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Monday, June 15, 2015
Often we wonder what drives us, what motivates us to move forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or what motivates us to get up every morning, take a deep breath and face the day. For 16-year-old Ashley the answer is simple. His name is Aiden and he is about to celebrate his second birthday.
Nearly two years ago, Ashley and her mom welcomed me into their home to talk to Ashley. I wanted to help her in any way I could as she was only 13 and pregnant by rape. I didn’t realize that this day I would become part of their family and they would become part of mine. In the time we've spent together, Ashley has become like a daughter to me and Aiden like a grandson (even though I have no idea what being a grandma feels like). She is a true hero in every sense of the word. Not only did this vulnerable, frightened teenager choose life for her son, but she bravely confronted her rapist and was instrumental in his prosecution and conviction.
For the last two years, Ashley’s supporters have stepped up and helped this young mother, showing her what we as pro-lifers are all about. Being Pro-life isn’t just about saving babies, it’s walking a long and difficult road with these women and their children. The same road all of you have been walking with Ashley and Aiden since the day we brought you their story.
Ashley turned 16 a few months ago and is working on getting her license and a part-time job. Although balancing school and motherhood is difficult, Ashley perseveres because she knows what she's doing is important.
"Being a 16 year-old mom and still being in school is one of the biggest challenges of my life," she said, "but it’s also the most rewarding."
Next week, Aiden, a vibrant, smart and lively toddler, turns two and his mother couldn't be more proud.
"He's into everything," Ashley said.
Aiden especially loves the outdoors and playing in the park, and the young mother has her heart set on buying him a swing set.
Even though Aiden was conceived through rape, Ashley believes her son is a miracle and an inspiration.
“I swear if it wasn’t for Aiden, I wouldn’t be here today. He has impacted my life more than anyone could ever imagine at a time when I was falling apart. I was 13 years old, terrified, not knowing what the future would hold for me," she confessed. "Now I’m 16, completely confident in what my future will be as a mommy, a mentor, and a best friend. Now here he is, a week away from being 2 years old. So smart, so big, so full of life, and so happy. God blessed me with him and I wouldn’t want my life any other way. I love my son. Aiden saved me."
If you would like to donate to Ashley and Aiden for supplies or to help purchase the swing set for Aiden you can do a secure donation at www.LivingExceptions.com. For more on Ashley and Aiden’s story, you can follow her updates at www.facebook.com/mkprolife.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Conceived in Incest:
Why I cannot remain silent on the 20 week fetal pain bill…
By Kristi Hofferber
Define pain… Is it the act of being torn limb from limb, or
maybe it is the act of being discriminated against? This question remains at the center of a
nationwide hot topic issue surrounding abortion in America. Unfortunately with the piece of legislation
known as H.R. 36, those of us who are conceived in rape or incest will feel the
pain in both instances. This bill, if
passed, will seek to minimize abortion after 20 weeks gestation for the unborn
under the premise that they can feel pain at or after this state in the womb. But wait, there is a caveat. If the woman claims rape, or that she is the
victim of incest, she receives a free pass.
She is then able to obtain the abortion up until the day of delivery if
she so chooses. So how is the H.R 36 a
step forward? This sends the wrong
message to women who need support and compassion in these situations, not an excuse
to potentially bring themselves further trauma and the loss of their unborn
child, not to mention that we (those of us conceived in rape or incest) feel
pain too at this state of gestation.
My personal story has
been shared many times in the pro-life realm, but do people really understand
the situation? There were six children
conceived between my biological mother and her own father, four of which
tragically lost their lives to abortion to conceal his criminal actions. These children were given the death penalty
for the crime of our biological father.
This hardly seems like justice!
In fact, the law allowed this “opportunity” for our biological father to
cover his crimes, and ensure that the evidence was “taken care of.” So then what for his daughter, our biological
mother? First and foremost, the abuse
should have never happened. Secondly, no one batted an eye when my biological
father took her time and time again to the same abortion clinic. So who is being protected by legislation that
includes a rape and incest exception? We
are providing the rapist with the ultimate escape! Why then would we tout this legislation as
progress when the victims are legally allowed to be victimized yet again?
I am the only surviving
child of this horrific situation. I was
adopted at birth, grew up in nurturing and stable home, and I am now finishing
my master’s degree in social work to further extend my abilities to help these
women and children. I know that my life is
not in vein, and I will stand firm in support of legislation that defends 100%
of unborn children in America. The
pro-life movement needs more organizations and individuals who are willing to
put it all on the line and stand boldly against this type of discriminatory
legislation. We need to be firmly united
in support of laws that do not defile an entire class of children, and hold our
legislators accountable from the start. As
American citizens we do not accept discrimination between one race over
another, so then why should we allow it with the lives of the unborn who are
the most vulnerable of our population? If
abortion was illegal in cases such as rape and incest in this country, my
birthmother would not have endured over twenty years of abuse by her own
father. Standing for what is right,
especially when it comes to innocent lives, is crucial to gaining ground and
ending abortion in our country. Are you
willing to take a stand for what’s right, or are you going to defend legislation
that further harms women, punishes a child with death because of the crimes of
his or her father, and allows the criminal to walk away unscathed? I am not willing compromise the value of your
life, why should the value of those of us conceived in rape or incest be any
less?
To learn more about
Kristi’s story, follow her on Facebook at Kristi Hofferber, Pro-life Speaker,
or at www.kristihofferber.com. Kristi is the
wife of a pastor, and together they have one son. She speaks nationally and internationally on
the importance of “no exceptions” in pro-life issues, and she is a founding
member of Living Exceptions.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Two years ago we brought you a story about an amazing young 13-year- old girl named Ashley from Elwood, Indiana, who was raped by her brother’s friend and became pregnant. Ashley prosecuted her rapist, and he was charged and convicted on three counts as Ashley wasn’t his only victim. This story tugged on the heart strings of millions of Americans as this young girl chose to carry her child to term and gave birth to a beautiful little boy she named Aiden. Planned Parenthood of Indiana even weighed in on Ashley’s tragic story via their official Facebook page by posting a link to an article written in the Indianapolis Star by saying the following: “As this article notes, heartbreaking stories like this are all too common in Indiana, which ranks second in the number of teen sexual assaults. Comprehensive sex ed can make a difference in preventing sexual assaults.” It seems as if Planned Parenthood feels that giving rapist more sexual education will keep them from raping women.
Ashley, now 15, is a freshman in high school and has adapted to her new role as student and young mother. After the birth of Aiden, Ashley returned to school, and much to her shock, discovered that the boy who was convicted of raping her was allowed to attend the same school. Her rapist, who was also a minor when the crime occurred, was protected as a juvenile and his identity was never released. Ashley was quickly taken out of the main school by her parents and put into an alternate school, so she could continue her studies without incident. Ashley is excelling in her classes and is a straight A student.
Last August, Ashley’s family faced another devastating tragedy. Her brother was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike not far from the family home. The perpetrator still hasn't been identified. This tragic event has devastated this family, but through prayer and the assistance of family and friends, they are putting their lives back together once again.
Although this road hasn’t been easy, Aiden is now 18 months old and has brought his young mother love and healing from a situation that once felt unbearable. Ashley will be attending the March for Life this year with the organization Living Exceptions, as Aiden is a true “Living Exception" and his and Ashley's story epitomizes the mission of this life-saving organization. Stop by the Living Exceptions booth and give Ashley words of encouragement as she continues to embrace life by raising her son and doing the right thing.
If you would like to donate to Ashley and Aiden, you can do so at www.LivingExceptions.com. All donations to Ashley and Aiden go directly to help the family to buy diapers, wipes, and clothing, or you can choose to help defray Ashley's expenses when she is out in Washington attending the March for Life.
Currently, Ashley does not receive support from the State of Indiana. Unfortunately, the state of Indiana is one of 31 states that has no law protecting a child conceived through rape from his biological father. If Ashley files for any kind of government assistance, the state must go after Aiden’s biological father for repayment. In return, he can demand visitation rights. We are encouraging legislators to pass legislation protecting these children and their mothers from being victimized once again by terminating any rights that father might have. But until Indiana changes its law regarding children conceived in rape, Ashley’s parents must bear the financial burden of caring for Aiden. If you would like to read more on the states that have no laws protecting children who are conceived through rape you can go to www.31states.com for more info.
As individuals committed to the pro-life cause, we must be willing to step up and support young girls, such as Ashley. If you are financially able, please consider helping this young mother. To follow Ashley and Aiden’s story visit my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/mkprolife.
Monday, January 5, 2015
As I sit at the fire station working my shift as a
medic/firefighter, waiting for our next emergency, my heart is heavy. I just
got a call that another newborn child has been found dead in the woods in
Indianapolis, umbilical cord still attached and discarded like a piece of trash.
I wonder if this young mother knew that
there is a law that could have saved her young daughter and this young mothers
name would have never been known. The
law I'm referring to is the Safe Haven Law--a law that has been in effect for
almost 14 years that has saved the lives of almost 3000 babies nationwide.
Back in April 1973, a young 17-year-old girl, scared and
alone, gave birth to a baby girl. She had been raped nine months prior and was
determined to do what she felt was best for her baby. Two hours after giving
birth, she abandoned her baby at a local hospital, the one place where she knew
her baby would be cared for and protected. I was that baby, and my biological
mother abandoned me without the protection of the Safe Haven Law. She did it
out of desperation because she felt there was no other option. Today, however, we have a law in place that
protects not only the life of the child, but also protects the mother from
prosecution. The Safe Haven Law was enacted to give women like my birthmother
who find themselves scared, alone, and desperate an alternative to abandoning
their child.
The Safe Haven Law, also called the Baby Moses Law in some
states, is in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. The law is in
place to protect all parties involved. In most states, a woman has 30 days
after birth to safely surrender the child at any fire station, police station
or hospital with no questions asked. In some of these states, the girl gets
free medical care to assist with the birth of the child or any complications
resulting from the birth. This law is a win, win situation for all parties
involved. The mother walks away with zero chance of prosecution, while the baby
has the opportunity to be adopted into a loving home, and a family opens their
hearts and home to the child for whom they've prayed.
As we were busy making plans to celebrate the beginning of a
new year a desperate young woman out of Indianapolis felt she had no choice, no
other option, but to continue to hide her pregnancy, and once that child was
born, to hide her from the world. Unfortunately, she made a devastating choice
and left her baby in the woods, exposed to the elements of harsh winter. Now,
we are planning a funeral for a child that never had the opportunity to see her
first birthday. This child has been named
“Amelia Hope” as the name Amelia means defender.
As a firefighter/medic for the state of Indiana and the fact
that I was abandoned as a child, I feel a personal need to educate our youth
and our communities about this life-saving law. In a perfect world, we would prefer that the
mother come forward, visit a local crisis pregnancy center, and receive the
assistance and counseling she needs; however, this may not be possible in all
situations. With these cases, we want young women to know that the Safe Haven
Law is there as an option that respects the lives of both mother and child.
If you or someone you know would like more information about
relinquishing a newborn child, please call 1-877-796-HOPE or go to www.SafeHavenLaw.com.
Monday, July 28, 2014
A few months ago, we brought you the story of a young couple who received the devastating news that their unborn baby had a life-threatening condition called BOO syndrome. This courageous couple rejected abortion and decided to fight for the life of this innocent child. For the last few months, Emily has been on bed rest and living in an apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio, to be close to the hospital that can save Henry when we is born. Her husband, Kevin, has been living at home in Indiana to continue working to provide for their new family.
On July 18, 2014, Henry arrived two months early, weighing only 4 lbs, 3 oz, and is 18 inches long. At barely three days old, he already has had two bedside procedures and one major surgery. Doctors have determined that there probably is some function left in one of Henry's kidneys, and they are fighting to sustain it for as long as possible. The hope is to delay the need for dialysis as he is too small and weak to tolerate the procedure at this time. This loving family has such a long road ahead of them, and they are currently discussing long term options with doctors.
Instead of cradling their young son in their arms and heading home to begin a new life as a family, Emily and Kevin are engaged in a battle to save Henry's life. Instead of despair, though, their message for everyone is a message of hope and faith:
“We are so blessed and thankful that Henry has arrived safely for the most part. We just wanted to let everyone know that he is here and we appreciate all the prayers, love, and support from around the world. No doubt the original article put us in touch with supporters that brought us much love throughout this entire process! Thank you!!"
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
There are moments in our lives that define us--that push us, sometimes kicking and screaming, to be the person we are or to realize the person we could be. For some, it's a series of life events, but for others, it's a single, defining moment of clarity that hits you like lightning from the Heavens. For me, this single, defining moment was meeting my birth mother and discovering that I was a child conceived, not in love, but by a brutal act of violence.
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