Tasha came to see us when she was 8 months pregnant in late 2012. She was separated from her husband and fearful of what was going to happen to her and her unborn child. She did not have a permanent place to live and was staying with a friend until she could get on her feet. She was depressed, highly anxious and feeling extremely alone. As a result, she was experiencing early contractions and cramping. Her counselor listened to all her concerns and helped her to make a plan. She provided her with several community resources to assist with food, material goods, ministry and counsel. She also explained to her our Building Blocks program, which empowers women by giving them the chance to earn “blocks” through different educational- and health-related activities which they can then cash in for baby items. Her counselor prayed with her and Tasha said the contractions had suddenly stopped and she felt much better.

After that initial visit, Tasha quickly got involved in the Building Blocks program and earned enough points to receive a Pack-N-Play, baby swing, several outfits, shoes and diapers amongst other things for her baby. Tasha gave birth to a little girl and named her Heaven. When she came to visit us, she was beaming and smiling from ear-to-ear. She looked like a new person. Everything had fallen into place for her – she now had a place to live, a job, and even help babysitting her new little girl. She was so thankful for the Building Blocks program and continued to stay involved in it even after the baby was born.

Tasha is enrolled in the local Community College and studying to become a nurse.  She is also working.  Heaven is doing very well and is a very happy 1 year old!

When I give people my testimony I think it’s important to know my family background. I believe that how you are raised has almost everything to do with the person you will become, and the decisions you will make in your life.

I grew up in a very Christian conservative home. We went to church every Sunday, lived in the suburbs of a nice middle class neighborhood. I am one of four children and we have very supportive parents and they trusted us until we gave them a reason not to. In December of 2008, I gave them a reason when I told them I was pregnant.

When I was 19 I was taking classes and working a waitressing job in Ohio. I was young and stupid, and unfortunately, while employed there I met a guy who made me believe he was in love with me. A pretty typical story, but it’s amazing what control a man can have over a gullible girl. I ended up giving him the one thing I was saving for my now husband-my virginity.

A year later my world crashed when I found out in November of 2008 I was pregnant. I didn’t know what to do. All I could think about was not telling my family, that seemed to be the only thing that mattered. When I decided to tell my boyfriend, he informed me I needed to have an abortion. That was a hard pill to swallow, I was raised pro-life, my mother taught us to respect life in the womb, and yet now that I was in this situation it seemed okay to compromise my beliefs.

I reached out to girls I worked with, whom all seemed to tell me the same thing. “You have too much going for you”, “It’s too hard”, and “I need to take care of it”. So there I was; alone, scared, and discouraged with the abortion clinics number in my phone. I almost would rather do something that I know would emotionally scar me, than have to tell my family what I had done. I finally reached out to a girl I had grown up in the church with. I explained to her after a handful of tests it still wasn’t real to me, and I wanted someone to confirm my pregnancy. She told me to go to PDHC, and explained to me it’s free and they have more sensitive tests .I was familiar with PDHC, in fact my mother used to work the PDHC booth at our old church, but I didn’t think it was for people like myself. I agreed to go, and she made an appointment the next day in Columbus.

When I walked in to the building I immediately felt welcomed by a woman named Rita. She told me to have a seat while we waited on the pregnancy test. I was so nervous. Even though I already knew the answer, I was holding on to the small ounce of hope that the 20 other tests I took were false. I sat there, as she walked in and said in the happiest voice “congratulations mommy to be!” I immediately got on my knees and started bawling. It was real now. I couldn’t stop crying saying “no, no! What am I going to do?” she put her hand around my shoulder, helped me back up into my chair and said to me “Don’t cry, you’re going to be a mommy.” She then held up a picture from a simple brochure of what the baby would be looking like around that time of pregnancy. That was all I needed to see. It was like God was slapping me in the face. My priorities changed immediately and all the sudden I didn’t matter anymore. Here I was, so worried about ME and what IM going to do, when the fact of the matter is I have a baby growing inside me; A life, a soul. I was so concerned about facing the consequences of my actions; I lost all train of thought on what this really was: My child. Rita and I spent the rest of our time together talking about my situation, my family, my background. She let me know my options and assured me that no matter what I tell my family, they love me. My consultant gave me something I needed desperately: Encouragement and hope to start this pregnancy.

The night I told my parents was the worst night of my life. There was so much disappointment, anger, shock, sadness, disbelief. But in the end we could all only accept it and move on. What happened, happened.and Rita was right, they love me.

Those 9 months were the hardest year of my life. After tons of prayer, list after list of pros and cons, and months of counseling, I decided to place my little boy for adoption. It was a very difficult decision, and there are no words to describe how hard it is to make. Eventually it came down to something so simple: I want my son to have the life that I had. He deserves the world, and that’s exactly what I gave him. In July of 09, I finally found the perfect couple who deserved him. I would be lying if I said it’s not difficult to embrace the thought of choosing other people to be your son’s parents, but I got such an overwhelming sense of peace about Mike and Kara. I began to care for them as family, and even started to feel grateful that I got to be their birth mommy. I started to see that God was finally giving me an answer from months and months of prayer, and I felt confident in my decision.

On August 20^th 2009 at 5:39 am, weighing 6lb 9oz and 21 inches long, Joshua Michael Wilson came into the world. He was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. When I first held him in my arms, I heard God say out loud “This is my son.” Finally feeling the love a parent has for their child made surrendering Josh that much easier for me. Unconditional love is a very powerful thing, and it’s amazing what you can do with it.

This is my story. My little boy is 4 years old now and not a day goes by where I ever regret the decision that I made for him, only that it took me awhile to make it. I share my testimony in hopes that maybe I can bring encouragement and empowerment to someone who may be in the same situation someday. That’s why I go to prison facilities and speak to pregnant women who are incarcerated, that’s why I volunteer to be interviewed in the dispatch, That’s why I go to any PDHC banquet I can and that’s why I take the opportunity to come to Washington DC and speak to a congress member. I know that a number of women choose abortion out of impulse because they feel scared and alone like I was. My mission is to end abortion. Not just by laws, but by educating the minds of humans. The only way we can expect change is to change minds.

When the unplanned happened to me I felt my life was unraveling. I was dealing with a situation that no parent ever wants to encounter. Because the guy I had been dating put his hands on my 6 year old son while I was not home, I was involved in a CPS case. In order to regain custody I had to be diligent in communicating with lawyers, the court, and a guardian ad litem. The stress of this situation left me feeling like I was on the verge of a breakdown.

Then I found out I was pregnant.

I couldn’t believe that this was happening. I couldn’t believe I was in this situation! Why hadn’t I been more careful? I struggled in disillusion and confusion. I was scared, and didn’t want anyone to know, especially my parents. I was afraid of disappointing them. I thought, an abortion would make all of this go away. Besides, I knew I couldn’t keep the baby – I had too much going on. I just wasn’t capable of caring for another child at the time.

One day as I was driving in my car and I heard an ad on the radio for Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center and free pregnancy testing. It prompted me into making the decision to find out for sure if I really was pregnant. So, after dropping my son off at school, I went to the Center.

I had never been to a “pregnancy center” so I was not sure what to expect when I going in to Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center. It turned out to be super helpful. The staff was friendly, and I felt comforted and welcomed. The most impressive part of my visit was that I didn’t receive any judgment. Just that alone was relieving. But still there was more.

I got to meet with a wonderful client advocate, Paula, who took the time to simply listen and care for me and my situation. I was given a lot of information on all of my options, but did not feel pressured in any way. My time with Paula greatly impacted me.   She wanted to understand who I was, and what I believed, without imposing her beliefs on me. The conversation caused me to evaluate my faith and what I believed about God, about life choices. She continued to care for me after my appointment by calling me every few weeks just to check in to see how I was doing. Knowing that there was someone out there that truly cared made the biggest difference in how I proceeded.

My visit to Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center impacted my pregnancy decision.

They provided a welcoming, professional, safe place for me to explore my options and to be heard. The care and information I received from the nurse and my client advocate helped lead me to the decision to carry my child to term and parent. Had I not gone to the Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center, I believe I would have gone through with an abortion.

But I am just one woman. There are so many others. Every day there are women

in our community facing a similar situation. I’m so thankful that the Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center is there to be a resource for women who are facing an unintended pregnancy, and who don’t know where to go or who to turn to. Because of the services, the information, the help, and the hope that they provide women can make a well informed decision about their unplanned pregnancy.

Because of my visit to Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center, I chose to carry and parent my son Lealan, now 8 months old. I can’t imagine my life without him, nor my other son’s life without his little brother. I feel that God gave me a second change to do things right, and He used Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center to help me see that. I am forever grateful to the Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center, and am so glad that they are a part of my community.

A college sophomore nineteen years old and 4 months pregnant! I had done exactly what my parents tried to protect me from. I was so afraid of disappointing my parents, who had been so proud of my success in high school and college. But after the initial shock, they chose to support my decision. My boyfriend, Nolan, was there for me from day one. Even with the support of my parents and Nolan, I was overwhelmed and scared; there was so much to learn, so much to prepare for.

I learned about Pregnancy Care Center through Nolan’s sisters. The Center welcomed us with open arms and positive reinforcement. Mentoring and the many classes helped us learn about nutrition, pregnancy, child safety, and parenting. Relationship classes taught us how to work through issues together and to strengthen our relationship as a couple. Nolan took a Fatherhood class to help him become the kind of father he wanted to be. Attending classes earned us “points” we could exchange for diapers, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities in the Center’s Baby Boutique.

Nolan continued to work while I continued with college. Our relationship grew stronger, and in July we were married. Our son, Beckham, was born in October. From the first day, we used techniques we learned in classes, such as swaddling and infant massage.

Being a parent isn’t always easy and is sometime stressful; but at the same time parenthood is extremely rewarding and worth every sleepless night. The classes, the opportunity to prepare and stock up for Beckham’s arrival have been very valuable to me, my husband and our baby.

Beckham is now three months old. I still remember tears of joy running down my face when he was born; he was our miracle. I know that without Pregnancy Care Center’s help, the past fifteen months would have been very different. God has truly blessed us; and while I know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, I know our family can do it.

>> Click Here to Discover Lives Saved through the Abortion Pill Rescue Network <<

Each story below represents a woman's experience with one of our pregnancy help organizations. One by one, these women overcame challenges through the help of the pregnancy help movement. Receiving support and care, and in some cases, even a roof over their heads, they know the value of pregnancy centers and maternity homes because their lives were changed by their service. And now, they share their personal stories so that no woman feels so alone she feels abortion is her only option. These families champion life!

Autumn	Brittni	Mackenzie	Mary	Nadya
Janai	Kelsey	Magalia	Jacqueline	Whitney
Halie	Kailee	Savannah	Lourdes	Mapi
Zayda	Nikki	Kahlia	Acacia	Marcella
Paula	Jessica G.	Shelly	Tasha	Sarah
Ahna and Garrett	April	Teka	Faith	Khalilah
Michelle	Kynnedi	Laura L.	Diana	Elisa
Chelsea	Victoria	Matennah	Michelle M.	Brittany
April H.	Emily B.	Laura	Brittany and Nathaniel	Kylie
Ruth	Danielle	Evalynn	Kayla	Kendra
Anahi

Advancing the Pregnancy Help Movement Around the World!

Today, thousands of workers across the globe worked 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 upon 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!

Rescuing Lives from Abortion

Option Line® is a pregnancy help contact center, available 24/7 for anyone reaching out for help. Conveniently accessible, Option Line offers compassionate, personalized guidance for all who reach out. Our empathetic confidants provide guidance on their true options, as well as hope for a new shared future for woman and baby. With Option Line, help is within reach.

Established in 2003, Option Line is the only fully staffed, bilingual pro-life contact center in the U.S. Since we first answered the call, we’ve reached millions of women and men, many who are desperate for answers in an unexpected pregnancy. 

More than 1,100 people reach out to Option Line daily via phone call, live chat, texting, and email for help. The number of women and men Option Line reaches continues to grow. As a result, more lives are rescued from abortion. 

Option Line At-A-Glance

• Over 7 Million people reached
• Answers in English and Spanish
• Established in 2003
• 24/7-365 contact center and website
• Only fully staffed, bilingual pro-life contact center in the U.S.
• Above industry standard answered call rate
• Connects women with their local pregnancy help organization
• Provides consultation on abortion, adoption, and parenting
• Schedules appointments in real-time through a state-of-the-art system
• Answers after-hours calls for pregnancy help organizations and partnering organizations/hotlines

Real Lives, Real Help

Each day, our professionally trained consultants answer over 1,100 desperate cries for help. Below are real women who called Option Line in search of help. Each woman was connected to her pregnancy help center for ongoing care.

Can you imagine what their lives would be like if Option Line had not answered their calls?

Reach Rescue Renew

Heartbeat International's mission is to Reach and Rescue as many lives as possible, around the world, through an effective network of life-affirming pregnancy help, to Renew communities for LIFE. All Heartbeat international policies and materials are consistent with Biblical principles and with orthodox Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) ethical principles and teaching on the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of human life. Click here for more information.

We REACH those who are abortion-vulnerable through Option Line's 24-hour contact center and cutting-edge website, www.OptionLine.org.

"Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me..." - Psalm 144:7

We RESCUE those who are reached through our life-support network of pregnancy centers providing true reproductive health care, ministry, education, and social services where lives are saved and changed.

"Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence. " - Psalm 140:1

We RENEW broken cities around the world, by developing pregnancy centers where abortion clinics are the only alternative for abortion-vulnerable women. 

"He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor... They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." - Isaiah 61:1-4

Defending the Work of Pregnancy Help Centers

Every day, life-affirming pregnancy help organizations face relentless attacks from pro-abortion activists, biased mainstream media, censorship from big tech, and hostile legislation at both the state and federal levels. These attacks aim to silence the life-saving work of pregnancy centers and maternity homes that provide compassionate, free support to women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Our pro-life network of pregnancy help is engaged in a David vs. Goliath battle (1 Samuel 17) against the well-funded abortion industry and its allies. Despite these challenges, we stand firm in protecting the right of pregnancy centers to serve women and save lives.

Legal Battles for Pregnancy Centers

Right now, Heartbeat International is involved in two critical legal battles defending Abortion Pill Reversal (APR)—a protocol that has helped countless women continue their pregnancies after starting a chemical abortion. Learn more about these cases:

• The People of the State of California v. Heartbeat International & Real Options
• Heartbeat International & CompassCare, et al. v. Letitia James

Click a button below to learn more about these lawsuits.

What's at stake? Innocent lives.

The good news: As long as pro-life pregnancy centers are under attack, Heartbeat International will stand in their defense. Since 1971, we have empowered the pregnancy help movement with legal resources, expert training, and a strong network of support.

These battles will shape the future of the pro-life movement for generations to come. With your help, we can ensure that pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies continue to provide hope and life-affirming choices for women.

How can you help? Be prepared to speak up for the work of Pregnancy Help!

• Stay Informed. Subscribe to Pregnancy Help News  and the Pregnancy Help Podcast for updates on pro-life victories, legislation affecting pregnancy centers, and expert commentary on the fight for life.
• Equip Yourself with the Truth. Visit Pregnancy Center Truth for fact-based answers to the false claims made by abortion activists against pregnancy help centers.
• Know Your State. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion laws now vary widely by state. It's more important than ever to understand how pro-life pregnancy centers in your community are impacted and how you can support them.

What is Pregnancy Help?

Pregnancy Help Organizations provide life-affirming care to women at every stage of their pregnancy and beyond. These organizations include:

✔ Pregnancy Resource Centers and Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics
✔ Mobile Ultrasound Units offering free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
✔ Maternity Homes providing safe housing and support
✔ Nonprofit Adoption Agencies promoting life-affirming options
✔ Abortion Recovery Programs for post-abortive healing
✔ Pregnancy Support Services offering material assistance and parenting education

There are thousands of pro-life pregnancy centers across the United States serving women and families in need. 

Each state has unique needs as well as challenges, and now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, local and state laws have become the focus for activists on each side. It is now more important than ever that we are involved with our local centers and aware of how the changing laws are impacting them! While our affiliates open their doors to meet the needs of the women and families in their town, Heartbeat works to both inform and prepare our network of pregnancy help with the tools and education they need in order to run an effective organization. 

Click the map below to see how many pregnancy help organizations are near you and learn more!

Developing Frontline Lifesavers

Because of your continued support, Heartbeat International is the "go-to" resource hub for pregnancy help organizations.

Working with our pregnancy help network, we provide:

Heartbeat provides the most comprehensive learning program for the pregnancy help network. Everyday...

45,000+ volunteers open their pregnancy help organizations to meet the needs of those in their communities

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2 million+ women and men enter these organizations to receive the compassionate care and support needed in a delicate time in their lives

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3,000+ babies are saved from abortion each week!

Heartbeat provides vital training, resources, services, and solutions to these frontline lifesavers.

They need us, and we need YOU!

Whether they are just starting out or are a seasoned leader, you can equip them with the tools they need to succeed by supporting Heartbeat today.