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Dear Editor:
A positive, inspiring event was held in Hamilton County in June that celebrated women and the many ways that Indiana cares for them.
In a refreshing format hosted by Indiana Right to Life, Indiana’s First Lady Maureen Braun and Second Lady Susan Beckwith shared personal stories of their youth, careers, paths to motherhood, and caring for their families.
It’s said that you should be kind to everyone because you never know what they’re going through. That’s certainly true for Indiana’s wise and seasoned First Lady, who shared her path to choosing family over fortunes and starting her own business while raising children. Second Lady Beckwith shared a tearful story of loss and disappointment as they were hoping to build their now-bustling family. The women in the room represented all generations and left feeling inspired to get involved to help other Hoosier women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy or struggle as a single mom.
I, too, shared the changing landscape in America where states are expanding their support for women after the fall of Roe v. Wade. States are stepping up to the plate to serve women and children with healthier, more supportive options than abortion with mentoring, material assistance, child care, and so much more.
Indiana is leading the way! Gov. Braun supported an increase in the child tax deduction, expanded family leave for state employees, and is looking to make childcare more affordable and accessible. He also supported increases in the Real Alternatives program that supports the network of pregnancy centers across Indiana that help our fellow Hoosier women in need.
Indiana is blessed, too, with a Congressional delegation that supports women and children. For example, the budget reconciliation “Big, Beautiful Bill” has pro-family provisions that help “love them both,” specifically with the child tax credit, introduced by Senator Banks in the Family First Act a few months ago, and Senator Young is on the Finance Committee. Additionally, Senator Young recently led a resolution to declare June as “Life Month” with the intent of recognizing the dignity of human life and encouraging other legislators to provide resources that empower women and families to choose life. Together with most of our members of Congress, our Senators are in lockstep with the pro-life, pro-family policy Hoosiers want to see.
Indiana Right to Life hosts the “Love Them Both” billboards that you see all over Indiana. This message is spreading to other states and is a great reminder of our shared humanity. Its HelpMomsandBabies.org website helps you find pregnancy charities to donate to their wish lists or volunteer. You can also share your adoption story and find adoption resources on its SoManySpecialFamilies.org website.
Kudos to all involved in a lovely event with such a positive, encouraging message of hope and resilience for Hoosier women.
We truly can Love Them Both!
Sue Liebel
State Affairs Director
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America