Listed below are the coalition-type organizations of which Heartbeat is aware.

If you know of others, please contact Alaina Wood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-888-550-7577.

Alaska

Alaska Pregnancy Center Coalition
501 Frontage Road
Kenai, AK 99611
Becky Peters
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
907-252-1689

Alabama

Alabama Pregnancy Center Coalition
1480 McGuire Road
Birmingham, AL 35216
Lisa Hogan
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
205-979-0302

Arizona

Arizona Life Coalition
4633 N 54th St
Phoenix, AZ 85018
George Khalaf
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
602-730-5004

Arkansas

Arkansas Pregnancy Network
P.O. BOX 394
Russellville, AR 72811
Christie Robertson
director@arkansaspregnancynetwork.com

California

Association for Life of San Diego
355 K St, Ste H
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Sharon Pearce
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
619-422-0757

California Alliance for Pregnancy Care
P.O. Box 245525
Sacramento, CA 95825
calalliance.org
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Colorado

Colorado Pregnancy Care Alliance
Rich Bennett
https://co-pca.org
https://co-pca.org/membership

Connecticut

Connecticut Pregnancy Care Coalition
492 Montauk Ave
New London, CT 
Lisa Maloney
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
860-448-2990

Delaware

Delaware Association of Pregnancy Centers
3407 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, DE 19805
Rachel Metzger
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Florida

Florida Pregnancy Care Network
1424 Piedmont Dr E
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Rita Gigliano
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
850-656-6245

Florida Baptist Children's Homes
1015 Sikes Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pregnancy and family Resource Alliance (PAFRA)
1910 East Bay Dr
Largo, FL 33771
Darla Huddleston
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
727-451-6977

Georgia

Life Resources of Georgia, Inc.
Christina Middleton
PO Box 6375
Macon, GA 31208
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
678-622-5947

Idaho

Open Arms PCC and Real Choices Clinic, Inc.
1800 Lincoln Way Suite 201
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Richard Hawk
iThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
208-667-5433 

Illinois

Vision 2020
PO Box 286
Sterling, IL 61081
Debbie K Case
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
815-893-8005 

Kansas

Kansas Pregnancy Care Network
Lynn Mowrey, Executive Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
913-280-0720

Kentucky

KY Association of Pregnancy Care Agencies - KAPCA
116 E. Memorial Drive
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Laura Marie Dickinson
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
270-234-1122 

Louisiana 

Louisiana Pregnancy Center Coalition
606 Belue Lane
Ruston, LA  71270
Kathleen B. Richard
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
lifechoicesncla.org
318-255-7377 

Massachusetts

Pregnancy Care Alliance of Massachusetts
https://pregnancycarealliance.com
Myrna Maloney Flynn
617-242-4199

Maryland

Wellspring Life
934 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Pamela Palumbo
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
410-431-5000 

Michigan

Pregnancy Centers of Southeast Michigan
2826 Coolidge Hwy.
Berkley, MI 48072
Laura Farrugia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
248-545-6411

Michigan Coalition for Pregnancy Wellness
https://micoalition.org
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(616) 257-6802

Mississippi

Choose Life Mississippi
201 Northlake Ave, Suite 109
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Janet Thomas
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
601-206-5816 

Missouri

Alliance for Life
487 SW Ward Rd
Lees Summit, MO 64081
Marsha Middleton
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
816-806-4168 

Montana

Women's Health Network
1005 Partridge Pl #1
Helena, MT 59602
Tracey Ullrey
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
406-422-1011 

Nebraska

Nebraska Pregnancy Care Alliance
Jennifer A. Gutierrez, MA
CEO
(402) 499-2401 

New Mexico

New Mexico State Collaborative
1500 Fifth Street, Suite 9
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Roberta Cheek
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(505) 995-1998

New Jersey

New Jersey Association of Pregnancy Centers
Aimee Huber
First Choice Women's
Resource Centers
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rita Reyes
Executive Director
Choices of the Heart
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New York

The New York State Coalition for Life (formerly known as Pregnancy Care Conference)
Kathy Jerman
https://www.nyscoalitionforlife.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

North Carolina

LifeLink Carolina
5320 Old Plantation Circle
Winston Salem, NC 27104
Bobbie Meyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
980-207-9134 

Ohio

Greater Cincinnati Pregnancy Care Center Coalition
100 E 8th St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-263-6674

Ohio Pregnancy Center Directors Collective
1011 N Main St
Findlay, OH 45840
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
419-424-9948

Ohio Pregnancy Center Coalition
716 N. Westwood Ave.
Toledo, OH 43607-3558
Savannah Marten
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
419-531-6842 

Oklahoma

Pregnancy Resource Network of Oklahoma
10327 N May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Gayla White
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
405-755-5433 

Oregon

Oregon Pregnancy Center Association
170 Magnolia Dr
Creswell, OR 97426
Beverly Anderson
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
541-513-5560 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Leadership Exchange
PO Box 707
Lebanon, PA 17042-0707
Debbie Davenport 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
717-274-5128 x312

Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative (PPWC)
Sarah M. Bowen
Office: 724-794-3325 ext 1401
Cell: 724-480-7116
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South Carolina

South Carolina Association of Pregnancy Care Centers
P.O. Box 1483
Beaufort, SC 29901-6900
Linda Plummer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
919-801-9981

South Dakota

Alpha Center
3405 S. Kiwanis Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Erica Miller
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
605-361-3500 

Tennessee 

TN Pregnancy Center Network
726 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615-893-0228
Laura Messick
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Texas

Life Ambassadors of Texas
https://lifeambassadorsoftexas.com/
P.O Box 150295
Austin TX, 78715

Metroplex Women's Clinic
2810 NW Green Oaks Blvd
Arlington, TX 76012
Lyn McDonald
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
817-299-9599

Trotter House
2717 Rio Grande St
Austin, TX 78705
Lori DeVillez
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Mid Cities Women's Clinic
201 Westpark Way
Euless, TX 76040
Michelle Gregory
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
817-577-4387 

Virginia

Virginia Pregnancy Center Association
19415 Deerfield Avenue, Suite 109
Lansdowne, VA  20176
Contact:  Niki Mattson
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

West Virginia

West Virginia Pregnancy Center Coalition
602 Peterson Dr.
Charleston, WV 25302
Jenny Entsminger
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-307-0382 

Wisconsin

Connect Life WI
Ginna Cross
gcross@alliancefamilyservices.org
701-899-4001 

Wyoming

True Care Women's Resource Center
PO Box 2346
Casper, WY 82602
Jessica Baxter
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
307-472-2810

 .          .          .          .          .

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Heartbeat International has developed a professional designation for those working in Life-Affirming Ministries. Having the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation will provide you with credibility when working with clients. Its purpose is to show that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life affirming information and training.

A Life Affirming Specialist (LAS) has up-to-date training on information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and other related life affirming issues.

You can receive and maintain your LAS designation through the application process, signing the LAS agreement, and fulfilling the on-going continuing education requirements.

What is a Life-Affirming Specialist?

LAS is a professional designation developed specifically for those serving faithfully in the pregnancy help movement. The LAS designation indicates that the holder has participated in on-going training on the latest information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and related, life-affirming issues.

Why should I want the LAS designation?

The LAS designation behind your name provides you with professional credibility when working with clients. The designation shows that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life-affirming information and training.   Example: Sarah Smith, LAS

Professional Designation

Heartbeat International has developed this professional designation for people working in life-affirming ministries.

Those eligible must have completed the requirements as stated by Heartbeat International.

Life-Affirming Specialist Requirements:

1. Person has received HB training: L.O.V.E. Approach, all chapters or attended the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute –OR–If person has not had L.O.V.E. Approach training or attended the New Directors track but can provide proof of training from a ministry that abides by the Commitment of Care and Competence the first requirement has been met.
2. Person has two years of consistent experience in a Life-Affirming Ministry: Pregnancy Resource Center, Medical Clinic, Maternity Home, Abortion Recovery, and/or Adoption Agency.
3. Person attended the Annual Heartbeat International Conference (14 hours minimum) or future qualified Heartbeat International conference or training. 14 conference hours may come from: Seven hours of key notes, seven hours of workshops and/or seven hours of an in-depth day training. Person has received Heartbeat training: L.O.V.E. Approach training and all chapters completed or completed the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute.
4. Must receive a minimum of 14 hours qualified Heartbeat International training every two years to maintain LAS Designation available online .

Designation Fee

The initial $99.00 fee is paid upon application.  A Designation Certificate of Completion is mailed to those who meet the qualifications. The bi-annual membership remains in effect for two years from the original date of earned designation. The bi-annual renewal fee is $99.00.

 Apply to become a Life Affirming Specialist today or renew your Life Affirming Specialist designation now!

For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tailored Solutions for Pregnancy Help Organizations

Heartbeat training and consultations support the uniqueness of your organization as you equip staff, board, and volunteers to carry out your mission with excellence. Heartbeat’s personalized consultations provide unique training solutions that elevate your organization to new heights. Whether through a one-day, multi-day, or customized Concierge Consultation, we help you move forward with confidence.

At the core of our consulting services, we’re proud to offer Heartbeat foundational training that equips your team for success:

① Governing Essentials -  This practical training gives new and experienced Board Members the tools, insight, and confidence to lead effectively. Shining light on core governance responsibilities helps boards at any stage grow and strengthen their roles with the executive director, staff, community, and each other.

Offered as a one-day onsite experience or two engaging virtual sessions, the training is led by a Heartbeat expert and tailored to your organization. Topics include mission and vision alignment, legal and financial duties, planning, policy, evaluation, board development, fundraising, and more. All content is based on Heartbeat’s Governing Essentials Board Manual , ensuring a comprehensive and practical foundation for effective governance.

▶ On-site consultations are available on weekdays and Saturdays, usually beginning at 9 AM and ending by 4 PM. We ask that all Board Members and the Executive Director be present. 

▶ Virtual consultations consist of two three-hour sessions held via Zoom, ideally scheduled on consecutive days to maintain continuity. Sessions can be booked on weekdays, weeknights, or Saturdays. Your team may choose to gather in one place or remotely from individual locations to meet with your virtual consultant. To ensure a productive and engaging experience, we ask that all Board Members and the Executive Director attend both sessions, be on camera, and contribute to group discussions.

 **Please note that for both onsite and virtual Governing Essentials consultations, every participant will need their own Governing Essentials manual, which is approximately $35 each for affiliates.

② Strategic Planning - Prepare your organization for the future with a 1½-day consultation that helps answer a powerful question: What should your organization accomplish one to three years from now—and what must happen to make your vision a reality?

Step back, reflect, identify challenges, optimize opportunities, and dream big as a Heartbeat consultant guides your Board and Executive Director in discerning clear, actionable steps for growth and long-term sustainability that will foster missional alignment, strengthen teamwork, and provide a compelling roadmap you can share with your community, partners, and potential donors to help them understand your goals and get excited about supporting your mission!

③ The L.O.V.E. Approach - This one-day, on-site training led by a Heartbeat expert equips staff and volunteers to compassionately engage clients with confidence. Through personal, hands-on instruction, participants learn the core principles of service in a life-affirming organization and have the opportunity to address their own questions and concerns so that they feel more confident going into their initial client interviews, whether on the phone or in the office. This training is based on The L.O.V.E. Approach , the well-loved and proven program developed by Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D.

*This training qualifies for the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) Designation

**Please note that for The L.O.V.E. Approach Consultation, every participant will need their own L.O.V.E. Approach training manual, which is approximately $35 each for affiliates.

Pricing for Heartbeat’s Governing Essentials, Strategic Planning, and L.O.V.E. Approach

For both onsite and virtual consultations, the consultation fee is $1,000.00 per day for affiliates/$1,200.00 per day for non-affiliates. For the 1½ day Strategic Planning training, the fee is $1,500 for affiliates/$1,700 for non-affiliates. The consultation fee is due prior to the training. 

For onsite consultations, the organization is also responsible for all expenses related to your consultant’s travel, stay, and meals. 

We ask for a 6–8-week lead time to schedule, along with an initial exploratory conversation by phone with Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services, or Sara Dominguez, Affiliate Services Specialist. Training can be scheduled by request at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by contacting Christine Grimmett at 614-885-7577.

Through Concierge Consulting, Heartbeat offers a variety of expert guidance from our talented consulting team focusing on organizational & leadership development, creating a healthy team culture, conflict resolution, sexual wellness, fundraising, donor development & more! The great thing about Concierge Consulting is that it is fully customizable to fit YOUR specific needs! Whether you need a one-time strategy session, ongoing mentorship, or a deep dive into a specific subject, our team of experienced consultants is here to help you thrive! 

Heartbeat partners with you to develop a personalized support strategy specifically designed for your team that advances your mission. Pricing will be based on your individual consultation. To learn more about how Concierge Consulting can serve your organization, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (888) 550-7577 for more information.

Heartbeat International Academy offers life-affirming leaders, staff members, volunteers, and supporters access to pregnancy help training through various educational formats tailored to the needs of pregnancy help professionals. Webinars provide on-demand training accessible anytime and anywhere with an internet connection, featuring a growing selection of programs at cost-effective prices. Online courses offer customizable options for group instruction or self-paced study, available 24/7 with dynamic, multi-media activities and progress-tracking features. Additionally, Heartbeat Academy hosts live virtual classes each quarter, taught by Heartbeat faculty members. These classes, varying in topic and length, provide in-depth training designed to enhance your expertise over a few weeks.

Learn the difference between a webinar, course, and live class. ▼

 Plus, the Academy offers an online Store with a library of previously recorded training and in-depth Manuals.

With each webinar in the Heartbeat Academy, we now include an affiliate bonus registration for another member of your staff! 

Each registration gives you access to the live presentation for yourself AND access for 1 additional person from your affiliated organization to access the recording through Heartbeat Academy! That recording access includes all the benefits of the webinar, including any CEUs offered.

How? Just register for yourself, and when the recording becomes available, you'll have the opportunity to enroll your additional staff member. That's one more benefit of being a Heartbeat International affiliate!

Possibilities with Prenatal Vitamins

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time

Presented by Martha Day, Vitamin Bridge

Pregnancy help organizations are uniquely positioned to be agents of change. Through the gift of prenatal vitamins, you have the potential to demonstrate compassion, improve birth outcomes, and invest in the next generation. Join us for this webinar to learn about the importance of nutrition for under-resourced women, raise awareness of the potential to improve birth outcomes, and learn how to implement and manage a prenatal vitamin program.

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Featured Courses

Use the links below to explore the different ways you can use the Academy to enhance the knowledge and skills of you and your organization.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need assistance locating your courses or migrating your account to our new home.

Not Your Typical Ministry. Not Your Typical Training.

The Pregnancy Help Institute has provided thousands of pregnancy help leaders with professional training.
Over time, this training has added key elements vital to the pregnancy help movement as services expand. 

This year is no different.

Register by July 18, 2025.

The Pregnancy Help Institute dives deep into core topics that are useful in the pregnancy help movement and life. Organized under four intensive tracks (New Director, Development, Messaging & Media, and Leadership), the Pregnancy Help Institute integrates executive-level instruction in a small-group environment, where you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to process information and strategies with experts and fellow front-line pregnancy help leaders. (Looking for ultrasound training? Click here!)

Early-bird pricing ends June 21! 

Pricing

The New Director Track - for Directors with less than 3 years of experience

"I cannot imagine a more fitting training to kick off this new position. I left challenged, inspired, feeling connected to others in the movement. I am humbled and blessed."

If you have less than three years of experience in directing a life-affirming pregnancy center, medical clinic, maternity home, or nonprofit adoption agency, the New Director training is perfect for you. When you combine the wisdom gained from this training with your calling from the Lord, you are truly prepared to navigate effectively, avoid pitfalls, and increase your effectiveness as a leader. Facilitated by Heartbeat International staff with years of experience in pregnancy help leadership, you'll be in good hands.

Designed for Directors with less than 3 years of experience leading a pregnancy help organization.

Topics include:

• Keys to a Healthy Organization
• Strategic Planning
• Board Governance
• Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, & Training
• Core Client Programs
• Development — Raising Friends and Funds
• Staff Growth & Development
• Energizing Tips to Maintain Focus

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The Development Track - for Fundraisers

"I am new to this field and have come away feeling equipped to make suggestions and push back on old systems and events that are less effective. I am excited to foster relationships with our supporters and to see where these relationships take us."

Advancing development through a more robust understanding of the nature and ministry of development is at the heart of this track. Anyone with responsibility for donor development or a part of the development plan will benefit from this advanced training. Seasoned pregnancy help leaders will join Cindi Boston-Bilotta, Leanna Baumer, Terri Barnhart, and Frances Lacson from Heartbeat's Mission Advancement team to provide a comprehensive view of a healthy development planning, follow-through, and steps for funding your mighty mission.

Designed for those whose role includes donor development within a pregnancy help organization.

Topics include:

• Biblical Foundations for Fundraising
• Setting Goals and Targets
• Funding Your Mission - Starting and Building
• Creating & Maintaining Monthly Support
• Developing Church Relationships
• Building Major Gift Relationships
• Writing Effective Grants
• Communicating with Financial Partners
• Creating Effective Direct Appeals
• Creating Fundraising Events

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The Messaging & Media Track - for Leaders

"I am new to this field and have come away feeling equipped to make suggestions and push back on old systems and events that are less effective. I am excited to foster relationships with our supporters and to see where these relationships take us."

The Pregnancy Help Institute's Messaging and Media Training will take you on a transformative journey! Join us in empowering your team to navigate media interactions with finesse, foster positive relationships with reporters, and uphold ethical standards, ensuring your message resonates authentically with the world. In this track, we will delve into media landscapes as they relate to pregnancy help, empowering staff with a deeper understanding of various media types and trends. Through interactive sessions, we will unpack the impact of effective communication on public perception, while equipping participants with practical tools to create compelling messaging tailored to diverse audiences and platforms. We will also prioritize personal development by providing public speaking tips, immersive mock interviews, and on-camera practice to bolster confidence. Sessions will include media protocols, interview techniques, relationship building, crisis communication, and continuous improvement. Designed for leaders who want to refine their interview skills.

Designed for leaders within a pregnancy help organization.

Topics include:

• Media protocols
• Interview techniques
• Crisis communications
• Mock interviews

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The Leadership Track - for Seasoned Leaders

"The leadership track went beyond expectations. For the first time in a long time, I was challenged in the area of strategic thinking, and I learned a lot that I will carry with me through life as a ministry leader, mother, and wife."

Created for seasoned leaders, the Leadership track contains concepts developed by Built to Lead, an executive coaching program that has trained CEOs, presidents, and ministry leaders nationwide. Here, you will learn proven techniques on how to lead effectively both at work and in your personal life and practice those methods throughout the week. Alumni are welcome to return for this track at any point for more training and refreshment!

Designed for seasoned leaders who want to invest in their ministry through leadership development.

Topics include:

• Personal Leadership Development
• Goal Setting
• Team Building
• Leadership Growth (Leading Leaders)

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All Training Tracks will have prerequisite work that must be completed before attending the Pregnancy Help Institute. The list of prerequisites will be included in your registration confirmation

Hotel & Other Helpful Information

Please remember your registration does not include your hotel accommodations. The hotel options listed below are in an area that may be convenient for you.

Within walking distance of the LAUC training facilities:

• Four Points Columbus Polaris | 8505 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240 USA | Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cmhpf-four-points-columbus-polaris/overview/
• Hampton Inn Polaris | 8411 Pulsar Place | Columbus, OH 43240 | 614-885-8400 | Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cmhpshx-hampton-suites-columbus-polaris/

Within a very short driving distance:

• Hyatt Place Columbus/Polaris | 2006 Polaris Parkway | Columbus, OH 43240 | 614-964-1877 | Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/cmhzp-hyatt-place-columbus-polaris
• Hilton Graden Inn Columbus/Polaris| 8535 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43240 |Phone: 614-846-8884|  Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cmhcpgi-hilton-garden-inn-columbus-polaris/

Training Schedule

• Monday, July 21, 2025: Registration and Opening Program starts with a welcome, opening orientation and dinner at 5:00 p.m. at the training facility in Columbus, Ohio.  
• Tuesday – Thursday, July 22 through July 24 will include all day sessions (typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Friday, July 25, 2025: Plan to depart from Columbus no earlier than 2:30 p.m.

Meals

Meals included with registration:
Dinner Monday, Lunch Tuesday – Friday.  AM & PM breaks throughout the week. Grab breakfast and coffee at your hotel in the morning.

Cancellation Policy

By Registrant:

Refunds may be issued until 12 a.m. EDT (midnight) June 17, 2025. A 50% refund is available from 12:01 a.m. EDT June 18, 2025, to July 9, 2025, 12:00 midnight EDT. No refunds will be issued past 12:01 a.m. EDT July 10, 2025. Method of refund may require transaction fees. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

5 reasons you need to come to Pregnancy Help Institute

1. It’s corporate training at a non-profit cost.
   Businesses nationwide use Built to Lead to train CEOs, Presidents, and Boards in Leadership Training. We have partnered with these executive coaches to bring you business training at a price you can afford.
2. It’s far more dynamic and personal than a conference.
   Conferences, specifically the big annual ones, are incredible. There are so many people to meet and so much to learn, but sometimes you need more personalized in-depth training. Pregnancy Help Institute is intentionally sized for an intimate learning environment. Pregnancy Help Institute provides individual interaction and personal feedback to help you grow in your role and increase your effectiveness.
3. It’s vital to invest in yourself.
   "We must all learn to lead ourselves with excellence before we can lead a team towards excellence. In other words, we believe that excellence achieved individually will spread organizationally." - Built to Lead’s Belief
4. A burst of training can take you a long way. 
   One week can literally revolutionize your personal leadership as well as grow your knowledge and understanding. Working with trainers and fellow participants over an extended time yields an exponential return on your investment of time.
5. The relationships you build will be powerful.
   There's nothing more powerful than realizing you're not alone, and at Pregnancy Help Institute, you are surrounded by people not only who share your values, but also are close to you on the same journey.

Pregnancy Help Institute training qualifies for the Life Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation.

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In-Person | Online | In Print

Heartbeat International is committed to providing top-level training to the pregnancy help movement through our printed materials, on-site trainings and conferences, and online academy resources. We believe that all pregnancy help organizations should have access to quality training at all times.

In-Person

Heartbeat International is proud to offer several different in-person experiences for training and support. Our Annual Conference brings over 1,000 pregnancy help people together every spring, and in the summer we host our Pregnancy Help Institute with a variety of track options available for pregnancy help leaders. Our quarterly LOVE Approach Ultrasound Clinic championed a new form of training that connects the technical needs and the spiritual needs for medical professionals working in pregnancy help.

In addition to these excellent opportunities, organizations can schedule an on-site, in-depth consultations on a variety of topics including volunteer training, Board training, strategic planning, and more. Learn more about your options by clicking here!

Online

The Heartbeat International Academy provides life-affirming leaders, staff, and supporters with access to online workshops, forums, and courses on timely pregnancy help topics such as the abortion-minded client and how to identify victims of human trafficking. Between more than 250 live and recorded webinars, work at your pace courses, and private customized courses, there's always something at Heartbeat Academy for your team. In addition, live interactive classes are hosted regularly like ConCERT, our advanced distance learning course to take your staff to the next level in pregnancy help.

In Print

Heartbeat has a library of printed resources available for you to have at your fingertips for building an effective and healthy organization. Whether you are starting from scratch, needing some fundraising ideas, hoping to go medical, or simply training your staff, Board, and volunteers, you'll find the tool you need over at our online store.

Worldwide Directory

Product Code: 10WWDIREC-14
Price: $25.00 (First copy complimentary to Heartbeat affiliates)

Listing more than 4,500 pro-life service organizations around the world, the annual Worldwide Directory is a must-have for offices and helplines, in order to refer clients to life-affirming services outside your community. You can also lead the charge and make sure your local libraries, doctor’s offices, counselors, and schools each have a copy.

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What is Heartbeat International?

What is Option Line?

What's the difference between Option Line and Pregnancy Decision Line?

How can I make certain I'm part of Option Line?

What is Extend Web Services and how can my center benefit from it?

What is Next Level and how can my organization benefit from it?

What are Heartbeat's core philosophies?

What standards does Heartbeat promote?

What is the difference between Heartbeat and Care Net?

What is Heartbeat's position on birth control?

Frequently Asked Questions about Ministries

How do I start a pregnancy center?

I’m a new director, what resources are available to assist me?

As a Board member, what resources are available to me?

How do we add medical services to our Pregnancy Center?

How can we find out if we are a mandated reporter?

Our ministry is experiencing conflict between the Board and the Executive Director, what can we do?

Q. How do I start a pregnancy center?

A. Heartbeat offers a number of resources to brand new organizations, and you can find them all by clicking here. 

Additionally, those starting a center receive complimentary first year affiliation along with discount pricing on resources. Affiliates have access to consultation by phone and/or email. Our affiliates receive special discounts on training, consultations and conferences as well. Affiliates receive newsletters and email blasts with updates on important information that pregnancy help organizations need to know. Affiliation with Heartbeat also puts you on “Option Line” www.optionline.org (See question on Option Line below).

We also suggest that you go to OptionLine.org, click on “find a center,” and enter your zip code to see if/what other organizations exist in your area and network with them as you pursue starting a ministry so as to not compete with funding resources in the area. Sometimes we find that a group may wish to open a center in an area where another center has been strategically planning and praying to open. You may actually be the answer to another center's prayers.

When you inform us that your center is open we will then include your information in the worldwide directory (and on Option Line if you are an affiliate).

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Q. What is Heartbeat International?

A. Heartbeat International® is the first network of pro-life pregnancy resource centers in the U.S. and the most expansive in the world. Since 1971, Heartbeat has supported, strengthened and started over 3,500 pregnancy help locations on every inhabited continent to provide alternatives to abortion.

We are a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian association of faith-based pregnancy resource centers, medical clinics, maternity homes, and nonprofit adoption agencies endorsed by Christian leaders nationwide.

Heartbeat is what is known as a federation. It is a looser type of association. Members must adhere to 5 basic principles and all other matters of policy and management are up to the local Board of Directors. Centers are encouraged to be entrepreneurial and are seen as the experts in their particular community. Reporting statistics is not required but an annual survey, including stats, is requested.

Pregnancy centers are encouraged to use a statement of faith with which they feel comfortable. Many use statements that reflect orthodox Christianity such as the Nicene Creed. Samples are supplied upon request of an interdenominational statement of faith that focuses on being inclusive rather than exclusive.

Those who want direction and resources but place a high value on being independent in decision-making will enjoy affiliation with Heartbeat.

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Q. What is the difference between Heartbeat International and Care Net?

Heartbeat International was founded in 1971 by the first pregnancy help centers in the country, who wanted their own affiliation organization. Its first name was Alternatives to Abortion (soon changed to Alternatives to Abortion International or AAI).  AAI described itself as “non-denominational and non-sectarian.”  When key Evangelical leaders joined the pro-life movement in the mid 1970’s, AAI supported their efforts to found a pro-life organization with an explicit Evangelical statement of faith.  This new Evangelical organization was named Christian Action Council (now called Care Net).  To learn how to start pregnancy help centers, the Executive Director of Christian Action Council, Curt Young, was invited to serve on the AAI Board (now Heartbeat International), and he did for 3½ years.  Christian Action Council (now Care Net) started its first pregnancy help center in 1981.

Heartbeat International and Care Net share a common cause in inspiring and equipping Christian communities in the establishment of pregnancy help efforts that reach the vulnerable and rescue the innocent.  In addition, we have previously partnered together for nine years on a joint venture that founded and developed Option Line, as well as currently work together to publish a Salary Survey bi-annually. Such cooperative efforts serve our common goals in a Great Work that saves lives and changes lives by the power of the Gospel at work in and through us.

Care Net and Heartbeat are not identical, however. Heartbeat International's distinctives include:

Heartbeat International is international in scope. (Reference Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8) From its inception, Heartbeat, then called Alternatives to Abortion International (or AAI), recognized that alternatives to abortion were going to be needed worldwide as abortion was a global tragedy. Heartbeat has affiliates on every inhabited continent and travels regularly in support of our global mission and our international partners. Care Net only has affiliated service providers in the U.S. and Canada.

Heartbeat International trains and supports leaders for a broad range of life-affirming affiliates including pregnancy help centers (medical and non-medical), maternity homes, non-profit adoption agencies, abortion recovery efforts, social services, and others who align with our Christ-centered mission, values, and principles. Care Net only affiliates pregnancy centers, while also working to engage and equip local church participants to directly offer compassion, hope, help, and discipleship to women and men considering abortion.

Heartbeat International is founded upon historic Christian orthodoxy as recognized in the Nicene Creed and/or the Apostle’s Creed. Heartbeat purposely integrates passionate pro-life proponents from all Christendom (Evangelical, Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Charismatic, and non-denominational) at every level of Heartbeat (board, leadership, staff, and consultants), and in its training and materials. The development or adoption of a particular statement of faith, as well as its missional focus, is a matter left to each independent affiliate of Heartbeat. Care Net, by contrast, is expressly organized as an Evangelical ministry, expecting their affiliating pregnancy center is “equally committed to sharing the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ with those it serves” (from the Care Net “Standards of Affiliation,” as of 08/2019).  This includes Care Net requiring each affiliated pregnancy center board to acknowledge annually and affirm the Care Net Statement of Faith, which is adapted from the National Association of Evangelicals’ Statement of Faith.  

Heartbeat International’s ministry philosophy is intentionally grassroots, bottom-up, innovative and entrepreneurial. While both Heartbeat and Care Net use the national code of ethical conduct known as “Our Commitment of Care and Competence” as a standard of affiliation, Heartbeat has only a few additional non-negotiable requirements for affiliation (see our Principles of Affiliation). Heartbeat highlights effective models of ministry arising from our affiliates for our affiliates to evaluate, imitate and adapt further. Heartbeat trains in best practices, but avoids setting required policies and procedures or forcing rigid reporting requirements. Care Net requires pregnancy centers abide by 15 “Standards of Affiliation,” including annually submitting a “Care Net Certificate of Compliance, Pregnancy Center Statistical Report, and additional policy requirements relative to adoption services, and use of the Care Net logo.

Heartbeat International embraces the call to promote a culture of life among our clients, constituents, communities, and countries. This philosophy of ministry brings us to extend our work beyond core compassion outreach services to include influencing our cultures at large. We fulfill this in partnership with our affiliates, in part, by interacting with the government at various levels (for example, in our Babies Go To Congress program), by impacting public policy, and by calling clients and our culture to true reproductive health. The latter is embodied in our unique Sexual Integrity Program which introduces a model for sexual wholeness for use in pregnancy help efforts to promote healthy and life-affirming choices regarding sexuality.

Learn more about the Heartbeat Difference by clicking here.

Q. How do we add medical services to our Pregnancy Center?

A. Heartbeat offers several resources that will assist you in this process. Medical Essentials for Pregnancy Help Organizations helps centers explore the question, "Should we expand in this area?" with its guidance on evaluating the rationale for offering medical services. Heartbeat is with you through this Manual as you look at the needs of your community as well as the benefits, issues, and resource requirements of a medical pregnancy center.

To offer ultrasound you must first become a medical clinic – meaning that you have a Medical Director who is a D.O. or/and M.D. You operate under his/her licensure. You will need insurance to operate a medical clinic.

Your center will need an ultrasound tech, a trained nurse, or other trained health professional as approved by your state regulations and your medical director to perform the ultrasounds.

You may also wish to find a center in your area that offers medical services and tour their facility. They may be able to walk you through the transition quickly by sharing their process and their policies and procedures.

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Q. I’m a new director, what resources are available to assist me?

A. Heartbeat International has a manual that was written just for you. DIRECT Well equips new directors and refreshes seasoned directors for effective day-to-day operations. Once a year we offer the New Director track at Pregnancy Help Institute for directors with three years of experience or less. The training provides an opportunity for you to network with other Directors, learn important responsibilities, and get your questions answered. The annual Heartbeat International Pregnancy Help Conference is also a great opportunity to learn and grow as a pregnancy help organization director.

We also offer manuals on Employee Policies, and Sample Policies and Procedures for Pregnancy Centers. You can read more about these and other resources in our online store. You will also receive a copy of our latest resource catalog when you affiliate.

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Q. As a Board member, what resources are available to me?

A. The Board has the full responsibility of the organization. Heartbeat has developed a resource called GOVERN Well for Board members and the Executive Director. The manual explains the six proven areas of governance that successful Boards use. GOVERN Well supports the spiritual growth of Board Members who lead by radiating our Christ-based vision of a bright future to everyone touched by the organization. Center Directors tell us that they and their Board Members not only read this Manual, they study it and keep it at hand for ready reference.

As a Board member we offer you consultation by phone and email as well as encourage you to take advantage of the trainings and conferences we offer throughout the year.

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Q. Our ministry is experiencing conflict between the Board and the Executive Director, what can we do?

A. One of the keys to resolving conflicts is to understand and follow the spheres of authority in your organization. For example, it should be made clear that the full Board is the “boss” of the Executive Director. Individual Board members should not be giving directives to the Executive Director. The staff should also be aware that if they experience conflicts they go to the Executive Director or their supervisor, not the Board. Clear boundaries are extremely important. GOVERN Well addresses this issue.

We offer consultation by phone and email and encourage you to call so we can assist you and direct you to helpful resources. Heartbeat recommends that you to have a conflict resolution policy in place and follow the pattern set out in Mathew 18. We also have staff trained in Peacemaker’s Ministry that can help in biblical conflict resolution.

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Q. How can we find out if we are a mandated reporter?

A. It is important that clients be appropriately notified before receiving services that the center’s promise of confidentiality is subject to certain exceptions. The following statement may be inserted on client services forms to provide this notice: “All information shared by you during your relationship as a client with the center will be kept in the strictest confidence except as required by law or as required for the protection of you or others".

We recommend that your center carefully review state requirements to determine the scope of your reporting responsibilities as related to statutory rape. A good resource for the laws in this area is located at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm. You can type in your state to see what the law is in your state and can further narrow your search to select those topics that are of interest to you (i.e. who is a mandatory reporter, how is abuse/neglect defined, etc.)

Heartbeat also recommends that you also check with your local attorney to understand the laws in your state regarding this issue.

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Q. What is Option Line?

A. Option Line is a program of Heartbeat International, with the toll-free number  1-800-712-HELP (4357), and website www.OptionLine.org available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via e-mail, instant message and telephone. Originally a joint venture with Care Net from 2003-2012, this outreach has responded to millions contacts. Option Line refers each contact to a pregnancy help center near them for life-affirming services (including pregnancy tests, ultrasound, material aid) and/or answers to questions about abortion, adoption, parenting, medical referrals, housing, and many other issues.

In order to receive calls, appointments (via Plus Link) and referrals from Option Line, a service provider must be a current affiliate Heartbeat International and follow the national standard Commitment of Care and Competence. Currently, Care Net affiliates in good standing are also listed as an extension of our previous joint venture.

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Q. What's the difference between Option Line and Pregnancy Decision Line?

While both Option Line and Pregnancy Decision Line connect with pregnancy help organizations, there are some distinct differences that make them both unique.

As an affiliate of Heartbeat International, Care Net or both, your organization is more than likely represented on both www.OptionLine.org and www.PregnancyDecisionLine.org as a place for women seeking pregnancy help to turn. Greater outreach means more connections for clients to your center. 

We are here to serve the pregnancy help movement and the women in the communities it serves. We know that the best alternative to abortion is another person, that is why we do all we can to connect women with pregnancy help as soon as possible. 

Beyond answering the phones, Option Line can schedule appointments at your center! Please review your organization's details to ensure that they are up-to-date. If you have any changes at all, please contact us. 

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Q.  How can I make certain I am a part of Option Line?

A.  As a Heartbeat affiliate, you have the opportunity to become part of the Option Line. However, affiliation does not automatically place you on the network.  If you are a Heartbeat or Care Net affiliate and your center is NOT currently listed on Option Line, here is a list of possible reasons why your center does not show up in the search:

• Your affiliation with Heartbeat and/or Care Net has lapsed.
• Your center has not fully adopted the Commitment of Care and Competence.
• Your center is located outside of the U.S. and Canada

If you meet all the requirements and your center is still not listed, please contact Heartbeat or call the Option Line business office at 614-802-2808.

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Q.  What is Extend Web Services?

A.  Extend Web Services is a web hosting and design service specifically for pregnancy help organizations operated as a program of Heartbeat International. Extend Web Services provides affordable options for outreach to clients as well as supporter sites. Whether you need the simplest and easiest way to reach clients or dynamic personalized options, the Extend product line provides numerous options. Extend also provides Search Engine Optimization services for websites whether hosted by Extend or not.

Extend products have a medically accurate managed content and have the unique opportunity to be linked via the Option Line website. Their services are available regardless of affiliation with Heartbeat International.

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Q. What is Next Level?

A. Next Level CMS harnesses the power of big data to make local centers and medical clinics as effective as they can possibly be. At Heartbeat, we believe we are better together, and our center management software reflects that by collecting data, across the pregnancy help movement, on critical metrics to provide powerful, actionable insights at the local level.

Crafted by a team of professional healthcare software developers, Next Level CMS also closes a key informational gap within local centers by streamlining intake and data collection to unleash your organization's power of woman-centered service. 

Next Level CMs's tablet-based, mobile-native design also gives you a cutting-edge tool to make sure that no client ever falls through the cracks from the moment you say "Hello."

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Q. What is Heartbeat's position on birth control?

A. Heartbeat International does not promote birth control (devices or medications) for family planning, population control, or health issues, including disease prevention. All Heartbeat International policies and materials are consistent with Biblical principles and with orthodox Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) ethical principles and teaching on the dignity of the human person and sanctity of human life.

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