2024 March for Life – Jeanne Mancini

Join Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life as she recaps the recent March in Washington D.C. along with Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor, Lisa Bourne and Heartbeat’s VP of Communications and Marketing, Andrea Trudden. Hear more about this year’s theme, “With Every Woman, For Every Child” and how the March is partnering with Pregnancy Help Organizations to bring supplies to moms across the country.

Resources:

Notes:

  • This year highlighted the pregnancy help movement and the help that is offered to both a woman and her baby.
  • Heartbeat International and Care Net partnered with the March for Life to arrange for Pregnancy Help Organizations to add their “Wish List” to a page on the March’s web site. This will remain open all year so that people can fill the needs of the pregnancy centers.
  • We have overtured Roe, but have not yet created a culture of life. There is still work to do! The ultimate goal is to make abortion unthinkable.
  • March for Life is working with states to organization marches across the U.S.

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.

Biblical Truths About Adoption – Brad Imler

Beth Diemert and Brad Imler discuss what the Bible has to say about adoption, and how we can use that truth to change the conversation surrounding adoption in our culture. Listen in to find out where you might have your own adoption bias, and how you can empower women facing an unplanned pregnancy to understand all of her options more clearly.

Resources:

Notes: 

  •  Adoption dates back to the Old Testament. God chose adoption as the means to rescue Moses.
  • For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5
  • We all approach adoption with some sort of bias, and it’s important to recognize what your bias is.
  • Adoption needs to be talked about often in the work of the pregnancy help organization, as well as in staff training settings.
  • The post-Roe world has changed the adoption conversation
  • Having a conversation about adoption with a client can empower her to look into all of her options instead of focusing only on parenting or abortion. It opens up new opportunities for her.

 

Sponsored by Heartbeat International’s Annual Conference


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.

Insurance for Maternity Homes – Kirk Thomas

Valerie Harkins brings in Kirk Thomas from Johnson-Witkemper Insurance to talk about considerations when choosing insurance for your maternity home. He covers questions surrounding what insurance companies will ask and how to keep insurance costs low for ministries.

Resources:
Click here to contact Kirk Thomas at Johnson-Witkemper Insurance
Email housing@heartbeatinternational.org to connect with Valerie Harkins

Notes:

  • Remember to cover your physical assets and people assets with insurance
  • Take into consideration your home structure – single family, multi-family, or mixed use property
  • Utilize things like security cameras, sprinklers, fire alarms, etc. to help minimize costs of insurance
  • Have a plan in place ready to implement in a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or home evacuation for other reasons.
  • Set clear expectations for residents

Sponsored by: Heart & Home E-newsletter


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.

Engaging Pastors as Partners – Marc Newman

Tracie Shellhouse speaks with Marc Newman, President of Speaker for Life, about equipping the body of Christ to be a voice for life. Marc gives us insight into ways that we can encourage our churches to be outspoken advocates for the unborn in effective and compassionate ways, and to keep the pro-life conversation going year-round.

Resources:
Order a copy of Contenders here
-Speaker for Life – Marc Newman
-Join us at Heartbeat’s Annual Conference in April to attend Marc’s In Depth Day training!

Notes:

  • Statistics show that there are likely people within most congregations (or even the pastors themselves) who have abortion in their background.
  • It’s essential to continually bring up life issues in churches; it’s not a one-time teaching.
  • Not speaking out on the pain of abortion leaves a void for those in churches that are still asking questions and may be vulnerable to make an abortion choice, or to encourage someone else to have an abortion.
  • Churches have the opportunity to speak the truth of God’s mercy and redemption to those who have abortion in their past and to direct them to PHOs or church groups that can offer healing programs.
  • If abortion is not rejected by society, we see other life issues such as euthanasia and assisted suicide accepted.
  • Syllogism – It is wrong to intentionally kill an innocent human being. Abortion intentionally kills an innocent human being. Therefore, abortion is wrong.
  • Approach your pastor with a “giving” mindset, not an “asking” mindset. Bring your subject matter expertise to them. Offer to speak and take the burden of doing the research and planning talks from them. Be willing to speak anywhere at anytime.
  • Thank the pastors and churches of your volunteers for their part in supporting a culture of life.
  • Share this podcast! Spread the word!

Sponsored by: Option Line

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.

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

This is the time of year when we hear a message of peace and good will, and it’s even common to hear Christian Christmas tunes in secular settings. However, we still look at the world and see so much turmoil! Valerie Harkins takes us through a message of what God’s peace provides us during these times both as individuals and as ministry workers.

Sponsored by: Heartbeat International’s Annual Conference

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.

 

What is a Pre-Abortion Screening?

Heartbeat International Director of Affiliate Services, Beth Diemert and Senior Director of Medical Impact, Christa Brown, discuss what is involved in a pre-abortion screening and why a center might choose to offer this service.

Resources:

Notes:

  • Abortion pills are sold online with little to no medical intervention or assessment, leaving women in the dark about their options and their pregnancies
  • An ultrasound is essential in dating the pregnancy and in checking for ectopic pregnancy, which would be a life-threatening situation for the mother.
  • Pregnancy help clinics empower women with information and details about their pregnancy and what choices are available to them
  • Pre-abortion screening is about providing her with information that she may not receive online or at an abortion clinic, which then empowers her to make an informed decision about her pregnancy.
  • Heartbeat’s Medical Impact team is available at medical@heartbeatinternational.org

Sponsored by: Next Level

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.

Reaching Your Year-End Fundraising Goals – Haley Limo

Haley Limo joins Beth Diemert to discuss how to make the most out of the time that we have left in 2023 to meet your year-end fundraising goals. Plus, Haley shares advice on how to start your fundraising strong in the new year!

Contact Haley Limo at haley@lotphilanthropy.com

Heartbeat AffiliatesClick here to subscribe to the e-newsletter,
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Notes:

  • Diversify your streams of income so that you can compensate if one stream doesn’t bring in as much as you hoped
  • National trends in giving show that this was a challenging year for non-profits
  • Plan to make most of your asks before Thanksgiving
  • Reach out to a few of your lapsed major gifts donors at the end of the year
  • Make your ask specific. Ask for support for a particular need that must be met in the next year.
  • Start a “story box” to collect client stories that can be used to share your impact with donors.
  • Election years can present opportunities to boost your support from donors.
  • Keep connecting with donors on a personal level. Relationship is important both with clients and supporters.

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.

Banquet Bloopers and Blessings – Kirk Walden and David Bereit

It’s banquet season, so we have brought in Kirk Walden and David Bereit to talk with Jor-El Godsey about some of their tips and tricks to holding a successful fundraising event. From fires, falling onstage, and protesters to powerful client moments and overwhelming financial support, Kirk and David have experienced a lot in their travels!

Notes:

  • Don’t assume that attendees know everything about your mission and who you serve.
  • Illustrate your mission by telling stories of the families who have been served by your organization
  • Don’t apologize for asking for money. Remember that you are giving people a chance to be a part of your amazing mission!
  • Speak the language of your audience (using terms and explanations that the audience can connect with).
  • Be flexible as unforeseen events may disrupt your banquet; be sensitive to what the distraction may be and remember that your audience is with you. They understand!
  • Remember those who wanted to make it to the banquet but were not able to, or those who were not ready to give that night. Maximize what happens after the banquet by connecting with people who want to give later.

Sponsored by: Ambassador Speakers Bureau
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.

Prenatal Diagnosis Part 2 – Resources

Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line, interviews Dr. Tara Sander Lee and Chaney Mullins Gooley about the resources that are available to parents who have received news of a prenatal diagnosis. Using the new website, PrenatalDiagnosis.org, families can access informative resources as well as chat with a consultant about their options. This website and the resources listed equip pregnancy help organizations, churches, and individuals with the tools they need to be ready to serve a family facing a prenatal diagnosis.

 

Notes:

  • A prenatal diagnosis can mean that parents who would not otherwise consider abortion may now be abortion vulnerable; often the pregnancy was planned and the family was excited to welcome a new member to their family.
  • Advances in diagnostic tools have allowed for more birth defects or fetal anomalies to be detected before birth. While this can be a helpful way for an unborn child to be treated before birth for medical conditions, false positive test results or a lack of understanding of the results can lead to the pressure to abort.
  • Perinatal bereavement care is available to parents, and is often chosen instead of abortion when given as option. This can be a very healing experience for the whole family.
  • Parent Care Coordinators help parents through the different services that the family might need including communications with the hospital, surgeons, arranging childcare for other children, travel, etc.
  • Adoptive parents are ready to care for children with medical conditions; this is an option that is not often presented to parents who may not be ready or able to care for a child who is diagnosed before birth with a medical condition.
  • PrenatalDiagnosis.org offers a comprehensive list of resources up to delivery and beyond. Topics include diagnosis, effects on the family, support groups, pregnancy loss healing, and site visitors can connect to a live chat so that help is available 24/7.

Sponsored by Option Line

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.