By Cindi Boston, Vice President, Heartbeat International
Baby Evelyn with Elizabeth as she tells their story for Congressional staffers as part of Heartbeat International’s Babies Go to Congress
The powerful impact of pregnancy help was displayed on Capitol Hill recently as moms, babies, and pregnancy help staff shared their personal stories with the offices of Members of the U.S. Congress.
Congressional staff were deeply moved by stories showing how these compassionate, local organizations not only assist during pregnancy but also empower women to build better futures for themselves and their families.
This year, just as in past years, these stories of courage and transformation provided compelling evidence of the life-saving, life-altering outcomes that our services foster.
As we end our series, there’s one more powerful story to share from Elizabeth and Ben.
This young couple were in an on-again-off-again relationship when Elizabeth became pregnant with their daughter Evelyn.
“I was very scared, and I was sad, and I had no support,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth made several appointments at Planned Parenthood and finally went to one.
“I sat in the office for three hours and I asked for counseling or anybody to come in and just give me some kind of guidance on what I should do,” Elizabeth recalled. “They said they don’t do that kind of thing and they outsourced that.”
As the clinic was closing, she had to either make another appointment or take the abortion pill. “So, I went ahead, and I took it,” she said.
Ben texted her immediately, saying they should keep the baby. Elizabeth tried to throw up the pill but couldn’t. At home, they searched online for remedies.
“We realized that no matter what happened between us, we wanted her,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth found the Abortion Pill Rescue Network and connected with a nurse who calmed her and connected her with a local physician for Abortion Pill Reversal who started her on progesterone.
Two days later, Elizabeth and Ben went to a Heartbeat affiliate center in the city of Paradise, where an ultrasound showed baby Evelyn had survived.
“We continued to go up there all the time and get counseling and take parenting classes,” Elizabeth said. “And on January 18 at 12:04 a.m. I gave birth to the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Ben, the proud father, was initially nervous about Abortion Pill Reversal and thought pregnancy centers were just for women. At the pregnancy resource center, the staff calmed his fears and offered support.
Ben has since taken over 100 online parenting classes. “I’ve learned everything from pregnancy to labor, to all the different stages of childhood,” he said. “These classes have also helped me in parenting my two teen children!”
Elizabeth and Ben plan to get married in the fall.
Heartbeat International uses the Babies Go to Congress program to educate lawmakers and secure the continued availability of these vital resources for women and families. When lawmakers see moms and their babies, they may change their minds about the value of life and the essential role pregnancy support centers have in empowering women and strengthening families.
Elizabeth, Ben and Evelyn’s’ story is yet another testimony illustrating the life-changing support that Heartbeat affiliate pregnancy centers and Heartbeat sponsored Abortion Pill Rescue Network provide to young moms and young families.
We hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our Babies Go to Congress program and these real life stories that show the beauty of the Heartbeat mission and your partnership in making it happen!