Contact: Virginia Cline, Heartbeat International, 614-885-7577 ext 112

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Women, who rejected the choice to abort their babies, bring their children to Washington D.C. as part of Heartbeat's Babies Go to CongressTM to tell Congress how thankful they are for the life-saving work of pregnancy help centers. Heartbeat International provides an opportunity on Capitol Hill for women to speak publicly about their gratitude for pregnancy support. Moms and babies will testify before elected officials that pregnancy help centers are good for America.

"Members of Congress need to hear from the women we serve," said Heartbeat President Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D. "I am grateful that these busy moms have made it a priority to travel to our Nation's capital to share such positive things about pregnancy help centers. This is a testament to the fact that our elected officials need to support public policy that preserves the bond between mother and child. Our families and the future of our country are strengthened by the life-saving work of pregnancy centers."

"My life changed after my very first visit to the Southside Pregnancy Center," said Andrea Holloway, Oak Lawn, IL. "They offered me a listening ear when I needed it most and provided resources I couldn't get elsewhere. They supported me and offered services that made my life better. I'm so glad I didn't have an abortion!"

"Our representatives need to know that pregnancy help centers are serving communities by uniting thousands of individuals passionate about life who fund the community-based centers and volunteer to help women build strong families," said Hartshorn. "Alternatives to abortion must be available so no woman ever feels forced to abort her baby."

Heartbeat affiliates provide the support and practical help needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy, setting the standard for true reproductive healthcare for women. Without any financial gain, Heartbeat's network provides the vital information women need to make an informed decision, the facts that abortion providers often leave out.

Utilizing more than 25,000 volunteers, Heartbeat's network saves about 2,000 babies a week from abortion. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, social workers, educators and other professionals assist the pregnancy centers; many of whom have had a personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy, adoption, and/or abortion.

Heartbeat International (www.HeartbeatInternational.org), founded in 1971, is a Christ-centered association of more than 1,100 pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, non-profit adoption agencies, pregnancy help medical clinics and abortion recovery programs in 48 countries. Heartbeat also provides www.OptionLine.org (800-395-HELP) connecting women to pregnancy help centers.