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This episode of I Choose Life: News and Views contains heavy subject matter and may not be appropriate for young listeners. As part of our January Best Of series, Abigail Lorenzen revisits a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Jill McElya, founder and president of The Invisible Girl Project, an international organization working to end female gendercide in India. Jill shares her personal journey from law and public service in Indiana to human rights advocacy overseas, and how God led her and her husband into confronting one of the most overlooked pro-life crises in the world. She explains how a deep-rooted cultural preference for sons has fueled sex-selective abortion, infanticide, abandonment, forced child marriage, and trafficking—leaving tens of millions of women and girls missing from India’s population. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of girls rescued from imminent danger, the realities facing families and villages trapped in cycles of fear and poverty, and why simply rescuing is not enough. Jill outlines how The Invisible Girl Project pairs direct rescue and long-term sponsorship with its growing Teaching and Transforming Program, which equips police officers, government officials, factory workers, and community leaders to protect girls and change culture from within. This episode offers a sobering global perspective on what it truly means to be pro-life—from womb to adulthood—and a hopeful vision of how truth, courage, and sustained education can save lives and restore dignity. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode of I Choose Life: News and Views contains sensitive content and may not be appropriate for young listeners. As part of our January Best Of series, we revisit one of the most powerful and necessary conversations from past seasons. Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Paula Peyton, Executive Director of Hope After Rape Conception, for a deeply personal and informative discussion on pregnancy resulting from sexual assault. Paula shares her remarkable story as both a woman conceived in rape and a mother who became pregnant through rape, offering a rare and authoritative perspective often missing from the public conversation. She explains how Hope After Rape Conception began, the legislative work surrounding the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act, and the ongoing need to protect mothers and children affected by rape conception from coercion, abortion pressure, and custody threats. The conversation addresses common myths surrounding rape and pregnancy, the reality that most women in these circumstances choose life, and why abortion is frequently experienced as a second trauma rather than a solution. Paula also speaks candidly about the isolation many survivors face—even within churches—and the importance of listening, compassion, and life-affirming support. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand how to respond to rape conception with truth, dignity, and hope. Listener discretion is advised.

We’re revisiting one of the most impactful conversations from past seasons. In this Best Of episode, Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Serena Dyksen, founder of She Found His Grace, to discuss a topic many listeners were surprised to learn about: the reality of abortion within the Amish community. Serena shares her personal story of abortion, healing, and faith, and explains how God unexpectedly opened doors for her ministry to serve Amish women and families affected by sexual assault, unplanned pregnancy, and abortion. The conversation explores why abortion often goes unspoken in tight-knit communities, how secrecy deepens trauma, and the ripple effects abortion has on families and generations. Serena also describes the growing need for post-abortion healing and life-affirming support—regardless of culture, background, or circumstance. This episode is a powerful reminder that abortion impacts every community, and that healing, truth, and grace are possible when these stories are brought into the light.

This episode of I Choose Life: News and Views contains heavy subject matter and may not be appropriate for young listeners. As part of an ongoing series on human trafficking, Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Shaana of the Phoenix Alliance, an organization working on the front lines of trafficking prevention, intervention, and aftercare in Northeast Indiana. Shaana walks listeners through the three critical pillars of anti-trafficking work—prevention, intervention, and aftercare—and explains why prevention remains the most effective way to protect vulnerable individuals before exploitation begins. She shares how the Phoenix Alliance partners with schools, law enforcement, and the medical community to identify risk factors, recognize warning signs, and equip first responders with trauma-informed tools. The conversation also explores what intervention really looks like, dispelling common myths and highlighting the importance of victim-centered responses that prioritize safety, dignity, and trust. Shaana offers insight into aftercare relationships, why healing has no set timeline, and how building resilience—rather than dependency—is essential for long-term recovery. Shaana also shares the personal experiences that led her into anti-trafficking work and the realities of witnessing both profound evil and extraordinary redemption. This episode provides an honest, compassionate look at the hidden nature of trafficking and the hope that emerges when communities respond with truth, courage, and care. Listener discretion is advised.

Human trafficking is closer than many people realize—even here in Indiana. In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Dominic Lombardo, a retired LAPD officer, criminal justice professor, and participant in international rescue missions with Destiny Rescue. Drawing from decades in law enforcement, Dominic shares firsthand insight into undercover work, child exploitation investigations, and the realities of human trafficking both in the United States and overseas. Dominic explains how trafficking operates locally and globally, why prostitution and pornography are inseparable from trafficking, and how profit and corruption fuel the exploitation of women and children—some as young as five years old. He also recounts his experiences on rescue missions in countries like Cambodia and Thailand, the risks involved, and the long road to healing survivors face after rescue. This is a sobering but essential conversation about human dignity, justice, and the responsibility to confront a crime that often hides in plain sight. Listener discretion is advised. Sensitive topics are discussed and this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.

This episode of I Choose Life News and Views contains sensitive content and may not be appropriate for young listeners. In this deeply moving and courageous conversation, Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Genevieve “Nevi” Stroud, who shares her powerful testimony of trauma, faith, and hope. Nevi recounts her experience of sexual assault during college, the devastating aftermath, and the unexpected discovery that she was pregnant as a result of the attack. Faced with immense fear, uncertainty, and pressure, Nevi walks listeners through her decision to choose life for her daughter—despite the circumstances of her conception. She speaks candidly about navigating the legal system, finding support through her family and faith community, and encountering life-affirming care that respected both her dignity and the dignity of her unborn child. Nevi’s story is a profound witness to the reality that even in the darkest moments, choosing life opens the door to healing, redemption, and unexpected joy. This episode offers an honest look at the complexities surrounding sexual violence, unexpected pregnancy, adoption, motherhood, and the transformative power of compassion rooted in truth. Listener discretion is advised.

Human trafficking is often misunderstood—and far more hidden than most people realize. In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen is joined by Lisa Eicher of the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP) for an in-depth look at what trafficking actually looks like in Indiana and how communities can respond effectively. Lisa explains common myths surrounding human trafficking, the realities of online grooming and exploitation, and why most victims are trafficked by someone they already know—not strangers. She walks listeners through the critical difference between being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, and why proper responses matter for both justice and healing. The conversation also covers mandatory reporting laws in Indiana, how disclosures should be handled to avoid re-traumatization, the role of forensic interviews, and what individuals, educators, churches, and professionals can do when they suspect trafficking or abuse. This episode is an essential listen for anyone who wants to better understand trafficking, recognize warning signs, and know how to respond in a way that protects victims and leads them toward help and healing.

It’s been a year of growth, blessing, and big transitions at Right to Life of Northeast Indiana. In this Thanksgiving episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Zach Rodgers, CEO of Right to Life of Northeast Indiana and Executive Vice President of Indiana Right to Life, and Nick Boratenski, the new Executive Director, to reflect on everything God has done throughout 2025. Together, they celebrate major organizational milestones: new staff hires, expanding educational outreach to over 2,200 students, the growth of Sidewalk Advocates, strengthened church partnerships, the first-ever Day of Dobbs celebration, and record-breaking banquets—including the largest pro-life banquet in America. Zach and Nick also share behind-the-scenes stories of leadership transition, the joy of building a cohesive and mission-driven team, and the gratitude they feel for supporters, volunteers, pregnancy resource centers, and the broader pro-life community across Northeast Indiana.

In this deeply personal episode, Abby Lorenzen sits down with Brian as he courageously shares his story of participating in an abortion as a young man—and the years of hidden pain that followed. For decades, Brian carried guilt, shame, and the quiet belief that men weren’t allowed to grieve the children they lost. What unfolds is an honest, vulnerable conversation about how abortion affected his relationships, decision-making, and identity… and how God later used unexpected people, a new relationship, and the ministry of Deeper Still to bring him to healing, forgiveness, and freedom. Brian opens up about the moment he first realized the impact of his decision, how he finally allowed himself to grieve his child, and why post-abortion healing absolutely requires Christ at the center. If you’ve ever wondered how abortion affects men—or if you or someone you love carries hidden hurt from the past—Brian’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God meets us where we are and that redemption is real.

In this deeply vulnerable episode of I Choose Life News and Views, Abby Lorenzen sits down with Christine Creech, Executive Director of Compassion Pregnancy Center, to share a story that many women keep silent: the reality of a chemical abortion and its long-lasting impact. Christine walks us through her experience as a teenager—assault, fear, misinformation, and a chemical abortion she was told would “make everything go away.” She opens up about the spiritual, emotional, and relational aftermath that followed her for years, including trauma, self-punishment, struggles in motherhood, and God’s slow work of restoration. Now serving women and families in Northeast Indiana, Christine shares how healing came through Christ, community, and finally confronting the pain she tried to hide for so long. This episode includes sensitive content. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those with young children nearby.

What happens behind the scenes at a pro-life organization—and who helps make it all happen? In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen introduces Chase Pitt, the newest member of the Right to Life of Northeast Indiana team and the new communications coordinator. Chase shares his journey from Colorado to Indiana, how a friend invited him to Life Defenders Camp, and how learning pro-life apologetics transformed both his convictions and his faith. Abigail and Chase dive into his passions for photography, storytelling, and using media to advance the pro-life mission. They preview upcoming projects—from documentary-style videos to new TikTok content—and talk about the many events happening throughout the year, including the National March for Life, Life Defenders Training Camp, and the somber yet meaningful National Day of Remembrance. A warm, energetic conversation that gives listeners a look at the heart, mission, and growing team behind Right to Life of Northeast Indiana.

What happens when a miscarriage follows a crisis pregnancy — one that began in fear, uncertainty, or even rejection of motherhood? In this powerful episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Beth Minick, a counselor at Women’s Care Center, to unpack the emotional and spiritual complexities that women face when loss strikes in the midst of turmoil. Beth draws from years of counseling experience — and her own personal losses — to reveal the surprising grief many women feel after a miscarriage, even when the pregnancy wasn’t planned. Together, she and Abigail explore the silent guilt, cultural confusion, and relational breakdowns that often follow, as well as the hope that comes through compassion, faith, and honest conversation. A raw, compassionate discussion that shines light on an often-overlooked kind of heartbreak — and how healing can truly begin.

Why do miscarriages happen—and why do so many women feel dismissed when they do? In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen talks with Dr. Geoffrey Cly, an OB-GYN known for his compassionate, research-based approach to women’s health. Together they discuss the often-overlooked realities of miscarriage, the emotional and spiritual toll it takes, and the need for deeper medical investigation into why these losses occur. Dr. Cly shares his own journey into obstetrics, the advances in robotic surgery that are changing women’s healthcare, and the surprising genetic and hormonal factors—like MTHFR, progesterone deficiency, and clotting disorders—that often go undiagnosed in women experiencing pregnancy loss. A powerful and deeply personal conversation about grief, hope, and the importance of physicians who are willing to ask why.

How do young Christians pursue marriage faithfully in a culture that discourages it? In this second part of I Choose Life: News and Views with Rev. Michael and Katie Schuermann, Abigail Lorenzen continues the conversation about the Martin & Katie Conference—a gathering designed to help young adults build Christ-centered relationships and rediscover the beauty of godly marriage. The Schuermanns discuss how faith shapes priorities, why our culture often values career over family, and how financial fears and social stigmas can keep people from pursuing marriage. They also reflect on practical wisdom—like the importance of learning real conversation skills, practicing hospitality, and embracing the growth that comes from struggle and shared purpose in marriage. A thoughtful continuation of the discussion on faith, vocation, and the timeless value of covenant love.

How can young Christians find godly relationships in a culture that’s lost the art of courtship? In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Rev. Michael and Katie Schuermann of University Lutheran Church in Champaign-Urbana to discuss their ministry to college students and the creation of the Martin & Katie Conference—a faith-based event designed to help young adults meet, learn, and build Christ-centered relationships. The Schuermanns share what it’s like to pastor on a university campus, the challenges Christian students face in a secular environment, and how the Church can offer a faithful alternative to today’s dating culture. They also explore the role of mentorship, hospitality, and community in cultivating godly marriages that reflect Christ’s love for His Church. A refreshing, hope-filled conversation about faith, vocation, and rediscovering the beauty of Christian courtship.