Pregnancy Help News Brief – Ep. 10

Lisa Bourne takes us through the news highlights of the month, covering stories related to the work of pregnancy help worldwide. This month includes a new case in Texas involving mail order abortion pills, ways to help pregnant moms and their babies during Christmas, celebrating milestones with Heartbeat Academy and Sidewalk Advocates for Life, and more good news stories from the pregnancy help movement.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Election Results Roundtable

Tune in for a discussion on the 2024 U.S. election results with Jor-El Godsey, Andrea Trudden, and Danielle White as they analyze the implications of the presidential race and state abortion amendments, exploring the impact that the next four years could have for pro-life politics.

Resources:

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Legal Update from Heartbeat International

Heartbeat International President, Jor-El Godsey and General Counsel, Danielle White bring us up to speed on litigation concerning Heartbeat and Pregnancy Help Organizations in their battle for free speech in regards to Abortion Pill Reversal. Accusations of “deceptive practices” and “unfair business activity” coming from state Attorneys General are aggressively trying to suppress a women’s right to know about her options and for some, forcing women to continue an abortion that they no longer want.

Find out who we’re working with, what we’re up against, and how this impacts the world of pregnancy help on both a state and federal level.

Subscribe to the Pregnancy Help Podcast for further updates!

Sponsored by Pregnancy Help News

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

 

Early Voting – Dena Espenscheid

Abortion is on every ballot this year in the United States, and understanding the advantages of early voting is critical. Dena Espenscheid from The Leadership Institute joins Jor-El Godsey to discuss the “why” behind early voting and how we can all work to promote life-affirming legislation as we approach election day. While some Pregnancy Help Organizations may feel hesitant to engage in political discussions due to their 501(c)(3) status, there are numerous ways for both organizations and individuals to participate with impact. Find out how you can make the most out of this election season!

Resources: 

Sponsored by Pregnancy Help News

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Coffee with Kirk – Today’s Politics Bring Opportunity

It can be disheartening to listen to the political news of today, especially as we face so much chaos and division in the United States, and it can be overwhelming to think about the future of the pro-life mission. What are Christians to do?

Kirk Walden speaks of the valuable opportunity before us to offer compassion and hope to a society that is desperately in need of it. As members of the Church, Pregnancy Help Organizations stand ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Kirk reminds us of the ways that we can make a difference and see impactful growth in our ministry work despite the challenges of the culture of today.

Looking for resources to help build the relationship between pregnancy help and local churches? Check out Heartbeat’s new partnership with Embrace Grace here!

Subscribe to the Pregnancy Help Podcast for more episodes!

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Maximizing Your Impact with Elected Officials – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler joins Leanna Baumer and Beth Diemert to discuss ways to gain positive support from public servants (even those who are not pro-life). Congresswoman Hartzler has a heart for pregnancy help and continues to champion life in the state of Missouri. In this ever-changing political climate, it’s more important than ever for us to stand united for life!

Resources:

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Deceptive Advertising Laws and PHOs

Pregnancy center marketing has been under attack for decades, but recent legislation in some states has made more aggressive advances towards silencing the voices of those who want to provide women with alternatives to abortion. Jor-El Godsey, Tracie Shellhouse, Andrea Trudden, and Danielle White discuss how these laws are deceptive and attempt to tell a false narrative of the work of pro-life pregnancy help.

Links:

 

Sponsored by Pregnancy Help News

Notes:

  • The First Amendment protects the speech of pregnancy help organizations. Historically, the courts have struck down legislation based on First Amendment prudence (laws were too vague, viewpoint discrimination, content discrimination, etc.)
  • This legislation is intended to cause confusion and fear so that pregnancy centers are scared into silence.
  • Training your staff on answering questions regarding your services is essential to providing quality care for your clients.
  • Be aware of the standards that social media advertising have that might limit how you advertise; these standards continue to change over time.
  • Disclaimers on your website can be helpful, but are not a legal requirement.
  • Be consistent in your messaging. Women need to know that pregnancy help exists. There’s nothing wrong with truthfully promoting your services!

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Reacting to Election Results

David Mahan from Center for Christian Virtue joins Heartbeat team members Andrea Trudden, Jessica Warner, and Lora Current to discuss the national ramifications of the recent election in Ohio that resulted in the enshrinement of abortion into the state constitution.

Visit www.heartbeatservices.org/gotv for “Get Out the Vote” resources

Sponsor: Option Line
OptionLine.org info@optionline.org

Notes: 

  • Amendments that states like MI and OH went up against are confusing and broadly worded; this caused much division among voters
  • Voters responded strongly to the concern over parental rights (even over abortion rights)
  • Abortion is just one piece of the “reproductive decisions” wording that is used
  • The abortion lobby falsely claimed that without this amendment, women could not get care for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • Pro-life efforts were outspent by roughly 20 million dollars in media advertising by the abortion lobby in Ohio this election season
  •  Church engagement is vital. Ohio saw an increase in churches speaking out against Issue 1, but we still needed more.
  • Some people assumed that Ohio is a “life state” and an abortion amendment could never pass. There weren’t enough people willing to get out and vote, or who didn’t realize the severity of Issue 1.
  • Nine additional states could have a similar amendment on the ballot next year
  • In Ohio, existing pro-life regulations will be challenged in the courts. It will be difficult to uphold anything on parental rights, abortion limits, etc. when put up against the new amendment
  • Pregnancy Help Organizations are vital now more than ever in states like Ohio to be there for women as abortion is pushed on them even more than before

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Get Out the Vote

November elections are quickly approaching, and states like Ohio have abortion on the ballot. There is a growing need for the pregnancy help movement to step into the political conversation in defense of life in all states, and we must speak up and ensure our hard-earned victories are not erased, nor is abortion further embedded into our constitutions. Join Heartbeat staff members Jessica Warner, Leanna Baumer, and Lora Current in this discussion about strategy, resources, and practical steps that you can take to protect life in your state.

Resources:

Notes:

  • States like Ohio are facing (or could soon face) ballot initiatives to change the state constitution to allow for abortion up until birth
  • The ballot language is often broad and causes confusion among voters
  • If passed, these changes to the state’s constitution would be very difficult to amend in the future
  • Big Abortion is watching Ohio to see how well this tactic works, planning ballot initiatives in additional states for 2024 if this passes
  • Pregnancy Help Organizations are uniquely positioned to share the truth on life issues with clients, donors, and community supporters; you are the experts on the needs the families in your community!
  • It is important to stay updated and to educate your staff on state issues
  • State coalitions are a powerful way to make your voice heard, and can help you strategize as a group to make sure the story of pregnancy help is told on your terms
  • 501(c)(3) organizations are allowed to share their perspective about how policies might help/harm their community
  • Partnering with groups such as your local Family Research Council and Right to Life can equip you and help you stay informed
  • Pray! Take time to care for yourself and your team

Sponsor: Pregnancy Help News

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Pro-Life Activism – Angela Erickson

With a background ranging from Executive Director of a pregnancy center to Students for Life Regional Coordinator, Angela Erickson has a lot of experience in pro-life work in the state of Minnesota. Angela draws from her experience to share about the challenges of lobbying in an abortion state, and shares what works well to promote collaboration between communities, legislators, and pregnancy help organizations.

Resources

Sponsored by: Heartbeat Academy

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.