Save the Storks, Author at Save the Storks https://savethestorks.com/author/stsweb2dev/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:09:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://savethestorks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/favicon.ico.png Save the Storks, Author at Save the Storks https://savethestorks.com/author/stsweb2dev/ 32 32 Defunding Planned Parenthood: What’s Next for Women’s Care? https://savethestorks.com/2025/05/defunding-planned-parenthood-whats-next-for-womens-care/ Thu, 29 May 2025 15:26:12 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42964 There’s been a big movement this week in the effort to defund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. The House just passed H.R. 1—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—by the narrowest margin of 215-214. This powerful reconciliation bill includes provisions that would: And in California, Governor Newsom has proposed a $500 million cut to Planned Parenthood, […]

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There’s been a big movement this week in the effort to defund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

The House just passed H.R. 1—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—by the narrowest margin of 215-214. This powerful reconciliation bill includes provisions that would:

  • Phase out Medicaid funding for abortion providers like Planned Parenthood over the next 10 years
  • Eliminate taxpayer subsidies for insurance plans that cover elective abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother

And in California, Governor Newsom has proposed a $500 million cut to Planned Parenthood, slashing a third of its total state funding.

Defunding Planned Parenthood isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning.

If Planned Parenthood loses funding, many are asking: Who will meet the needs of women, babies, and families in its place? It’s important to note that, according to the Lozier Institute, abortion made up 97.1% of Planned Parenthood’s pregnancy resolution services in 2022. Still, a gap will remain to be filled. For instance, in May of this year, Planned Parenthood announced the closure of eight centers across Iowa and Minnesota due to the federal funding cuts. At Save the Storks, we are equipping life-affirming clinics to fill this gap with real, compassionate care.

An Opportunity for a Shift in Maternal Healthcare

Back in April, when the potential to defund Planned Parenthood was first introduced, our COO, Annie Tang Humphrey, shared a clear vision:

“At Save the Storks, we know abortion is not healthcare. True healthcare supports the whole woman, emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. Across the country, we are witnessing the rise of maternal healthcare deserts, where women lack access to prenatal care, housing, childcare, mental health resources, and job support. As Chief Operating Officer, I oversee four key strategic programs, focusing on innovation that is ensuring hearts and minds are changed, and LIVES ARE SAVED! These are the very pillars of care that empower women to choose life and thrive in motherhood.” – Annie Tang Humphrey

Annie Tang Humphrey, COO of Save the Storks

Yes, we celebrate this shift, but even more, we rally. Because true maternal healthcare is more than the absence of abortion, it’s the presence of support.

At Save the Storks, we are already building that future; one Mobile Medical Clinic, one trained nurse, and one woman’s story at a time. Here’s how:

Our Four Areas of Impact

National Partner Program

We partner with Pregnancy Resource Centers to help them grow and continue thriving as high-quality women’s healthcare providers. By expanding services and raising care standards, our partners become trusted, compassionate, and community-rooted.

Mobile Medical Clinics

Our mobile clinics bring free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI testing directly to women, wherever they are. They remove access barriers and ensure women receive compassionate, high-quality care.

Community Partners

We equip churches to be the empowerment women need, offering real support and compassion to moms in their communities.

Digital Platform

Through 24/7 resources like For Every Woman and Infinite Worth, we meet women in their most vulnerable moments with life-affirming, immediate support; anytime, anywhere.

Humphrey adds, “Let’s advocate for life-affirming care, not just the absence of abortion, but the presence of support. Let’s call this what it is: an opportunity to build a culture where moms and babies can thrive. Together, we can bridge the gap in maternal healthcare and shift the narrative around what real support looks like for women.”

Help Us Bring Her Life-Affirming Maternal Care

We are bridging the gap in women’s healthcare with compassion, excellence, and hope. But we can’t do it without your help. Would you consider giving today so that we can continue meeting women right where they are, especially as abortion providers lose funding?

The work of serving women doesn’t stop when Planned Parenthood is defunded. It’s only the beginning, and we must be ready. Let’s build a reality where we can put her future first together.

Would You Pray with Us?

Let’s stay in prayer together as this bill moves to the Senate. We are praying that hearts will be softened, negotiations will go smoothly, and taxpayer funding for abortion providers will finally come to an end so that women can receive the true maternal healthcare and support they deserve.

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Save the Storks Celebrates Superhero Moms and Brave Choices for Mother’s Day 2025 https://savethestorks.com/2025/05/save-the-storks-celebrates-superhero-moms-and-brave-choices-formothers-day-2025/ Thu, 01 May 2025 12:30:31 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42704 The national non-profit organization recognizes how superhero moms likeChelsea Noble Cameron shape generations, recognizing birth moms,adoptive moms and foster moms. Colorado Springs, CO. – There is no denying that every mom is a superhero. This Mother’s Day, the non-profit organization Save the Storks is honoring birth moms, adoptive moms and foster moms who help shape […]

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The national non-profit organization recognizes how superhero moms like
Chelsea Noble Cameron shape generations, recognizing birth moms,
adoptive moms and foster moms.

Colorado Springs, CO. – There is no denying that every mom is a superhero. This Mother’s Day, the non-profit organization Save the Storks is honoring birth moms, adoptive moms and foster moms who help shape future generations. An interview with Ahna Cameron Bower, the daughter of Chelsea Noble Cameron and Kirk Cameron, shares the superhero power of the woman who adopted her, and how the famous actress and mother of six was also adopted.

Ahna’s story, featured in this Save the Storks Mother’s Day blog post states that “in most superhero stories, the stakes are high. The hero is faced with a decision that could save lives, or ripple through future generations. What many people don’t realize is that birth moms and adoptive moms carry that same power. One brave choice – to choose life, to choose adoption – can create a legacy that stretches far beyond one moment.”

One of the most poignant parts of the Mother’s Day blog post is this comment: “Thank you is the smallest form of gratitude. Those words hold weight with me. You have no idea what you could do with just that one sacrifice,” says Ahna to her birth mother and other birth mothers out there.

“Thank you for choosing to give your twenty-four-seven love and care for nine months to an unknown person and then giving them their life,” she
adds.

The incredible opportunity to serve at Save the Storks is not lost on its CEO, Diane Ferraro. Diane was adopted and has also been a foster mom and an adoptive mom to a teenager who was in the foster care system. 

Diane stated, “Adoption is the most beautiful gift anyone can receive, and to my birth mom and all the birth mothers who have chosen adoption for their children, thank you.” She added, “I will also be forever grateful to my adoptive mother. As Ahna mentioned in the interview, adoptive moms are so selfless, sacrificial and offer unconditional love to their children. My own motherhood journey included being a foster mom as well as a volunteer for many years with a foster family agency. It is important that we recognize the thousands of foster mothers across the United States who are helping to parent children and teenagers when their biological moms are unable to do so. You are all superheroes and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being brave and fearless.”

Mother’s Day is on May 11th, 2025 in the United States. The prior day, May 10th, is Birth Mother’s Day, and was established in 1990 by a group of birth moms. 

Save the Storks is honoring all moms with a unique letter-writing campaign that will be shared on their social media platforms starting May 1, 2025. 

About Save the Storks

Save the Storks’ mission is to create a story of hope and empowerment for every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. This national organization that started in 2012 focuses on four key areas of impact: Elevating women’s healthcare through strategic partnerships with pregnancy centers; Mobile Medical Clinics that bring women’s healthcare directly to where it is most needed; Church and Community partnerships; and the Digital Platform for women, offering 24/7 access with real care and real options.

Learn more about Save the Storks at www.savethestorks.com

Media Contact:

Kristin Giddings
Media Liaison
Save the Storks
Kristin@savethestorks.com

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Women’s Health Should Be An Educational Priority https://savethestorks.com/2025/04/womens-health-should-be-an-educational-priority/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:50:00 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42617 By Charlotte Pence Bond My pregnancy and postpartum journeys with both of my children opened my eyes to the lack of education I received about the perinatal time of my life as a woman. Women should be informed throughout their education about the science behind their bodies, hormones, and fertility. Women’s healthcare and the lack […]

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By Charlotte Pence Bond

My pregnancy and postpartum journeys with both of my children opened my eyes to the lack of education I received about the perinatal time of my life as a woman. Women should be informed throughout their education about the science behind their bodies, hormones, and fertility. Women’s healthcare and the lack of information and education surrounding it are serious topics of concern.

The Education Gap in Women’s Health

Throughout my first pregnancy, I was surprised at how little I knew about the entire process: pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I researched nutritional information as well as the process of labor. Even though I attended both public and private schools growing up and have completed graduate level education, I didn’t know there were different stages of labor before I was pregnant with my first child. I felt unprepared for the actual birth process, even though it seemed as if I should have been taught about it at some point.

The Cost of Pregnancy and Birth Education

I took an online course on childbirth because I was interested in having an unmedicated birth and knew that I did not have the resources and information that I needed to do that. I was surprised that I did not know about childbirth to be comfortable or confident going into my first experience with birth and postpartum.

Many women turn to expensive courses to learn about their health or pay out of pocket to meet with experts. This shouldn’t be necessary. The information women receive in these courses should be standard information in health classes. Still, women are often in the dark before they hire personal nutritionists or take classes on pregnancy.

Postpartum: The Forgotten Fourth Trimester

Not only was I in the dark about pregnancy, but I also knew little about what I might go through when I was postpartum. Postpartum education and care are egregiously under-prioritized aspects of women’s health. Most of the information I received was through friends or social media. After I had my first child, I experienced postpartum anxiety. I also had friends who had experienced this, so I knew it might happen to me. It was helpful to have personal relationships and connections that gave me insight into the difficult postpartum time. But looking back, I know I was blessed because I had resources and relationships to help me.

Connecting With Mothers on Social Media

It seems almost comical, but social media has been a source of information for me without women’s health education. While this isn’t necessarily a perfect substitute, it’s better than having no information. Social media accounts give moms and women information about their health and their children’s well-being. Women turn to information online to understand more about their hormones and nutritional needs regarding fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.

What No One Told Me About Post-Weaning Depression

I have always had an appreciation and respect for depression, but I’ve never personally experienced it like I did after I stopped breastfeeding my first child. While I was never diagnosed, I realized that I had post-weaning depression. The only reason I knew about women experiencing feelings of sadness after they stop breastfeeding was because of an account I follow on Instagram. I now make it a priority to tell other young moms about my experience so they know what signs to look for in themselves.

Fertility Shouldn’t Be a Mystery

Women have historically been an under-researched area of society, which appears to have translated into a general lack of education for young women about their bodies. When women are interested in starting their journey to have children, they are often met with new information about fertility. They must do their own research about the best practices to ensure they can have children. Fertility information should be standard care for young women so they know how their journey might go if or when they decide to have children.

It’s Time to Prioritize Women’s Health

Our society would do well to right its wrong of ignoring women’s health. We should promote more research and education before women struggle with their health journeys.

Read more from Charlotte Pence Bond:

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Meeting the Woman at the Well https://savethestorks.com/2025/04/meeting-the-woman-at-the-well/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:35:58 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42586 If you are a Christian, you’re probably familiar with the story often referred to as “The Woman at the Well”, from John 4 in the Bible. The problem with familiar stories like the woman of Samaria is that they become familiar. After hearing the story preached on multiple Sundays throughout our lives, we often forget […]

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If you are a Christian, you’re probably familiar with the story often referred to as “The Woman at the Well”, from John 4 in the Bible. The problem with familiar stories like the woman of Samaria is that they become familiar. After hearing the story preached on multiple Sundays throughout our lives, we often forget the relevance these Bible stories hold in our lives today.

At Save the Storks, we’re taking a deeper look into this Bible story and how the life-affirming movement is a vessel to be like Jesus in this story, seeking out the woman isolated from society to bring her God’s truth.

The Story of the Woman at the Well

If you aren’t familiar with the woman’s story at the well, here’s a brief refresher: Jesus stopped at Jacob’s well in Samaria while traveling from Judea to Galilee. There, He encountered a Samaritan woman drawing water. Despite cultural norms, Jesus asked her for a drink, then offered her “living water.” When she agreed, He revealed that He knew about her troubled past and told her that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Filled with awe, the woman returned to town to share what she had learned with everyone she knew.

Going After the “One” Society Ignores

In the story, Jesus waits at the well in a region where Jews typically avoided interactions with Samaritans. The hatred between Jews and Samaritans cannot be underemphasized. It went back for generations. Jews consider the Samaritans to be outsiders. They were prohibited from worshipping in Jewish Temples because they were considered unclean. It’s not unlike the hatred we see between movements in America today.

Like Jesus, we seek out the woman that culture, society, and even some churches reject.

The Modern Well

Where would Jesus share hope in modern times? Gen Z spends an average of 6 hours and 27 minutes on their phone daily. This is our well.

The Samaritan woman came to the well alone in the heat of the day, revealing that she was isolated from her community. Unfortunately, many teen girls and women facing unplanned pregnancies are similarly isolated. Just as Jesus met a woman stuck in her routine and hiding for shame, we will meet teens and women at their phone screens. Did you know telehealth abortions (meaning an abortion pill ordered through an online consultation) account for 20% of all abortions? The abortion industry spends tens of millions of dollars each year marketing the abortion pill to young women with keywords and digital advertising campaigns. The horrific result: 70% of all abortions are now chemical, where teens and women order the pills online or pick them up at their local abortion clinic.

Unlike the quiet of a well in nature, media has many forces competing for attention. So, we need creativity and strategic thinking to captivate our audience in a world of distractions. Save the Storks reaches potentially hundreds of thousands of women on our social accounts and through our 24/7 digital platform.

In the Story at the Well, Jesus Came to Her

In the story of the Woman at the Well, Jesus traveled to her. He passed cultural and geographical boundaries to reach the woman in need. Similarly, our mobile medical clinics bring abundant hope and life to women nationwide. This online support and mobility allow us to meet women where they are in their most significant needs—at those critical decision-making moments when the abortion industry targets them.

Speaking the Truth in Love

Jesus did not call out her past to condemn her but to reveal Himself to her. Throughout the Bible, Jesus shows His love and respect for women, which stood out at a time when they received little recognition or respect. Whether it was pardoning the adulteress woman from stoning or praising Mary Magdelene for sitting with Him rather than attending to her cultural duties, He shows the value He places on women in the kingdom. He speaks with compassion and love to these women but never strays from revealing the truth to them.

This is our goal when serving women: to speak the truth to them with compassion, something that abortion clinics are lacking.

Serving the Woman at the Well

When we serve women in a life-affirming space, we must remember to follow Jesus’s direction: to show love and compassion and to help women create their own stories of hope and empowerment.

Will you be part of this movement? Women are searching for hope—your support can be the answer. Donate today or become a monthly partner to help us reach women with life-changing love and support.

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The Connection Between Mothers: Empowering Each Other https://savethestorks.com/2025/03/the-connection-between-mothers-empowering-each-other/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:06:23 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42567 By Charlotte Pence Bond A woman becomes a mother overnight, but we grow into motherhood as we transition to having children. Some of the most vital components of my journey into motherhood have been the relationships I’ve formed with women who have helped me along the way. Having my first child was certainly an experience […]

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By Charlotte Pence Bond

A woman becomes a mother overnight, but we grow into motherhood as we transition to having children. Some of the most vital components of my journey into motherhood have been the relationships I’ve formed with women who have helped me along the way. Having my first child was certainly an experience where I needed the help of other women who had gone before me, and the transition from one to two kids was especially challenging for me as my husband deployed when our baby was two weeks old. Thankfully, I have incredible people in my life, and my mother was able to help me, as well as my mother-in-law. I also have incredible friends in my life who did anything they could, including bringing meals and watching my eldest while I went to the doctor.

Navigating Postpartum

To describe the postpartum stage of motherhood as merely “difficult” seems like an egregious understatement. It isn’t that one’s life turns upside down, but it is completely new. One day, you do not have a child; the next day, you do, and your life is never the same. At the same time, a woman’s body is going through something completely foreign, and the aspects of her brain change. “Mom brain” is not just a term to describe women lacking sleep – it’s a scientific fact that our brains change when we have young children. You haven’t changed forever, but it may feel like you have. This is why having close relationships and friendships with other moms is so important. They help us remember that our conflicted feelings about ourselves during this time are normal and that we will all get through it.

Balancing Two Under Two

My siblings and I are each only about a year apart, meaning my mom had three kids under three. I have always wanted to have children close together because I love how close I am to my siblings, and I love that we go through the same life stages at the same time. However, I was extremely humbled when I had my second close to my first. My daughter was twenty months old when my son came along, and she was still in the “clingy” stage of wanting to be held. In the early days, I often held two kids at the same time, even when I was nursing the baby.

A Mother’s Wisdom: Practical Tips That Helped Me Cope

When my mom came to help me after my husband deployed, she provided a listening ear with her empathetic nature. I can only imagine what it must be like to watch your baby grow into a woman and become a mother herself. She is still in every way my mom, taking care of her child as I physically recovered from childbirth, holding the baby so I could sleep, and playing with my toddler but making sure my eldest had “mommy time,” too. She set me up with strategies and systems to have a well-functioning household with two little kids, something I know she did on her own several decades ago. She told me to empty the dishwasher at night so it was free for dirty dishes in the morning, encouraged me to start one load of laundry early in the day, and prepared frozen meals. She also reminded me that our toddler was much more capable than I may have thought and could help with little tasks around the house.

The Bond Between Mothers

When a woman becomes a mother, a bond links her to all the other mothers in her life – young and old. I have watched my bond with friends grow deeper when they have children of their own. When I became a mom, I realized how vital it was to have other moms around me – those who were going through the same motherhood stage and those who were older and more experienced. I have lost count of the times I have reached out to other moms for advice or opinions about whatever I am going through.

Finding Strength in Friendship: How Other Moms Got Me Through

When my daughter suddenly stopped breastfeeding, my friend provided rich encouragement to me when I felt discouraged. Another friend whose children are long grown came over to watch my daughter when I had a doctor’s appointment I couldn’t miss. When my daughter was sick for the first time, another friend brought over the resources she always used for her daughters. My mother-in-law stayed with me for ten days while my husband was gone and held our baby almost the entire time she was there, singing to him and soothing him when he cried. She provided a lifeline to me, insisting that I rest as much as I could, and when our power went out for several hours, her calm presence kept me calm.

Empowering Each Other: A Special Connection Between Moms

Women can empower other women in all areas of life, but motherhood creates a special connection between friends. It’s an incredible blessing to tell a friend your kid is no longer taking a long nap and know she truly commiserates with you. No one understands moms like other moms, and nothing has made me appreciate other women more than becoming a mother myself.

Read more from Charlotte Pence Bond:

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Common Questions About Abortion and Women’s Health https://savethestorks.com/2025/03/common-questions-about-abortion-and-womens-health/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:36:11 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42543 When it comes to abortion and women’s health, misinformation is widespread. To provide clarity, we spoke with Dr. Karysse, our National Medical Director, to answer some of the most common questions about abortion procedures, reproductive health, and maternal care. When would an abortion be required to save a mother’s life? Elective abortion, commonly referred to […]

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When it comes to abortion and women’s health, misinformation is widespread. To provide clarity, we spoke with Dr. Karysse, our National Medical Director, to answer some of the most common questions about abortion procedures, reproductive health, and maternal care.

Dr. Karysse J Hutson, Obstetrician & Gynecologic Surgeon, FACOOG, Save the Storks National Medical Director

When would an abortion be required to save a mother’s life?

Elective abortion, commonly referred to as “abortion,” is when a mother decides to end her pregnancy not related to a physical life-or-death condition. Elective abortion is never required to save a mother’s life. In the rare case that a mother’s life is in danger related to her pregnancy, a medical separation of the baby from the mother will occur. This separation procedure is allowed and carried out in every state, regardless of abortion restriction laws. In the United States, most of the time, a baby is separated from their mother prematurely. The baby can survive outside of the womb with the help of a neonatal intensive care unit.

Is treatment for an ectopic pregnancy considered an abortion?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a baby grows outside of the uterus. This condition is life-threatening for the mother and requires medical separation of the baby from the mother, but this is not elective abortion.

If I live in a state with an abortion ban, will I be denied miscarriage care?

If abortion is not allowed in your state, every healthcare provider is required by law and oath to treat any maternal complications related to an abortion or miscarriage.

Are medical abortions reversible?

Medical abortions require two separate medications taken on two separate days. If the first day of medication has been taken (mifepristone), progesterone can be taken within 72 hours to reverse the abortion. If the second abortion medication has been taken (misoprostol), there is sadly no way to reverse the abortion.

Is the abortion pill safe?

No, abortion pills are not safe. There are several major immediate and long-term risks of taking abortion pills. Despite the risks, if abortion pills are taken, it is medically necessary to ensure the baby is located inside the uterus; an ultrasound determines this. An ultrasound must determine the gestational age of the baby as well to ensure that the baby is the appropriate size for a medical abortion. Finally, maternal blood type must be obtained to ensure that if the mother is Rh-, the appropriate medication is given to prevent future medical problems.

Immediate risks of the abortion pill include:

  • Heavy bleeding with need for blood transfusion
  • Uterine damage with need for emergency surgery
  • Genitourinary infection with need for IV antibiotics
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe pelvic pain
  • Failure to abort the baby
  • Retained products of conception

Long-term risks of the abortion pill include:

  • 40% increased risk of breast cancer
  • 81% increased risk of a mental health disorder like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Infertility
  • Regret

Abortion pills prescribed via telehealth… are they safe?

Ordering abortion pills through the mail via a pharmacist or healthcare provider’s office is dangerous and can be life-threatening for the mother. An ultrasound and blood type are necessary tests to be performed before undergoing an abortion to ensure that the baby is inside the uterus and of an appropriate size for a medical abortion. Maternal blood type is required to ensure moms do not form blood antibodies that can attack future pregnancies.

Patients undergoing a medical abortion require close medical attention during and after the procedure because we know medical abortions carry high risks of bleeding, retained products of conception inside of the uterus, infection, and need for blood transfusion and surgery. Abortion pills are unsafe and carry significant long-term health risks for mothers as well.

Stay Informed & Support Life-Affirming Care

As conversations about abortion and maternal health care continue, misinformation spreads rapidly. That’s why we are so grateful for life-affirming doctors like Dr. Karysse, who have made it their mission to share the truth about abortion with women. Women deserve to know the truth about their health, their options, and the risks associated with abortion.

By supporting our mission, you help ensure that more women receive the facts and compassionate care they need to make informed decisions. Join us in bringing truth and support to women.

Want to learn more? Keep reading:

The Statistical Risks of Abortion

Elevating Women’s Healthcare for the Life-Affirming Movement

Five Facts About Abortion and Breast Cancer

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Pregnancy & A Congenital Heart Defect: Emily’s Story https://savethestorks.com/2025/02/pregnancy-a-congenital-heart-defect-emilys-story/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42525 February is Heart Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges those living with a congenital heart defect (CHD) face. For Emily, her heart condition wasn’t just a statistic. It was a life-threatening reality that led her to believe abortion was her only option. Emily’s Story When Emily walked into Adria Women’s Health, staff […]

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February is Heart Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges those living with a congenital heart defect (CHD) face. For Emily, her heart condition wasn’t just a statistic. It was a life-threatening reality that led her to believe abortion was her only option.

Emily’s Story

When Emily walked into Adria Women’s Health, staff could see fear on her face. Her heart was beating out of her chest, the weight of her circumstances pressing down on her. She had taken a test at home that read positive. Still, the reality came crashing down harder when the nurse at the clinic confirmed her pregnancy again. Those two lines told her there was no question now; she was pregnant, but could she have this baby? She was told that due to her heart defect, carrying a child could put her life at risk. The fear of the unknown loomed heavily over her.

Considering Abortion

Emily shared that the father, who wasn’t present at the appointment, was a friend. At just 20 years old, her health, education, and future all seemed to be hanging in the balance. Yet, beneath it all, there was a quiet strength in her—a faint hope waiting to be ignited.

Her mother was by her side throughout Emily’s appointment, and her love for her daughter was evident but accompanied by deep concern. “I care about my daughter’s life,” her mother said, her voice cracking with emotion. “How can we risk it for a baby we don’t know?” The pain and fear in the room were evident.

Cass, a compassionate member of the medical team, listened intently. She empathized with their fears and walked them through their options. Rather than dismissing their concerns, she encouraged them to consult a high-risk obstetrician to fully understand what pregnancy with a heart defect pregnancy would look like for Emily.

The Magic of an Ultrasound

During her ultrasound, as the image appeared on the screen, there was a possibility of twins, but due to her early gestational age, staff couldn’t confirm indefinitely.

For a moment, awe overtook fear. Emily mentioned earlier that she felt like she was carrying twins. Could this be confirmation that she was meant to have her babies? But then, the weight of her heart defect and the words of her doctors pulled her back. “I’ll carry this pregnancy only if my cardiologist says it’s safe,” she said, holding onto a sliver of hope.

Finding Support and Hope

The medical team prayed with the family for open doors and for God to lead them in decision-making. They prayed for protection over Emily’s health and the health of the pregnancy.

A few days later, Emily’s mother called with incredible news. Her twins were confirmed, and both her cardiologist and a high-risk obstetrician said she was safe to continue the pregnancy and had committed to care for her.

Celebrating Emily’s Courage

“To witness her transformation from fear to cautious hope was inspiring. Her courage reminded us why we do this work—to provide a beacon of light when circumstances seem darkest. Emily’s journey proves that with the right support, even the most daunting challenges can be faced with strength and grace,” said the staff of Adria Women’s Health.

This Heart Month, we celebrate Emily’s courage and the countless women who face unplanned pregnancies with resilience and hope. Adria Women’s Health is part of our National Partner Program here at Save the Storks. Through our National Partner Program, we ensure that pregnancy clinics have the stability, support, and strategy they need to expand their services and save babies by empowering more women like Emily to choose life.

When you support Save the Storks, you ensure more women receive the care, resources, and reassurance they need to choose life—even in the most challenging circumstances. Will you stand with us to empower more women like Emily?

Read another powerful story in honor of Heart Month: Van’s Story

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Abortion Is A Matter of the Heart https://savethestorks.com/2025/02/abortion-is-a-matter-of-the-heart/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:28:00 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42461 By Charlotte Pence Bond In our current intense political climate, it’s easy to place abortion in the world of politics and leave it there. Political “wins” and “losses” can often be the most discussed areas of the pro-life cause. While it’s important to focus on the political side of abortion and be informed about state […]

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By Charlotte Pence Bond

In our current intense political climate, it’s easy to place abortion in the world of politics and leave it there. Political “wins” and “losses” can often be the most discussed areas of the pro-life cause. While it’s important to focus on the political side of abortion and be informed about state and federal legislation, as well as any court cases that threaten the sanctity of human life in America, pro-life activists should be careful to remember that abortion is ultimately a moral issue. It is an issue of the heart, forever impacting men, women, and children.

Abortion is Deeply Personal

march for life signs 2023

Not only is abortion a moral issue, but it is a profoundly personal one. In a 2022 Pew Research Center study, more than half of Americans had a personal connection to abortion – either they knew someone who had one, or they had done so themselves. It seems that people often accept abortion because they are defending someone they love or they feel the need to defend the actions they made at a difficult time. As we remember that abortion is a moral issue, we must also not forget the real people behind the decision to get an abortion. While many women regret their abortions, still others may never admit their regret and find healing because they want to have grace for who they were in the past – and because it may be too difficult to accept their tragic mistakes. The pro-life movement can support and love women who had abortions in the past while also encouraging women who are currently pregnant and are afraid of what life may hold for them if they have a baby. When we empathize with the human being faced with an unplanned pregnancy, we will be able to help them choose life.

The Cultural Shift: Why Motherhood is Undervalued

Abortion is not only prevalent in our society because of political legislation but also because of how abortion is celebrated and motherhood is denigrated. Motherhood is a beautiful and lifelong commitment, but today, women are told time and time again that they should fear motherhood. Not only are women impacted by this message, but their children are also. It is inevitable that how a woman views herself when she becomes a mother will trickle down into the views of her children about themselves. This shift should be celebrated, but all too often, young women are afraid to become mothers because of how it has been portrayed to them.

The Unbreakable Bond Between Mother and Child

For thousands of years, people have recognized the unique attachment of a mother and child that can never be broken – not even through abortion. As many mothers can attest, even when a child is outside her body, there is still a connection between them. Abortion will no longer be a desirable option if mothers are once again appreciated and admired in our society.

Encouraging a Culture of Life

We must speak the truth about motherhood as we seek to help the women who have had abortions or who are considering one. If more women are encouraged to become mothers and see the value of motherhood, abortion will be a tragedy of the past. I believe that one day, history will see abortion as one of the most egregious things of our time – not only for taking the life of a child but for the disregard for its impact on a mother’s heart.

This February, as we celebrate the month of love, let us remember that abortion does not only exist in the world of politics. It starts and ends with the personal lives and decisions of individuals. It is an issue of the heart.

Read more from Charlotte Pence Bond:

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Three Save the Storks Advocates to Speak at the 2025 National March for Life  https://savethestorks.com/2025/01/three-save-the-storks-advocates-to-speak-at-the-2025-national-march-for-life/ Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:16:46 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42356 Washington, D.C. – January 23, 2025 – Hours after the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, his administration deleted reproductiverights.gov, a government website providing information on abortion access. While this action is considered a victory by the life-affirming movement, there is still much work ahead to become a nation that fully values life. To continue this […]

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Washington, D.C. – January 23, 2025 – Hours after the inauguration of Donald J. Trump, his administration deleted reproductiverights.gov, a government website providing information on abortion access. While this action is considered a victory by the life-affirming movement, there is still much work ahead to become a nation that fully values life. To continue this work, Save the Storks is kicking off its 2025 efforts with CEO Diane Ferraro and Social Media Coordinator Alyssa Sotelo attending the 52nd National March for Life taking place in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Jan. 24.

Speaking at the march, considered the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, are prominent political, cultural, and life-affirming leaders, including:

  • Bethany Hamilton, professional surfer, mother, life-affirming advocate and keynote speaker at Save the Storks’ 2024 Inspired for Life event, representing the organization at life-affirming events and on social media.
  • Beverly Jacobson, CEO of Mama Bear Care (formerly known as Verity’s Village) and inaugural winner of Save the Storks’ Innovators Summit where she was awarded a $10k grant to jump-start her nonprofit.
  • Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a former abortionist turned life-affirming obstetrician and Save the Storks medical advisory board member.

“The March for Life is a direct example of Save the Storks’ national reach and overarching impact on the life-affirming movement. We are honored to see our advocates take the same stage as a governor and congressman,” said Ferraro.

The March’s 2025 theme is ‘Life: Why We March’ and Save the Storks’ why focuses on providing a safe haven for both mothers and babies through its mobile medical clinics. In 2025, the nonprofit plans to launch more Mobile Medical Clinics across America in partnership with Women’s Health Clinics, Churches, Rescue Missions, and other community resources. Save the Storks’ 105th Mobile Medical Clinic launches next month in Granite City, IL – the same area where Planned Parenthood’s mega-clinic resides.

About Save the Storks Save the Storks is a national nonprofit faith-based organization dedicated to empowering women with the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancies. Through compassionate care, innovative programs, and community outreach, Save the Storks aims to transform the lives of women and families across the nation.  

Media Contact: 

Kristin Giddings

Media Liasion
Save the Storks  
Kristin@savethestorks.com  
Cell: 904-545-5191 

Diane Ferraro

Chief Executive Officer
Save the Storks  
Diane@savethestorks.com  
Cell: 626-222-9388

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Save the Storks and Gianna’s House Deploy Life-Saving Mobile Medical Clinic to the Bronx https://savethestorks.com/2024/11/save-the-storks-and-giannas-house-deploy-life-saving-mobile-medical-clinic-to-the-bronx/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:46:34 +0000 https://savethestorks.com/?p=42164 Colorado Springs, CO – November 27, 2024 — Save the Storks recently delivered its 104th Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC) to Gianna’s House, a pregnancy health clinic in Brewster, NY. Gianna’s House celebrated its first anniversary in 2024 but its staff, led by Julie Noce, felt called to serve even more women. Enter the Save the […]

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Colorado Springs, CO – November 27, 2024 — Save the Storks recently delivered its 104th Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC) to Gianna’s House, a pregnancy health clinic in Brewster, NY. Gianna’s House celebrated its first anniversary in 2024 but its staff, led by Julie Noce, felt called to serve even more women.

Enter the Save the Storks Mobile Medical Clinic, owned and operated by local pregnancy health clinics. On board this Mobile Medical Clinic a woman will receive no-cost maternal healthcare, including pregnancy tests, STI tests, ultrasounds and other services, all provided by licensed medical professionals. These buses bridge the gap between pregnancy health clinics and women so they can access quality healthcare no matter where they are.

This MMC in particular is named “Siobhán” (shih-VAWN) after Dr. Siobhan Fitzpatrick. Dr. Fitzpatrick is a local investor who specifically wanted to raise money for an MMC serving New York City and its surrounding areas. Her dedication to serving women and saving lives led her to support the build of this MMC.

Now that Gianna’s House staff is fully trained, this MMC is hitting the road to serve the Bronx in New York City, making it the fourth Save the Storks MMC in New York State. Access to maternal healthcare in the Bronx is critical, and this MMC will provide the care that women in the community need.

“The mobile medical clinic program has been instrumental in serving women with true, compassionate healthcare,” said Diane Ferraro, CEO at Save the Storks. “Partnering with Julie Noce and her team at Gianna’s House to bring the ‘Siobhán’ mobile unit to women in the Bronx demonstrates that there are caring medical professionals in New York who believe that life-affirming maternal healthcare is desperately needed. Taking this mobile unit out to the communities puts love into action and shows women who have traditionally been underserved that they matter and deserve the utmost care.”

About Save the Storks Save the Storks is a national nonprofit faith-based organization, dedicated to empowering women with the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancies. Through compassionate care, innovative programs, and community outreach, Save the Storks aims to transform the lives of women and families across the nation.

Media Contact:

Kristin Giddings
Media Liaison
Save the Storks
Kristin@savethestorks.com

Diane Ferraro
Chief Executive Officer
Save the Storks
Diane@SavetheStorks.com

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