Several abortion-rights advocates on Tuesday called for action against Heartbeat International following the release of a report by leftist organization openDemocracy about the anti-abortion network.
Heartbeat International provides anti-abortion pregnancy advice through a network of centers and affiliates. Its policies are consistent with Biblical principles and Christian ethics, according to its website.
However an openDemocracy investigation revealed that some Heartbeat affiliates provided “false and misleading information” to women, and acted contrary to Heartbeat’s commitment of care, which guarantees to provide “accurate information” to its clients.
Undercover reporters, posing as pregnant women, visited Heartbeat-affiliated centers in 18 countries. Their investigation revealed that inaccurate information was provided at many centers in response to healthcare questions.
In response to the probe, Heartbeat International told DW it stands firmly by its commitment of care “… because we know that every woman deserves love and support during an unexpected pregnancy.”
“No woman should feel alone, coerced, or so hopeless that she ends her child’s life through abortion.”
Africa, Latin America and Europe probed
OpenDemocracy investigators said they were pressured to continue unwanted pregnancies, even in cases of rape or where allegations of domestic violence had been made.
They claimed that in Africa, Latin America and Europe, women were told that abortion can increase risks of cancer, mental illness, and problems in future pregnancies.
In four unspecified countries, women were reportedly told that they needed their husbands’ or boyfriends’ permission to have an abortion.
In one instance, a reporter — posing as a women in an abusive relationship — was told: “Now, you’re a victim, but an abortion would make you part of that violence since you will be violent,” openDemocracy said.
Heartbeat said it stands by all of its training resources designed for the pregnancy-help community, Heartbeat International vice president, Cindi Boston-Bilotta, told DW in a statement.
