conference that had a focus on combatting euthanasia. MPV is working to mobilize the youth, serve through pregnancy help, encourage pro-life laws, and create a culture that embraces life from natural life to natural death.

7. What was the biggest takeaway from your visit to Italy?

Italy truly has the best pizza! Plus, there is a desperate desire to change the culture to embrace life before it is too late. MPV is watching the world and doing everything it can to protect the country from falling into cultural darkness.

8. Why is it important for us to connect internationally and between organizations?

This opportunity was a great example of how we are truly better together. MPV is doing amazing things in Italy! As one of our joint affiliate networks, they tap into Heartbeat trainings often and have great influence in their network. Staying connected and sharing the current challenges and triumphs helps us strategize for tomorrow while bringing key concepts to others around the globe. This is such a mighty mission that we are all working toward, so the more we can work together, the better.

9. Is there anything else that stood out to you or affected you during your time there?
Was there anything that surprised you?

My translator, Camilla, introduced me to a six-year-old girl who was saved at her pregnancy center outside of Rome. The girl's parents are still together and they are actively involved in the work of MPV. Her mother is studying to become a magistrate and her father is a lawyer. Seeing how engaged he was at the Symposium and how she was cared for by all around, as though she was a niece to each person, showed love in action. While a completely different language and nation, the work is exactly the same. We are each called into this movement to share our skills to work toward a common mission of life. It was a great affirmation.

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist

There are so many reasons people attend the European Pregnancy Help Leaders (EPHL) Summit. There are, of course, inspiring keynotes and relevant workshops. This year, attendees heard keynotes from Jor-El Godsey and Guillermo Morales Sancho, from Alliance Defending Freedom International, and nine workshops covering issues such as mega tech’s shadow banning, metrics, and how to track them simply, efficiently, and effectively, as well as updates on European Union laws and cases, fundraising and mission drift. That wasn’t all, but hopefully, that whets your appetite to attend the next Summit which will be in 2026.

Aside from that, the EPHL Summit is always held in a beautiful world-class city. From Bratislava (2014) to Venice (2016), Belgrade (2018) to Bucharest (2022), and this year to Budapest (2024) participants have the opportunity to see something in the city. This year, we also had the honor of being received in the Hungarian Parliament by the Vice President of Hungary. Hungary declares itself to be pro-family and pro-life, and this is evident—even at the airport!

One can’t forget to mention the food. A fun part of attending these Summits is the opportunity to taste local cuisine, served at the hotel and in neighboring restaurants.

Networking & Fellowship

Have you ever wondered how other centers do "x" or "y" [insert frustration of the day]? Are we the only ones that do things this way? Are we the only center that struggles with this? One of the reasons people love the Summit is that they have a chance to talk to other center leaders and volunteers. They talk about mutual challenges and difficulties to figure out solutions that might work. Further, we often have a chance to visit a local pregnancy help center. It is fun to see how other centers are set up.

Speaking of fun…you should hear the volume level in the lobby as people greet one another and excitedly hug when they see each other after two years of not seeing one another.

But, what's the best reason to attend the EPHL Summit? Well, there are actually 60 reasons: the people who come. There is nothing quite like seeing people who already connect on a professional level, also connect on a personal and friend level. The fellowship of people who see one another only once every two years—but every two years—is sweet. Repeat attendees enjoy seeing one another and make sure newcomers are warmly welcomed.

The pregnancy help community is a family. We need one another and we help one another. We spur one another to greater love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), we encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), we carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), we are kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), we sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we accept one another and encourage one another with the same mind in Christ (Romans 15:5). We remind one another of the “why” behind the work we do.

Family reunions—there's nothing quite like them. We are grateful for the privilege of hosting this family reunion every two years in Europe. Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you in 2026! We value your input, so please fill out the short evaluation linked here. Also, make sure you're subscribed to our eNewsletter, Heartbeat Around the World*, for an announcement about our next Summit. You don't want to miss it!

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*To make sure you're subscribed, log in to your Dashboard, and scroll down to "Your Newsletter Group(s)." Your subscriptions are listed in that section. To add Heartbeat Around the World, click on "Join A Group" and select "Heartbeat Around the World."

Have you ever wondered how to talk to your pastor or church about the "why" and "how" of engaging in pregnancy help outreach? Have you ever felt stuck on how to make a case for your church to be more involved? Here is a Biblically-based apologetic on why and how we should hold out the Word of Life, recorded at our 2024 Pregnancy Help Conference by Ellen Foell, our International Program Specialist:

This video was recorded at Heartbeat International's 2024 Pregnancy Help Conference. Click here to view more Conference recordings.

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

Imagine for a moment living in a world where every word, gesture, and decision is controlled by someone else. It sounds terrifying, right? Unfortunately, for many people, this is their reality in relationships. Domestic violence isn’t just about the bruises you can see; it often hides in more subtle, yet powerful ways that can shatter a person’s spirit. As leaders and workers in maternity housing, understanding these hidden dynamics is crucial if you want to support the residents in your care effectively. One helpful tool to guide us in this understanding is the Power and Control Wheel, which reveals the various tactics abusers use to dominate their partners.

What is the Power and Control Wheel?

The Power and Control Wheel* breaks down the different tactics abusers employ. Sure, physical violence is often the most visible form of abuse, but it usually stems from a pattern of other controlling behaviors. Here are some key parts of the wheel:

- Coercion and Threats: This is all about using fear or intimidation to control someone, like threatening to hurt them or their loved ones.

- Emotional Abuse: Think of it as undermining someone’s self-worth through insults or manipulation.

- Economic Abuse: This is where one partner controls the money to keep the other from being independent.

- Using Children: Sometimes abusers will use the kids to manipulate their partner, making threats about custody or using them as pawns.

These tactics often work together to create a cycle of abuse that can feel impossible to escape. By recognizing these patterns, we can offer better support to the residents in our care.

Spotting Signs of Domestic Violence

As you interact with residents, keep an eye out for signs that they might be experiencing control in their relationships. Here are a few things to watch for:

- Changes in Behavior: If someone seems anxious, scared, or withdrawn, especially when discussing their partner, that’s a red flag.

- Isolation: Notice if a resident seems cut off from friends or family as this can indicate they’re feeling alone. This is often a result of gaslighting and manipulation in conversations with her boyfriend about others in her life. 

- Money Worries: If a resident appears confused about their finances or expresses anxiety about money, it might point to economic abuse. Please be particularly cognizant if the resident has past experience in the sex industry in any manner.

Creating an Educational Plan

Recognizing the signs is just the beginning. We need to create a plan to help residents understand these patterns in their own relationships. Here’s how we can do that:

- Workshops and Discussions: Host regular sessions where residents can learn about what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy, using the Power and Control Wheel as a guide.

- Handouts and Resources: Provide easy-to-read materials that can help residents reflect on their situations.

- Casual Conversations: Encourage open discussions about relationships. Creating a safe space for sharing thoughts and feelings is key.

Be Gentle and Sensitive

When discussing domestic violence, it’s essential to approach the topic with sensitivity. For many residents, these controlling behaviors may be all they’ve ever known. Here are some ways to keep the conversation gentle:

- Make It Normal: Frame relationship discussions as something everyone or many people experience, not just a problem for a select few.

- Acknowledge Difficult Feelings: It can be overwhelming to learn about these patterns. Validating their feelings will help build trust.

- Take It Slow: Introduce concepts of power and control in small, digestible pieces, giving residents time to process everything.

Keep the Conversation Going

Encourage residents to notice when relationship boundaries are crossed by having ongoing conversations. Invite them to share their thoughts and experiences as they learn what makes a relationship healthy. Over time, this will help them develop a natural awareness of these important issues.

As leaders and workers in maternity housing, you play a vital role in helping residents understand their relationships. By recognizing the signs of domestic violence and creating educational plans, you empower residents to stand up for themselves and break the cycle of abuse. With kindness and continuous conversations, you can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. Together, we can make a difference!

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*Power and Control Wheel:

Copyright by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
202 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN, 55802
218-722-2781

Watch the video below for a special thank you for helping to make our 2024 Pregnancy Help Leaders European Summit possible!

Advancing the Pregnancy Help Movement Around the World!

Today, thousands of workers across the globe work tirelessly to save abortion-vulnerable lives in their communities. These frontline lifesavers operate Heartbeat's thousands of pregnancy help locations reaching and rescuing women and their precious babies from abortion.

When you support Heartbeat International you are providing valuable tools, training, and support to these lifesavers all around the world. In turn, YOU—yes, YOU—can save a life today.

The reality is that while the U.S. is responsible for nearly 1M abortions each year, we still account for just 2% of all abortions worldwide. That is why Heartbeat is the most expansive network of pregnancy help organizations in the world - to provide pregnancy help in all areas of great need!

We are now present on all six inhabited continents, including in cultures that do not readily welcome new life based on gender, class, race, or government-mandated laws. We value our international affiliates and partners and realize they face some of the most daunting challenges in the war against abortion today.

With your help, we will reach even more nations with the gospel of life. We will save innocent lives in places where children are not valued and life is not respected. Thank you for doing all you can to make this possible today!

International News

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 2^nd and 3^rd 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

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.

The image above from the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops)

“I came so that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

by Jennifer Wright, Editor/Writer

Every October, I hear a pro-life message at Church – and rightly so. I only wish it was more clear and more often! I’ve been blessed to hear some different angles to the 'respect life' concept, but for me, everything comes down to two simple Biblical truths:

(1) Humans are made in the image and likeness of God

(2) Jesus came so that we could experience the fullness of life.

One old, one new, but two parts of a greater truth. We were made for more.

The image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27)

We can see that humans are uniquely made in the image and likeness of God because we are like God in how we create, love, and choose.

We Create: Humans create because God wanted us to have the joy of creating – like He takes joy in creating us.

We Love: Humans are loving because God wanted us to understand the joy of loving as He does and the joy of being truly loved.

We Choose: Humans can freely choose rather than merely react because God wanted more than blind devotion. He wanted a creation that – like Him – could choose the good despite easier options.

Because of these things, we are more than the rest of God’s creation. We are set apart (a.k.a holy) to be like the Creator. That makes every single human life, short or long, rich or poor, sick or well, worth protecting, revering, and loving.

That we may live (John 10:10)

Knowing what we were made to be – creative forces for love and goodness – makes the gospel message even more powerful. We fall short of living out that creative ability to improve our world, but Christ came to show us how to step up. Like us in all ways but our sin, Jesus is the perfect example of true goodness and love that transforms the world. And just like in Genesis 1, He invites us to live in the fullness of how we were created.

Every life has the potential to be a creative force to make the world a better place – and Christ’s love and sacrifice make it possible to share in the joy of salvation forever. That’s why we care deeply for each child in a mother’s womb, and each mother carrying life within her. Both of them – like all of us – can improve themselves, their families, and their communities here on this side of Heaven. All because each of us is made in the image and likeness of God.