During her recent interview with “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley, Vaunae Hansel, president of Elevate Life, said the “primary and saddest” legislation discussed during the most recent Minnesota legislative session that affects pregnancy resource centers and partner clinics is the repeal of the Positive Alternatives grant program, which she said provided “essential care to thousands of Minnesota families since 2005.” Elevate Life clinics that had been involved with the grant program used the money for parenting education, lactation education, car seat distribution, “pack ‘n play bassinets,” safe sleep education and “basic material support that new moms need,” including diapers, formula, baby clothes and strollers, she said.
And the second is elimination of “some common-sense safeguards that ensured that women are fully informed before making health care decisions,” she said. That includes the mandatory 24-hour waiting period and “informed consent in writing,” she said. “If a woman isn’t fully informed about her options, then how can she give her complete consent?” Hansel said. “We at Elevate Life really believe in transparency, more information and more options, and we’re just so disappointed that the Minnesota Legislature disagrees with that.”
But she is thankful to “amazing donors” who drop off diapers, wipes and other items at pregnancy resource centers or clinics.
Founded in 1974, Elevate Life has grown from one center near the University of Minnesota to 32 pregnancy resource clinics across Minnesota and “a few” in Wisconsin, Hansel said.
Women coming to the clinics generally feel “overwhelmed, confused, not really having all of the knowledge they need to make an informed decision,” Hansel said. “And most of all, they’re panicked.” The clinics provide a safe space for the women to “take a breath,” process their situation and challenges, and carefully consider their options, she said. “And we want them to know that if they choose to continue their pregnancy, we’re going to walk that journey with them,” Hansel said, which means up to two or five years at most Elevate Life clinics following the baby’s birth, providing education, support and material resources.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June, Hansel said Minnesota is seeing “a flood of women from other states coming here … to have abortions, particularly third-trimester abortions.” As a result, one of Elevate Life’s initiatives will be advertising, she said. “We want to be able to catch those women as they’re coming across the borders,” Hansel said. “If they’re still in that indecision area and want somebody to talk to, we want to be there for them.”
To make a donation toward advertising, or to learn more about, and how to get involved with, Elevate Life, visit elevatelifemn.org. Hansel said the organization is “always looking for new board members,” too. “They’re the backbone because I can go to them and get advice when I need it, and they help us oversee the ministry.” Specific needs today are for an attorney, a physician, a certified public accountant and someone with a human resources background, she said.
To hear the full interview, listen to this episode of “Practicing Catholic,” which debuts at 9 p.m. July 7 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM and repeats at 1 p.m. July 8 and 2 p.m. July 9.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes an interview with Tom Cassidy, a registered nurse at Our Lady of Peace Residential Hospice in St. Paul, who describes his 30 years caring for the dying; and Father Jon Vander Ploeg, director of spiritual formation at The St. Paul Seminary, who provides insight on grieving.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at anchor.fm/practicing-catholic-show.
