by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
It's been a long election cycle, and I'm sure for many of you it was a long election night. I stayed up to watch all of the results and the speeches that followed. In the wake of the recent events after the election, I would be remiss not to address the state of our nation and how that affects our maternity homes nationally as well as globally. This election season was particularly notable to me as I've witnessed the increased resistance to maternity homes, specifically within mainstream media, coincide with the temperance of our political climate during the presidential campaigns.
What began in 2023, increased in 2024 with great vigor. There was an increased slander against maternity homes across America, particularly maternity homes that are faith-based in Jesus Christ. This wasn't altogether a surprise, however, the rapidness of the intensity was indeed a surprise. We saw the media accuse maternity homes of impure motives with conspired plots to harm women. As the election grew closer, I couldn't help but notice that the media attention to homes also grew stronger as well as accusations that grew intemperate.
So what do we take away from all of this?
Three Takeaways for Maternity Homes
1. First, we remember that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV).
For those of you who have become the focus of negative media coverage because of your devotion to righteousness, you are blessed. We are praying for you and stand united with you.
2. Secondly, we found that while negative media coverage creates great turbulence, wind, and busyness, it has not proven to be effective in halting the operations of the Kingdom of God. We find that there are homes across the United States that are in the midst of lawsuits from corrupt media as well as homes that have become the year-long focus of entertainment sources suggesting scandal in maternity homes. Although this focus is persistent and the audience is broad, we have found that the work of Jesus Christ in ministering to women during their time of need carries on.
The same grace afforded to Peter to walk on water with Christ during a storm is active and available to those carrying out the exploits of the Kingdom today (Matt. 14:28-31).
We have no cause for fear. We pray that you are strengthened with this divine grace in every storm.
3. Third, at this time it is critical that we operate with prudence, humility, and strategy. Our strategies must build off of the wisdom of the generations that preceded us and also operate in prudence with anticipation for the generations that are to come. While we await the changes anticipated in government as a result of our most recent election, we do not anticipate a reduction in slander toward maternity homes. This is our season to prepare, review our practices, renew our public relations policy, and fortify our teams to be ready to operate in the grace of Jesus which enables us to walk above water during the storm.
New Series!
Given our current times, we will begin a new series called “Recommended Practices: Considerations for Maternity Homes.” These will include practical considerations for operating a maternity home within all approaches and populations. As always, maternity homes affiliated with the Maternity Housing Coalition have access to cost-free monthly consultations. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you would like to further discuss the application of these practices for your organization. Click here to schedule a Housing Consultation.
Read Part 1 of this series: Empowering and Protecting Resident Voices: The Cornerstone of Dignity and Purpose in Maternity Housing
