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 lawmakers to hear directly from a client (their constituent) who has been served by your center.
The event sometimes coincides with the March for Life, providing a unique option to attend both 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. We recommend the Executive Director or President attend along with a client and her child. Due to limited space, we discourage large groups of center staff and families from attending.
Q: What happens after my interest form is submitted?
A: In the fall, Heartbeat staff review all interest forms. Those selected will be contacted for details and information about their client. After gathering these details, a commitment form will be sent to collect staff and client information, including travel plans. As the event approaches, more details will be emailed to help with preparation.
Q: What is the cost to attend?
A: Heartbeat International will cover:
- Orientation Dinner – up to 4 people (center staff, client, and baby)
- Closing Luncheon – up to 4 people
- One night hotel accommodation for the client’s room
- Transportation to and from Babies Go to Congress events
The pregnancy help organization covers:
- Travel to and from D.C.
- All meals not covered by Heartbeat
- Additional hotel nights (approx. $200–$250 + tax per night)
Schedule Overview
Day 1 – Orientation
- 5:30 pm – Orientation
- 6:30 pm – Dinner & Testimonies
Day 2 – Event
- 7:30 am – Meet in hotel lobby
- 8:00 am – Prayer & Photos on the Hill
- 9:00 am – House Meetings
- 10:30 am – Senate Meetings
- 12:30 pm – Luncheon & Testimonies
- 3:00 pm – Dismiss
Q: How do I choose a client?
A: Choose someone with a compelling story who is comfortable speaking publicly. If she’s inexperienced, coach her beforehand. Clients can be of any age, pregnant, or have older children. Pray for guidance in your choice.
Each client must sign a release form and provide her story and a photo. These may be used for promotion unless she opts out.
Q: Who will I meet with?
A: Appointments are scheduled with your Senators and two members of Congress representing your area. When the legislator is unavailable, meetings will be held with key staff members.
Q: How will meetings flow?
Each team is accompanied by a Heartbeat representative. The representative introduces Heartbeat and then the client shares her story. The center director follows with an overview of their work, then presents a community impact report. Meetings last 15–20 minutes.
Q: Where will I stay?
A: Heartbeat reserves a hotel block. Provide arrival/departure dates and room needs via the commitment form. All rooms go on Heartbeat’s master bill; you’ll receive an invoice afterward. A credit card is needed for incidentals.
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
Options: Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), or Dulles (IAD). DCA and BWI have easy metro/train access to Union Station. All three have taxi/Uber service.
Q: What should I wear?
Orientation/Dinner: Business casual
BGTC Meetings: Business attire (no jeans) and comfortable shoes
When applicable - March for Life (optional): Warm, casual clothes and comfortable footwear
Q: Will I have time to explore?
A: The event concludes around 3:30 p.m. on Day 2. You may extend your stay to explore D.C.
More Questions?
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