While attacks on pregnancy help organizations have slowed significantly since the Dobbs decision, anniversaries like the June 24 Dobbs ruling, holidays (especially long weekends), and major news events can quickly reignite hostility from abortion advocates.

Heartbeat International has created a growing resource to help pregnancy help organizations prepare with practical steps to protect your center, your personnel, and your clients. We encourage every organization to review Protect Your PHO and discuss these protocols internally with staff and leadership.

But what if you arrive at your center and discover vandalism?

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure Immediate Safety

If suspicious or dangerous activity is actively occurring, alert anyone expected to arrive at your center and instruct them to wait for further direction. Do not attempt to engage with vandals, arsonists, or other hostile individuals.

If there is an active threat, call 911 immediately.

For non-emergency situations, contact your local police department through its non-emergency line. Request that an officer come to the property and file an official police report. This documentation is critical for insurance claims, increasing police presence near your center, and supporting any future legal action.

Threats of violence or vandalism against a pregnancy help organization can also be submitted through the FBI Tip Line. In some cases, this may prompt a faster response than local law enforcement alone. The FBI has previously investigated organized threats against pregnancy centers, including those connected to Jane’s Revenge.

Alert Your Board

Your board is part of your leadership team. Ensure they are informed quickly and included in the response plan.

Preserve the Evidence

As much as possible, do not touch, move, or clean anything until law enforcement has assessed the scene. Preserve the evidence exactly as you found it.

Document the Damage

Take clear photographs of all damage, especially written threats or vandalism. Make sure any messages are readable.

Write down:

• When you arrived
• What you observed
• Estimated timing of the incident
• Who you contacted
• What was reported
• Officer names and badge numbers

If you have security cameras, secure all available footage immediately. Police may request copies, but always retain your own records.

Contact Heartbeat

There may be legal remedies available to organizations targeted by vandalism, threats, or coordinated harassment. If patterns emerge across multiple centers, additional legal protections may become available.

Please contact Heartbeat International at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can help support your response.

We are better together—even in court.

Responding to Protesters and Hostile Actors

Protesters and hostile actors may attempt to disrupt your mission through confrontation, misinformation, intimidation, or public pressure. In these moments, the goal is not to win an argument; it is to protect your clients, staff, volunteers, and ministry while maintaining your witness.

Your response should reflect both wisdom and grace.

Prioritize Safety and Preparation

Develop a clear internal protocol for hostile encounters. Identify a lead staff member responsible for coordinating responses and contacting law enforcement if necessary.

Train staff and volunteers in de-escalation:

• Remain calm
• Avoid direct confrontation
• Use neutral, respectful language

Simple statements such as, “We respect your right to express your views, and we are here to serve our community,” can help lower tension.

Ensure your facility has:

• Secure entrances
• Working surveillance systems
• Emergency exit plans
• Staff familiarity with trespassing, harassment, and free speech laws

Preparation creates confidence.

Effective Communication Strategies

Designate one spokesperson to handle media inquiries or public statements following an incident. Planned messaging should consistently emphasize your mission of compassionate care and life-affirming support.

Document encounters carefully:

• Photos
• Video, when safe and legal
• Written incident reports

This protects both legal and public relations interests.

If misinformation is being spread, respond proactively through your own channels, such as your website, email, and social media, rather than engaging directly with hostile individuals.

For online hostility:

• Monitor platform violations
• Report harassment when appropriate
• Avoid engaging with inflammatory comments or trolls

Do not amplify opposition. Clarify truth and stay focused on your mission.

Lead with Your Values

Every response should reflect the dignity, compassion, and conviction that define pregnancy help.

Moments of conflict can become moments of witness when handled with calm, professionalism, and grace.

These are troubling times, and it is natural to feel intimidated or uneasy.

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:3

As you continue walking compassionately with women, offering help and hope, remember:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6

We are here for you. We are inspired by you. We are fighting alongside you. And we are praying for you.