In this week’s episode of the March or Die Show, host Jeremy Stalnecker welcomed Leslie, a leader of a pro-life pregnancy medical clinic. The conversation was a profound exploration of crisis, resilience, and the vital work being done to support women in moments of intense vulnerability. Leslie’s personal story of transformation and her dedication to empowering others offered a unique window into the heart of this essential mission.
From Crisis to Purpose
Leslie’s journey into her current role was forged through personal pain and hardship. She recounted her experience of growing up amid dysfunction and abuse, surviving sexual abuse as a child, and later finding herself in a cycle of self-destructive behavior involving drugs and alcohol. These early trials left Leslie feeling devalued and broken, without a clear sense of self-worth.
The turning point in her life came during a turbulent period marked by an abusive relationship. When she found out she was pregnant, her partner insisted she have an abortion. Despite lacking a clear value system at the time, something deep within her resisted that path. This instinctual decision became a pivotal moment not only for Leslie but for the life of her son, who was born with significant health challenges. As she navigated these hardships, Leslie discovered the strength to change the trajectory of her life.
The Transformative Power of Faith
Leslie’s story highlights the profound role that faith played in her recovery and growth. Raised without a Christian background and feeling unworthy of divine acceptance due to her past, she initially resisted religious involvement. It was through the influence of her sister and an impactful church visit that Leslie began to see glimpses of hope. In August 1998, she accepted Christ, marking the start of a new chapter in her life.
Though her path was still filled with challenges—being a single mother to a critically ill child—she found an unshakeable peace and sense of purpose that carried her through. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the resilience that comes when individuals find strength beyond themselves, especially during times when life feels overwhelming.
Supporting Women in Crisis
Now, as the director of a pro-life pregnancy medical clinic, Leslie draws from her own history of trauma to offer genuine empathy and guidance to those facing unplanned pregnancies. She understands firsthand the circular thought patterns that can arise in crisis, where decisions feel impossible, and options seem limited. Leslie’s approach involves slowing down these thought processes and listening deeply to the women who walk through the clinic’s doors. She emphasizes the importance of allowing them to voice their fears and confront the overwhelming scenarios they face.
The clinic’s role is not just medical but deeply personal. Staff members provide ultrasounds, which are medically essential, free of charge—a service that for-profit clinics may bundle at significant cost. These steps help ground women in the reality of their situations and move them from crisis-induced circular reasoning to a more linear, clear-headed approach.
Breaking the Stigma and Offering Hope
One of Leslie’s key points was that many women are pressured into decisions due to external factors, such as familial expectations or financial stress, rather than their own desires. The clinic staff strives to remove these barriers and provide holistic support, connecting women to resources that ease their burdens and illuminate the possibility of choosing life.
A poignant aspect of the conversation was Leslie’s reflection on how trauma can create an attachment to pain. She articulated how people often prefer the familiar discomfort of past wounds to the unknown territory of healing. Helping someone shift from surviving to truly living requires patience, empathy, and the ability to sit with them in their pain without judgment.
A Call to Compassion
Leslie’s story and her work exemplify a compassionate approach to pro-life advocacy that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of both mother and child. The clinic’s mission is grounded in love and respect, ensuring that every woman is seen, heard, and valued. As Leslie noted, the goal is to help women recognize their worth and understand that they are not alone, even in the most challenging circumstances.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of this issue or find resources for themselves or others, Leslie recommended connecting with local pregnancy medical clinics and exploring their services. These centers offer not only medical care but also a network of support that respects each woman’s story and empowers her with options.
Conclusion
The conversation with Leslie was a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and compassionate service. It underscored that crisis does not define the end of a story—it can be the catalyst for a new beginning. As Leslie and Jeremy reminded listeners, when faced with moments where standing still feels like the only option, we have a choice: to remain where we are or to march forward. And in that decision lies hope, purpose, and the potential for profound change.
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