Episodes

Join Valerie Harkins in conversation with Stacey Womack, Founder and Executive Director of Abuse Recovery Ministry Services (ARMS) to explore the topic of domestic abuse and the impact on victims who find themselves in the pregnancy help setting. Drawing on over 27 years of experience in abuse recovery ministry, Stacey offers guidance on the “dos” and “don’ts” of supporting victims and helping them to find healing and abundant life. Book: On the Frontlines of Abuse: Strategies for the Faith Com...

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, it is more crucial than ever for pregnancy centers to understand how public narratives are shaped. In this episode, Andrea Trudden and Lisa Bourne break down the current media trends affecting pregnancy and women’s health, highlighting the impact of effective communication on public perception. They’ll guide listeners through the different types of media inquiries, sharing tips on how to navigate potential red flags and avoid common pitfalls. They outline t...

Kirk Walden relates his recent experiences at “the happiest place on earth for weary travellers”, Buc-ee’s to the work of pregnancy help. You may not be selling fuel, snacks, or merchandise at your center, but what you have to offer at no cost (and with a personal touch) goes well beyond professional expectations. Listen in to hear what we can learn from this one-stop shop along the highway that translates over to how pregnancy help centers can offer a life-changing experience for weary clients....

In this month’s news highlights, Lisa Bourne takes us through recent Pregnancy Help News articles, updating us on lawsuits regarding Abortion Pill Reversal, success stories, and charges brought against people who have committed acts of vandalism at Florida pregnancy centers after the Dobbs ruling. Listen to also hear how ACOG and the CDC inadvertently admitted that the science of APR is effective in a piece written by Heartbeat’s Sr. Director of Medical Impact, Christa Brown. Have an idea for a...

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 indi...

Sarah Gabel Seifert, co founder and president of the diaper company, EveryLife joins Andrea Trudden to talk about how this pro-life company came to be, and how pregnancy help organizations can partner with EveryLife to receive diapers and wipes for their clients. With a background in pregnancy center ministry, Sarah Gabel has a passion for helping moms who otherwise may not choose life due to the challenges of providing material needs for their babies. EveryLife is now partnering with Heartbeat ...

Christie Robertson, CEO of the Arkansas Pregnancy Network joins Beth Diemert to explain how her state coalition recently launched a statewide telehealth program to connect with women who have questions about their pregnancy options. Christie shares the hopes and hardships of this project as well as the “nuts and bolts” of where to begin. Launched in Feb. 2024, the telehealth program in Arkansas is helping to reach women by offering a local pro-life medical presence in the digital world and incre...

Lisa Bourne, Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor, takes us through the most recent updates to litigation surrounding Abortion Pill Reversal. In one particular case, a federal judge has granted a temporary injunction, blocking legal action against Pregnancy Help Organizations in New York that offer information on Abortion Pill Reversal to clients. Lisa brings us information on a few other legal cases, in addition to some of the stories behind clients who chose to reverse the chemical abortion pro...

Kirk Walden delves into the concept of of bringing Jesus’ message, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand”, to a culture that is not eager to welcome it. Using his idea of spaces and places, we can incorporate this message into all of our interactions throughout the day, fulfilling the mission that Jesus commanded us to. As we face abortion, the most divisive issue of our day, how can we effectively and compassionately reach out to those that need to hear this teaching the most? Contact Kirk at kir...

Heidi Martin joins Nafisa Kennedy to speak about her role as a Parent Care Coordinator for PrenatalDiagnosis.org. Heidi comes from a background as a NICU nurse and now works in ministry to serve families with babies facing a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. She explains the training process that she took through Be Not Afraid, including a unique focus on trauma-informed care, and how Parent Care Coordinators are able to operate in a missional way — adding a vital spiritual component and allowin...

In this episode, we highlight one of the features of the website, PrenatalDiagnosis.org, which allows site visitors to connect with a Parent Care Coordinator (PCC). PCCs provide a free service of practical guidance, information, and referrals to parents facing a prenatal diagnosis for their unborn child, continuing a year after the child’s birth. One Parent Care Coordinator, Shelley Hauter, comes from a background in both nursing and pregnancy center leadership, and now ministers to families th...

Lisa Bourne, Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor, gives us a look at Heartbeat International’s recent Pregnancy Help Institute and Love Approach Ultrasound Clinical, which provided professional training for directors, fundraisers, leaders, and nurses working the the pregnancy help setting. Lisa also updates us on recent court cases. Heartbeat International filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Alliance Defending Freedom and South Carolina in their case against Planned Pa...

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 t...

Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist at Heartbeat International interviews Dr. Laura Lewis, Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada to dive into her journey to the pro-life movement after years of practicing family medicine. Dr. Lewis shares her insight into how the medical system in Canada had influenced her prior to her pro-life activism, and how a connection with God helped her realize the value of every unborn life. Now as the Executive Director for Pregnancy Care Canada, an as...

Lisa Bourne interviews Dr. Dermot Kearney from the United Kingdom about the challenges he faced when the General Medical Council temporarily suspended his ability to provide the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol to women. Hear how he responded, what led to the case against him being dropped, and how he continues to bravely champion life through the Abortion Pill Rescue Network. Click Here for Dr. Kearney’s Conference Keynote Pregnancy Help News Articles: “First doctor banned from saving lives” ...

Originally published on The Dr. Joe Show, this episode features Dr. Joe Malone and Valerie Harkins as they discuss the implications of trauma in regards to women’s sexual health and wellness. With an expertise in maternity housing, Valerie sheds light on how the wraparound care that maternity homes provide can help women to recognize that they have the option to raise their own children in an environment that is different than how they were raised, breaking the cycle of abuse and creating health...

Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor, Lisa Bourne, brings us updates on the two lawsuits that involve Heartbeat International regarding Abortion Pill Reversal. Heartbeat International also recently visited with congressional staff at the recent “Babies Go to Congress” event in Washington D.C. Clients who were served at pregnancy help organizations came to the event to share their stories, bringing their children to prove just how impactful the pro-life pregnancy help movement is. Lastly, Lisa hig...

The Samaritan Woman — one of Kirk’s favorites who will be a “regular” on the show — won people over not by her wisdom, not by her knowledge, and not even by who she met (Jesus). John points out that her connection to her people took place because she was willing to be vulnerable. How can we do the same with our clients so that we effectively connect with them as they face what may be the most difficult situation of their lives? Contact Kirk at kirk@kirkwalden.com Click here for Kirk’s Substack...

Heartbeat’s International Program Specialist, Ellen Foell interviews Susan Masuka from Life Choices Zimbabwe at our recent Annual Conference to talk about her experience in starting a pregnancy help organization just two years ago to meet the needs of the young women in her area who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. While abortion is currently illegal in Zimbabwe (with exceptions), there is a great need for support for young mothers, especially as teen pregnancy rates are on the rise. Sus...

Connie Coleman joins Beth Diemert and Sara Dominguez to explore this new benefit for Heartbeat affiliates to tap into consultation services. Connie comes from a pregnancy help background and knows how to help you get to the next level with your pregnancy help organization! These concierge consultations are tailored to your center’s needs to make sure your organization continues to advance your mission and vision. Resources: Heartbeat Consultations Benefits of Heartbeat International Affiliatio...

Introducing a new series with Heartbeat’s longtime friend, Kirk Walden! Join Kirk in this first episode as he explores the idea of encouragement as the antidote to “hardened heart syndrome”, and what this looks like in real-life situations in the pregnancy help movement. Contact Kirk at kirk@kirkwalden.com Click here for Kirk’s Substack 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-...

Pregnancy Help News Managing Editor, Lisa Bourne, brings us the latest updates on lawsuits concerning Abortion Pill Reversal in California and New York. The Abortion Pill Rescue Network continues to stand ready to serve women who are seeking to reverse the effects of chemical abortion in an effort to save their babies. Lisa also recaps Heartbeat International’s recent Annual Conference and discusses next year’s theme and location. Click here for workshop/keynote recordings from Heartbeat’s Annu...

Valerie Harkins interviews Thana Hickman from Viola’s House in South Dallas about recognizing the specific needs of the community and working to meet those needs. Learn how this grassroots maternity home grew to a 61-person staff, with over half being women who served in the ministry and are ready to give back. Thana and Valerie also discuss how to measure success, break client cycles, and how the discernment process might look for an individual considering opening a home. Contact Valerie Harki...

Lisa Bourne and Christa Brown sit down with a student at our recent Love Approach Ultrasound Clinical to give us insight into this hands-on training. Find out how The Love Approach can be effectively used in the ultrasound setting, and how attending the Clinical not only gives you technical experience, but also teaches students to deal with the spiritual warfare that we see on the pro-life battlefield. Training Resources: Click here to register for the next Love Approach Ultrasound Clinical He...