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

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

Getting to Know Your Legislator

Jessica Warner is joined by her dad, Former Ohio State Representative Kyle Koehler to talk about how pro-life pregnancy help organizations can effectively make their voices heard in public policy. Gain insight from a legislator’s perspective on capturing the attention of lawmakers and learn simple, actionable steps that you can take to strengthen their support for your ministry.

Championing Pregnancy Help – KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron joins us in this episode along with Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor Lisa Bourne, as we delve into what he and his team have been working on in support of pregnancy centers to defend them from misrepresentation, and to provide more opportunities for service.

Stay tuned for more content from our conference!

Sponsored by: Pregnancy Help News

Smear Tactics, Legal Demands, and Data

Senator Elizabeth Warren recently wrote a letter to Heartbeat International making accusations against our work. Listen to Heartbeat’s President, Jor-El Godsey and General Counsel, Danielle White discuss the real motivation behind the letter and how Heartbeat has responded. As pro-life groups continue to be targeted, find out what rights elected officials have (or don’t have) to make demands of organizations and what rights we have to request information from them in return.

Click here for Senator Warren’s letter and click here for Heartbeat’s response 

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Sponsored by Pregnancy Help News

From the Archives: Rapid Growth

Cindi Boston tells of her experience as a center director during a time of rapid growth for her center. Listen to hear how you can prepare your board, staff, and volunteers to serve more clients than ever when pro-life legislation leads to an influx of clients.
This episode was originally published July 2019.

Heartbeat Affiliates — Click HERE to listen to a conversation on client marketing with Beth Diemert and Liliana Grace.
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Impact on Centers – Dobbs Part 3

Heartbeat’s Vice President, Betty McDowell, and Director of Affiliate Services, Beth Diemert, discuss what you can do now to prepare for the impact of Dobbs on your Pregnancy Help Organization. From combating myths about the work of the pregnancy help movement to helping your own staff understand pro-life apologetics, there is work to be done. Tune in to hear their ideas and suggestions!

Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week is November 8-12! Listen to last year’s podcast episode where we talk about how we started Appreciation Week here!