HBI
Anahi and Elias
ANAHI'S STORY
Elias — Born October 2022
When I was 19, I found out I was pregnant. I was already working two jobs and working long hours each day while attending college. I escaped from my abusive parents at 17 and have been couch-hopping ever since with no real sense of stability. At the time I found out I was pregnant, I was sharing a bed with a friend and her dog, lacking the stability and space I so desperately needed for my baby.
In my desperation, I turned to my son's father despite the toxic nature of our relationship. It felt like my only option, leaving me feeling more trapped than ever. I desperately wanted a family for my son, so I stayed even when everything told me to leave. Things took a turn for the worse when he started physically hurting me.
The months that followed were filled with more ups and downs, and when it was time for me to give birth, the situation was so bad that security had to kick him out of the hospital. I had to go through the process of giving birth alone.
It was torture being at that apartment, continuing to endure the physical and emotional abuse. 
It broke my heart knowing my innocent baby was on his way to the path that I was on as a child. I felt like such a failure.
Amid this darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged when a friend told me about Thrive. Without hesitation, I applied. Thrive provided a sanctuary where I could reclaim my education and create a safe and stable environment for my son. Because of the unwavering love and care of everyone at Thrive, I have begun to truly heal in the present and from the scars of my past.
When I think of how much I have grown from my past, it has opened my eyes to the stark reality that the absence of resources for women in situations like mine not only creates hopelessness but also continues the mindset that abuse is acceptable and for that, I am grateful that Thrive exists. It has played a pivotal role in breaking the toxic cycle that once enslaved my son and me.
Thrive gave me hope for a better future and the strength and support to break free from abuse, and it has empowered me to help others who are going through similar situations. Thrive is more than just a shelter; it's a lifeline that transforms lives and shows the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
Kendra and Ella
KENDRA'S STORY
Ella — Born September 2022 
Kendra Morgan, a freshman in college, discovered she was pregnant but initially kept it a secret, grappling with the decision of abortion due to a past assault. Despite her resolve to handle it alone, her mother intervened upon learning the truth from a friend. Reluctantly, Kendra agreed to visit a pregnancy center where she met a compassionate mentor.
Despite remaining abortion-minded, she attended an ultrasound at 8 weeks and witnessed the tiny form of her unborn child. Despite her reservations, Kendra found herself gradually deciding to keep the baby, buoyed by the support of her loved ones and the encouragement from Open Door.
Throughout her pregnancy, Kendra struggled with fear and shame, concealing her situation from others. However, the unwavering support she received allowed her to navigate the challenges and embrace motherhood when her daughter, Ella, was born. Contrary to her initial worries, Kendra was overwhelmed with love and joy upon holding Ella for the first time.
Balancing motherhood with her ambitions, Kendra joined the college cheer team when Ella was just 10 months old, concurrently pursuing her education and embarking on a career as a daycare teacher. Reflecting on her journey, Kendra expressed deep gratitude for the assistance and guidance provided by Open Door, acknowledging that without their support, she might have struggled profoundly. Ultimately, Kendra found fulfillment in being Ella's mother, believing that her daughter has a profound purpose and eagerly anticipating the ongoing transformation she brings into her life.
Kayla and Maverick
KAYLA'S STORY
Maverick — Born May 2022
In Boerne, at the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center, Kayla Sunny found the vital support she needed to navigate her journey as a mother to Maverick. From the moment she walked through the center's doors, Kayla was met with compassion and guidance.
Initially unsure of her options, Kayla found reassurance through the caring staff who provided invaluable information and support, allowing Kayla to make informed choices about her pregnancy. Their prayers and unwavering presence offered Kayla comfort and strength during uncertain times.
As Kayla prepared for Maverick's arrival, the center's programs, notably the Earn While You Learn initiative, became invaluable resources. Through this program, Kayla earned baby bucks, which she used to acquire essential items for Maverick's care, ensuring he had everything he needed from the very beginning.
Despite the challenges of Maverick's premature birth, Kayla remained resilient, supported by the center's prayers and encouragement. Through it all, the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center stood as a pillar of support, providing Kayla with the tools and resources she needed to care for Maverick and navigate the early days of motherhood with confidence.
As Maverick grew and thrived, Kayla's gratitude for the center's services only deepened. With each milestone, from Maverick's first steps to his first birthday, Kayla found herself surrounded by the love and support of the Pregnancy Care Center community, a testament to the profound impact of their care and services on her journey as a mother.
Elizabeth and Evelyn
ELIZABETH'S STORY
Evelyn — Born January 2024
Elizabeth found herself unexpectedly pregnant with Evelyn after a brief reunion with Ben, her ex-partner. With Ben already moved out and their relationship strained, Elizabeth faced the daunting prospect of single motherhood. Despite her initial excitement, doubts from family and friends left her feeling unsupported and unsure.
Seeking guidance, Elizabeth turned to Planned Parenthood but found little solace there. Pressured into a pill abortion, she regretted her decision immediately upon receiving a text from Ben expressing his desire to keep the baby. Frantically searching for hope, she discovered abortion pill reversal (APR) and reached out for help.
With the support of Ben and a network of compassionate individuals, including the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, Elizabeth embarked on the journey of reversing the abortion. Through this process, she witnessed the resilience of her unborn child and the unwavering support of her community.
As weeks passed, Elizabeth and Ben embraced parenthood, attending counseling sessions together and witnessing the miracle of their daughter's life unfold through regular sonograms at their local pregnancy center. The experience not only strengthened their bond but also reaffirmed Elizabeth's belief in the importance of APR in providing second chances to women facing similar crises.
On January 18th, 2024, Elizabeth gave birth to Evelyn, a vibrant testament to love and resilience. With their daughter in their arms, Elizabeth and Ben found solace in their newfound family unit, planning a future together filled with love and commitment with a fall wedding in the works.
Elizabeth's journey underscored the profound impact of APR in preserving life and offering hope to families in crisis. With a newfound sense of purpose, she vowed to advocate for the preservation of programs like APR, ensuring that every woman facing a difficult decision receives the support and resources she needs to choose life.
View Elizabeth's story HERE!
Heartbeat International & pregnancy ministry collective sue New York Attorney General to block threatened prosecution
Heartbeat International
Heartbeat inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thomas More Society inquiries: Tom Ciesielka, 312.422.1333, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thomas More Society backs pregnancy help organizations in lawsuit to protect Abortion Pill Reversal
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Heartbeat International, CompassCare, and a collective of pregnancy help organizations — represented by Thomas More Society — are suing to block imminent, ruinous legal action threatened by New York Attorney General Letitia James against pro-life ministries that offer and/or promote Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). On April 30, Thomas More Society attorneys filed a verified complaint in the Supreme Court of New York against James, outlining how her threatened prosecution and intimidation of pregnancy help organizations violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, the New York Constitution and state civil rights law.
On April 22, James’ office sent “Notice of Intention to Sue” threat letters to at least a dozen pregnancy help organizations that offer or share information about the APR protocol. James’ threat letter falsely accuses the targeted pregnancy help organizations of “repeated and persistent misleading statements and omissions.” In their filing today, Thomas More Society clearly lays out why the organizations’ communications about APR are truthful and, even more, fully protected under the First Amendment. The threat letters gave these pro-life ministries only five business days to explain why James should not sue them for false advertising — their lawsuit is the response to those notices.
Thomas More Society attorneys are requesting court intervention against the Attorney General’s threatened legal action, to safeguard the constitutional rights of Heartbeat International and the collective of pregnancy help organizations — many of which are part of Heartbeat International’s Abortion Pill Rescue® Network, or otherwise provide information about APR. At its core, James’ threatened litigation seeks to illegally silence Heartbeat International and its network member organizations from sharing their science-based, life-affirming message about the benefits, success, effectiveness and safety of APR.
Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President & Head of Litigation, said:
“This is a political witch-hunt against small nonprofits that have selflessly served New York’s pregnant women and their children for over 50 years. Letitia James should be heralding these charities, not launching outrageously false claims against them under laws that don’t apply to their noncommercial speech. For decades, doctors have been prescribing supplemental progesterone for pregnant women at serious risk for miscarriage—but because this safe and long-established practice may actually reverse abortions, ideologues like Letitia James now want to squelch it. Ms. James’ Notices of Intention to Sue are a transparent attempt to harass small pro-life charities into silence, targeting her political opponents because of their beliefs, in flagrant violation of the First Amendment. We will fight back as long as it takes against Ms. James’ efforts to jeopardize the Christian and life-affirming missions of Heartbeat International, CompassCare, and all similar pro-life ministries in the State of New York.”
Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International, stated:
“New York State laws protect abortionists and abortion on demand up until birth. Now they are targeting those who assist a woman in exercising her right to continue her own pregnancy. It is unconscionable to see the abortion industry and its paid-for politicians go so far as to insist she complete an abortion she no longer wants.”
Rev. Jim Harden, CEO of CompassCare, declared:
“The actions of the New York Attorney General should be a major red flag for all Americans, wherever they stand in the abortion debate. Conspiring to violate the constitutional rights of the politically disfavored sets an ominous precedent and, if allowed to stand, will only serve to dismantle American rule of law.”
Kathy Jerman, Executive Director of New Hope Family Services & President of NYS Coalition for Life, added:
“If we truly believe that women should have a choice in her pregnancy decision, then she should also have the choice to reconsider her abortion after taking the first chemical abortion pill. The NY Attorney General is falsely accusing our centers of sharing misinformation with our clients about this life-saving protocol. It is simply not true. Abortion Pill Reversal gives women a second chance to choose life.”
Read the Verified Complaint in Heartbeat International, et al. v. Letitia James, filed by Thomas More Society attorneys on behalf of Heartbeat International and its Abortion Pill Rescue® Network and clients, on April 30, 2024, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York – Monroe Country, here.
Read a representative “Notice of Intention to Sue” letter dated April 22, 2024, sent from the State of New York Office of the Attorney General threatening litigation for alleged “repeated and persistent misleading statements and omissions in the advertising of the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol,” this one addressed to CompassCare Pregnancy Services, here.
Visit the Thomas More Society case page for documents, updates, and details, here.
Press inquiries for Heartbeat International can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Heartbeat International is the largest network of life-affirming pregnancy help in the world, with over 3,500 affiliated locations in 90 countries. Heartbeat'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 in order to achieve their vision of making abortion unwanted today and unthinkable for future generations.
Website | HeartbeatInternational.org | Facebook | /HeartbeatInternational | Twitter | @HeartbeatIntl
Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and freedom. Headquartered in Chicago and with offices across the country, Thomas More Society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. For more information, please visit thomasmoresociety.org.
Heartbeat International & pregnancy ministry collective sue New York Attorney General to block threatened prosecution
Thomas More Society backs pregnancy help organizations in lawsuit to protect Abortion Pill Reversal
Press Release: JDA Worldwide for Heartbeat International
April 30, 2024
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Tracie Shellhouse
Vice President of Ministry Services at Heartbeat International
| FEATURED TOPICS | FEE RANGE | TRAVELS FROM |
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► Pregnancy Help |
$2,000-2,200 | Columbus, OH, USA |
Biography
Tracie Shellhouse began pregnancy help as a volunteer client advocate in 2003. She has served as an abstinence educator, client services director, executive director, CEO, and consultant. As Heartbeat International's Vice President of Ministry Services, she oversees a team of dedicated individuals committed to the growth and development of the pregnancy help movement. Tracie has an M.A. in Biblical Counseling, is a board-certified Master Christian Life Coach, and is a Life-Affirming Specialist. Her passion is enabling people to live abundant lives by helping them discover their God-given purposes and empowering them to live according to their original designs. Tracie and her husband, Gene, have four children, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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