Patricia Heaton visits Capitol Hill

Feminists for Life Celebrity Chair Patricia Heaton visited Washington, D.C., last week to meet with members of Congress at a number of venues. Ms. Heaton emphasized resources and support for pregnant women and parents throughout her visit, praising FFL's College Outreach Program for addressing needs on college campuses. Speaking with The Washington Times, Ms. Heaton explained: “…a lack of resources often robs pregnant women, typically those in college or with little money, from being able to consider other options beyond abortion. The problem is stark at the collegiate level...'Students rarely see pregnant students,' said Miss Heaton… 'They'll never associate having their children with education.'”

Accompanying Ms. Heaton on her visits to Capitol Hill were FFL President Serrin Foster, FFL International Director Marie Smith, Michaelene Fredenberg of Life Resource Network, who shared her personal story of abortion, and FFL board member Jessica O'Connor-Petts, who talked about her experience as a birthmother and the resources she and others like her need.

Local FFL members were able to meet Ms. Heaton as well, to thank her for speaking out so effectively and courageously for them. As one supporter pointed out at a reception in her honor, there are life-affirming things being done all over the country by many ordinary people, yet the media is much more likely to cover the words of a celebrity, so "thank you for being our voice."