Life Matters

How can Christians confidently and compassionately talk about abortion in today's culture? In Part 1 of this conversation, Kristine Hunerwadel of Justice For All shares her personal journey into pro-life advocacy and introduces practical, dialogue-based approaches that help move conversations from debate to meaningful connection.

How can the pro-life movement more effectively reach women before they choose abortion? In Part 2 of Toni Clarke’s conversation with David Bereit, they explore the rise of chemical abortions, the influence of the abortion industry, the critical role of pregnancy centers, and innovative strategies being developed to save lives, support women, and engage the next generation in the cause for life.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with David Bereit, founder of 40 Days for Life and Executive Director of the Life Leadership Conference. David shares his personal journey into the pro-life movement, the story behind one of the largest grassroots pro-life efforts in history, and his perspective on how the movement has evolved in the years since the overturning of Roe...

In Part 2, Carol Szczepaniak with the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research explores the recent NIH decision to end federal funding for research using newly obtained fetal tissue from abortions. She also highlights ethical alternatives that are advancing medical research while respecting the dignity of every human life.

What happens when scientific research collides with questions of human dignity and ethics? In Part 1 of this conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Carol Szczepaniak, President of the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research, to discuss her background in science and bioethics, the mission of NCER, and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of aborted fetal tissue in medical research.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Joni Shepherd of Hope & Grace Global. The focus shifts from understanding the problem to exploring practical solutions as Joni explains the Safe Church Project and how churches can become places where women and families find both truth and grace. She shares how churches can proactively support women facing unplanned preg...

In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Joni Shepherd with Hope & Grace Global, an organization focused on equipping churches to respond to abortion and sexual brokenness with both truth and grace. Joni shares her personal story, discusses the hidden reality of abortion within the Church, and explains how churches can become places of healing, restoration...

In Part 2 of this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, about healing after abortion, the power of forgiveness, and finding a new identity in Christ. Pastor Dan shares practical and biblical encouragement for those struggling with lingering shame, grief, or regret, while also challenging churches and believe...

In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Dan Hauge, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bellevue, to discuss the heavy burden of shame, guilt, and grief that many women and men carry surrounding unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Together, they explore the difference between conviction and condemnation, how the gospel speaks to those who feel disqualified by...

In this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Nate Grasz, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, to discuss the most recent Nebraska legislative session. They discuss the current legislative landscape around life and family issues and what Nebraskas can do to remain faithful to the call of God to protect life.

In Part 2 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is again joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global as the discussion turns toward healing, redemption, and the role of the Church in walking alongside women facing the aftermath of trauma. They share powerful stories of transformation, practical ways to support women in crisis, and...

In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global to explore how trauma—such as homelessness, incarceration, abuse, and abortion—shapes the lives of women they serve. They share personal stories, front-line experiences, and how deep wounds often reveal themselves over time, pointing to...

In part two of this Life Matters conversation, Dr. Ingrid Skop takes a deeper look at the data behind abortion complications and maternal mortality, highlighting gaps, inconsistencies, and why accurate reporting matters. She also addresses common claims about abortion and women’s health, while exploring the broader factors that impact outcomes for women. This episode challenges listeners to think...

In part one of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Dr. Ingrid Skop, an OB-GYN and Vice President and Director of Medical Affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, to explore her decades of experience and how it shapes her perspective on women’s health today. Together, they examine how abortion is commonly presented to women versus the medical realities, and begin u...

In part two of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Beth Fox, exploring how the same worldview behind abortion extends into assisted suicide and end-of-life decisions.

In part one of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Beth Fox, Board President of Rehumanize International, to hear her powerful personal story of being recommended for abortion before birth due to disability. Beth shares how cultural messages about “quality of life” shape how we view suffering, disability, and human worth—and why those assumptions are often deeply fl...

In part two of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Dr. Catherine Wheeler shares about repentance, forgiveness, and the freedom she found in Christ after decades of carrying hidden grief. Now a board member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, she speaks boldly about life-affirming medicine, the realities of abortion in today’s medical landscape, and how Chr...

In part one of this powerful two-part conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a retired OB-GYN and former abortionist, to hear her deeply personal story. Dr. Wheeler shares how she opted into abortion training during residency, and ultimately performed abortions before God began to transform her heart. This episode is a candid and redemptive look at truth, conviction, and t...

In part two of this two-part conversation, Toni Clarke continues her discussion with Lauren Pope, Executive Director of Rehumanize International, focusing on what justice and healing should look like in a post-Roe world. They explore restorative justice, the importance of listening to women’s abortion stories, and how Christians can speak truth with mercy while building bridges across religious an...

In part one of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke sits down with Lauren Pope, Executive Director of Rehumanize International, to explore how a deeply personal experience shaped Lauren’s passion for defending human life. Together, they discuss human dignity, vulnerability, and how framing the pro-life case through a human rights lens can help Christians engage thoughtfully and com...

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Toni Clarke continues her conversation with Monica Snyder of Secular Pro-Life on Life Matters . This episode goes deeper into practical conversation strategies, common secular arguments surrounding abortion, and how pro-lifers can communicate truth when engaging those who are undecided or skeptical of the pro-life position. This program is part of a multi-week se...

In Part 1 of this two-part series on Life Matters , Toni Clarke is joined by Monica Snyder, Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life. As part of our multi-week focus on national pro-life organizations, this conversation explores why secular arguments against abortion matter and how understanding them can help Christians engage thoughtfully and effectively with those who do not share a Christian worl...

In this episode of Life Matters , Toni Clarke sits down with Dena Espenscheid , Director of Pro-Life Programs at the Leadership Institute , to unpack what’s happening nationally on life issues in a post-Dobbs landscape. Drawing on more than two decades in public policy, campaigns, and grassroots training, Dena shares what she’s seeing across the country, where the movement is gaining momentum, and...

In this episode of Life Matters , Toni Clarke sits down with Nate Grasz, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, to break down what’s happening in Nebraska’s 2026 legislative session as it relates to life, family, and public policy. Together, they unpack new legislation, recent abortion data, the shift toward chemical abortions, and what these developments mean for protecting women, famili...

As part of our Sanctity of Human Life Month series, Life Matters features a conversation with Pastor Kurt Barman of Harvest Alliance Church in Minden, Iowa. Pastor Kurt shares the biblical foundation for the sanctity of life and how the local church can compassionately come alongside women and families facing unsupported pregnancies.