Q: What is Babies Go to Congress?

A: Babies Go to Congress is one of the most powerful pro-life events on Capitol Hill. It’s a great way for you to connect with your Lawmakers and share the great work you are doing to serve women in their state or district. It’s also an opportunity for your Lawmakers to hear directly from a client (their constituent) who has been served by your center.

The Babies Go to Congress sometimes coincides with the March for Life, providing a unique option to attend both the pro-life and pregnancy help missions.

Q: Who can attend Babies Go to Congress?

A: Any pregnancy help organization currently affiliated with Heartbeat International may participate in Babies Go to Congress. We recommend the Executive Director or President of the organization attend along with a client and her child. Due to limited space on each team and in the Congressional offices, we discourage large groups of center staff and families from attending.

Q: What happens after my interest form is submitted?

A: In the fall, as we begin preparation for Babies Go to Congress, all interest forms received will be reviewed by Heartbeat staff. Those selected will be contacted to gather key details and to learn more about your client. Once we have received those details, you will be emailed a commitment form to fill out for your staff and client's information, including travel details. As we get closer to the event, you will be emailed more information to help you and your client prepare!

Q: What is the cost to attend?

A: There are a few things to consider when budgeting to attend Babies Go to Congress. Heartbeat International will cover two meals (orientation dinner and closing luncheon) and accommodation for one night for your client's room. We will also cover travel around Washington, D.C. specifically needed for Babies Go to Congress (i.e. transportation to and from Congressional office buildings).

The pregnancy help organization is responsible for covering the cost of travel to Washington, D.C., any meals not covered by Heartbeat, and the remaining hotel nights (approx. $200-250+tax per night).

In short, the cost breakdowns are listed below.

Heartbeat International will pay for:

• Orientation Dinner - for up to 4 people, including center staff, client, and baby
• Closing Luncheon - for up to 4 people, including center staff, client, and baby
• Hotel accommodation for client's room for one night
• Transportation to and from Babies Go to Congress events

The pregnancy help organization is responsible for:

• Travel to and from D.C.
• All meals not covered by Heartbeat
• Hotel stay, minus one room for one night for the client

Q: How do I choose a client for Babies Go to Congress?

A: When choosing a client, we recommend identifying someone who has a compelling story and has had an opportunity to share her story publicly (on camera, at a banquet, etc.). It is best to choose a client who is well-spoken and not extremely shy. If the client you choose has not had practice sharing her story, you can coach her before Babies Go to Congress and we will practice on-site the night before. Also, be sure the client you choose is available to attend the Babies Go to Congress dates.

There is no age limit for the client and her child. We have had clients with teenagers and clients who are pregnant. Please use your best judgment and pray about who you should bring.

Each client must sign a release form and submit their story along with a picture of herself and her child. These stories and pictures will be used for the event and to promote the event online and through social media. The client may choose to opt out of sharing their story publicly.

Click here to fill out the release form

Q: Who will I meet with at Babies Go to Congress?

A: Heartbeat will schedule appointments for you to visit your Senators and two members of Congress (the districts your center is in and the surrounding area).  We make our best effort for you to meet the actual Senator or Congressman. At times, when Congress is not in session or the Legislator is unavailable, we will meet with key staff members. It is very important to meet with staff members as they decide what to present to the Legislators. 

Click to download the Capitol Hill Map

Q: How will our meetings flow at Babies Go to Congress?

A: Each team will have a Heartbeat representative with them. Meetings will begin with your Heartbeat representative explaining who Heartbeat is and our work very briefly. Then the Heartbeat representative will introduce the client and the client will share her story. After that the Heartbeat representative will introduce the center director, who will then speak about the work the center is doing and how it is impacting their community. At that time, it is appropriate to hand over your community impact report (samples below). Each meeting is about 15-20 minutes long. Please bring business cards to the meetings to give to the office.

Click to download the meeting pointers page

Click to download suggested talking points

Click to download Community Impact Report Sample

Q: Where will I stay at Babies Go to Congress?

A: Heartbeat International secures a block of rooms for Babies Go to Congress at a local hotel. All you need to do is let the Babies Go to Congress coordinator (Jessica) know your arrival and departure dates and how many rooms you will need via the commitment form, and she will secure your rooms within the block. 

All rooms are charged to the Heartbeat International master bill. When the master bill is reconciled you will be sent an invoice from Heartbeat International for your accommodation expenses (typically one month after the event). You will need a credit card for incidentals at check-in.

Q: Which airport should I fly into?

A: You have three airport options when flying to the D.C. area, Reagan National Airport (DCA), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), and Dulles International Airport (IAD). You can easily take the train or metro from DCA or BWI to Union Station. You can take a taxi or Uber from all three airports.

Map with Hotel from Union Station

Map of the D.C. metro system

Q: What should I wear to Babies Go to Congress?

A: Weather in Washington, D.C. is unpredictable. We have had anywhere from 75 degrees and sunny to a blizzard. Please watch the forecast and be prepared.

Orientation/Dinner: Business Casual

BGTC meetings: Business attire (please be sure your client is dressed appropriately, no jeans please). Please wear comfortable footwear. You will be walking a lot! 

(Optional) March for Life: Dress in warm and comfortable, casual clothes with comfortable footwear.

Q: Will I have time to explore Washington, D.C. at Babies Go to Congress?

A: Babies go to Congress concludes around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. You are free to explore the city on Thursday afternoon and to extend your stay in D.C. over the weekend to explore.

Babies Go to Congress Schedule Overview

Wednesday - Orientation

• 5:30 pm - Orientation
  
• 6:30 pm - Dinner and Testimonies

Thursday - Babies Go to Congress Event

• 7:30 am - Meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency
• Travel to the House/Senate office buildings
• 8:00 am - Prayer and Photos on the Hill
• 9:00 am - House Meetings
• 10:30 am - Senate Meetings
• 12:30 pm - Luncheon on the Hill with Testimonies
• 3:00 pm - Dismiss

More Questions? Email Jessica Warner (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Nikki Pinkley

I had just graduated high school, and in many ways I was about to be a typical freshman in college, entering the academic world with my own dreams and ambitions. But, I found myself in disbelief of the results from the pregnancy test that I held in my hand.

Thousands of thoughts were racing through my mind: “How would my parents react? What would my Church youth group do? How was I supposed to have a life? What about college? How would I have a career?”

My parents encouraged me to go to Options Pregnancy Clinic when I was only a few weeks pregnant. Little did I know how my experiences there would help shape my future. The staff and volunteers were very supportive of every decision, and with me every step of the way.

Options Pregnancy Clinic helped me prepare for successful parenting by encouraging a healthy pregnancy and then by providing parenting education for my newborn. They even helped supply baby items (which was a big financial help). I gained a new perspective, knowledge, and confidence in my ability as a parent through my experience at the clinic.

A major part of my story is how Options helped me continue with my plans for college.

As a single mother, I struggled with being a new mom and a college student. But because I had the benefit of family support and my cheerleaders from Options encouraging me to “hang in there,” I was able to push through.

I so respect and appreciate the volunteer mentors who helped me find balance in my life. As I watched them model professionalism and grace, it further solidified what I had always known about myself—someday I hoped to work in a helping field like this.

So, as a sophomore I declared a major in psychology, marking the beginning of my long pursuit to becoming a professional counselor. I wanted to help others in the way I was helped at Options.

I worked hard to earn my bachelor’s degree in psychology, before earning a Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. Especially when I think back to the beginning of my life as a college student and a new mom, I can hardly believe that now I am currently working toward a doctoral degree. I have loved my 8-year career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I currently have a private practice counseling center, Restoring Wellness Counseling, LLC.

As a mother to a beautiful 14-year-old daughter and wife to a great husband, I view life from a new perspective. My relationship with my daughter has taught me how to be patient, hard-working, and motivated. I am thankful for everything, especially my little girl, Alexis, who is growing into a beautiful, talented, smart young lady (and I’m not just saying that because I’m her Mom!).

My hope is that every young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy will find the help she needs to face the challenges of being a single mom. It’s not easy, but I am living proof that your future is what you make of it.

Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you. In Branson, Missouri, I found the help I needed—plus a lot of inspiration—at Options Pregnancy Clinic.

Acacia Boyes

My name is Acacia Boyes; I live in Casper, Wyoming, where I work as an administrative assistant at an oilfield company.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I thought it was a mistake. I was instantly overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, and thought maybe it was too early on for an accurate test. Either way, I needed to know for sure.

My concerns about having a child were mainly focused on issues going on in my life at the time. I was no longer seeing the child’s father, I’d recently lost my job, and I didn’t even have a consistent roof over my head.

My greatest fears about bringing a child into this world were the fact I was going to be doing this 100 percent by myself, and fear of how my friends and family would react to the news. They knew I wasn’t ready, either physically or mentally, to bring another human being into this world.

When I first saw the blue positive symbol on my pregnancy test, the thought of having an abortion immediately crossed my mind. I had never been one to consider abortion, but that changed the moment I found myself staring at that positive test.

In all honesty, I wasn’t even considering parenting this child in those early moments. I started looking online for abortion clinics and information, while the father of my child pushed for an abortion, reinforcing my persistent fear of failure.

In fact, my child’s father kept reminding me of how chaotic my life already was, and made it clear to me that choosing to parent my child would be the worst decision I’d ever make.

As I searched for options, I ran across the website and phone number for True Care Women’s Resource Center. I called and made an appointment, hoping against hope that I my test was a false positive and I would have to carry out the only decision I felt I had.

While my pregnancy test was being confirmed, I had time to talk with the client advocate at True Care. As emotions flooded every inch of my body, she listened to me. She heard all about my fears, my worries, and my struggles—both past and present.

She knew what I was facing. She listened attentively without passing judgment on my thoughts and concerns.

I told her I felt God had given me a second chance at life because I had recently survived an accident. Maybe this pregnancy had something to do with what God was doing. She handed me a Bible, as well as pamphlets on abortion, adoption and parenting—all three of which outlined the physical and emotional affects abortion can have on women.

I began to see I had purpose. The people at True Care ultimately helped me choose to carry my baby to term as I realized my purpose along the way. No matter how alone I felt at the beginning—and, at times, throughout—there were people there for me.

True Care gave me hope in my future. They helped me see that my decision regarding the outcome of my pregnancy would affect me for the rest of my life. The obstacles I faced at the time were only temporary. This child was the best gift I could ever have been given, and this was all happening for a reason.

I knew my child and I were destined for great things, whether we were alone or not.

The moment I saw what looked like a little poppy seed on the ultrasound and the little flicker of the heartbeat, I felt so sad that I had even thought about aborting this child. I had a sense of hope—everything was going to be okay.

My experience True Care is something I can’t put entirely into words. They helped me every step of the way, providing referrals for doctors, apartments, health and emotional issues, counseling, even exercise tips, nutrition facts and other resources. I was so blessed to be a part of the Baby and Me program, which educated me on every stage of my pregnancy. True Care also provided me with prenatal vitamins, as well as other things I lacked.

They gave me the hope and determination I needed to be the best parent possible.

As my pregnancy progressed, my relationship the father of my baby dwindled. Yet, as that relationship fizzled, my strength and ambition grew. I was given a sense of empowerment: I was carrying a child who would ultimately save my life.

Having my baby made numerous differences in my life. Everything from who I hang out with to what daily decisions I make have changed since I became a mother. My child’s needs come before my own, and they have ever since I first saw him on the ultrasound screen. What I saw that day was the beginning of the rest of my life.

My hope for my son is that he never gives up, that he never takes the easy way out—no matter how difficult the process may be. I hope he grows up to believe in himself as much as I believe in him.

My dream is that my sweet baby will fulfill his purpose as I’m fulfilling mine in raising him. My little boy brightens a room with his contagious smile, and his laugh makes my world a better place.

Everything happens for a reason. Axton is my reason.

If I had not come to True Care, I know I would now be filled with regret. Between parenting and abortion, I know I would’ve chosen the latter. True Care gave me all the resources I needed to make the best decision not only for my future, but for the future of my unborn child.

To any woman who is going through an unexpected pregnancy, because of pregnancy centers like True Care, you are never alone. From the second you walk in their doors, there is someone to talk to, as well as programs and resources that offer hope that transform your fears into confidence.

They help you to know you are never alone. The love and attention True Care gave me and my child provided a sense of comfort and relief in making a decision that will change our lives forever, and that is true for every woman who finds help at True Care and other places like it.

Now that my son is here, they have continued to be a part of our lives, and they’re still available to answer any questions I have.

The day I walked into True Care, I walked into a facility full of strangers. Now, when I walk through those doors, I enter a place filled with family.

Laura Lysek Spagur 

When I realized I was pregnant, I was ashamed and didn’t want anyone else to find out.

I had gone back to school to get my nursing degree, and I already had two children. I was done having babies. When I told my boyfriend, he encouraged me to get an abortion, so we made an appointment together.

On the sidewalk in front of the abortion clinic, a kind woman approached me and spoke the words that I already knew were true: “There is hope.”

She took me to Life Choices Women’s Clinic, where I saw Cash for the first time on the ultrasound.

Life Choices gave me the help and support I needed to stay in school. Today, I’m a nurse, and I know that for Cash and myself, there is so much hope for both of us.