Francis’s Pro-Life Vision Echoed the Work of a Devoted Pro-Life Couple
Pope Francis was consistent in his condemnation of abortion, calling it “murder” and comparing it to “hiring a hit man” to solve problems. His language on the sanctity of unborn life is stark and unflinching. Yet, at the same time, he has called for the Church to respond not just with doctrine, but with mercy and accompaniment. He extended to all priests the ability to absolve the sin of abortion, underscoring a message of forgiveness and healing.
His papacy emphasizes a pastoral approach—acknowledging that many women who seek abortions do so under pressure, fear, or dire socioeconomic circumstances. Rather than condemn the person, Pope Francis seeks to lift the burden, to meet women where they are, and to respond to crisis with compassion.
Let Them Live operates with a mission that echoes this same spirit of compassion. While firmly pro-life, the organization focuses not just on advocacy, but on tangible solutions—offering financial assistance, housing, groceries, and emotional support to women considering abortion due to financial hardship. Their message is clear: “You don’t have to choose between your baby and your survival.”
They understand that choosing life can be a terrifying decision for a mother who feels alone or unsupported, so they step in to remove the obstacles, not judge them.
Shared Ethos: Life with Love
At the heart of both Pope Francis’s approach and Let Them Live’s work is the belief that defending life must be accompanied by love—especially toward those in the most vulnerable situations. Both reject the idea that being pro-life means being punitive. Instead, they embrace pro-woman, pro-child, pro-compassion action.
Their shared message? Choose life—and support the woman who carries it.
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OPTIONAL Q&A
- Pope Francis often speaks of pairing pro-life values with mercy—how does that resonate with Let Them Live’s approach?
- What inspired you to focus on direct financial aid as a way to support life, and how do you see that aligning with the Church’s teachings?
- Have you ever felt a connection between the Pope’s call for a “culture of encounter” and your one-on-one outreach to expectant mothers?
- Do you believe Pope Francis’s emphasis on accompaniment and nonjudgment creates more space for organizations like yours to thrive?
- How do you respond to those who think being “pro-life” ends at birth—and how does Let Them Live extend that definition?
- Pope Francis has called abortion a symptom of a ‘throwaway culture.’ How does your work help counter that mindset?
- What role does faith play in your day-to-day decision-making and how you serve the women who come to you for help?
- If you had a chance to meet Pope Francis, what would you want him to know about Let Them Live and the mothers you serve?
ABOUT EMILY BERNING…
Emily Berning is the President and Co-Founder of Let Them Live, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to saving lives from abortion by financially supporting women in crisis pregnancies. She has been involved with the pro-life movement for over 8 years and her greatest passion in life is giving pregnant women the support they need to choose life. Emily holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Colorado State University and met her husband, Nathan, the summer after she graduated. They started Let Them Live together in 2018 and have grown it to a team of 50 staff and 100+ volunteers that has helped almost 1000 women cancel their abortions and choose life. Emily and Nathan love working together and recently wrote a book about their experiences with Let Them Live that released in the fall of 2023: “Let Them Live: How Saving One Life from Abortion Sparked a Movement”
ABOUT NATHAN BERNING…
Co-Founder & Executive Director of Let them Live. Nathan’s organization has saved over 1000 babies by removing financial barriers to life, raising millions of dollars in donations via remote crowd funding. Implemented fully remote model, which connected donors with mothers in crisis. Nathan did this by using real-time data tracking and digital case management. Worked with Dr. Ben Carson and his senior staff to refine the campaign’s national message, raising candidate visibility among conservative and faith-based constituencies. Nathan is a pro-life innovator and grassroots advocate with a proven capacity to deploy technology, messaging, and policy for transformative social impact. Rare combination of a background in Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and a pro-life message. Nathan’s website is www.LetThemLive.org
ABOUT TACARA MCKAY…
Tacara McKay is a passionate and dedicated communications professional currently serving as the Communications Director for Let Them Live, a non-profit organization providing vital support to mothers facing crisis pregnancies. As a mother of three, Tacara deeply understands the importance of nurturing and protecting life, a personal conviction that fuels her commitment to the pro-life cause.
Prior to her role at Let Them Live, Tacara demonstrated her dedication to service as a Marine. Her commitment to advocating for the vulnerable led her to collaborate with pro-life organizations to expose corrupt abortion clinics in Michigan. Leveraging her expertise in social media and public relations, Tacara is a vocal pro-life activist, utilizing her platform to raise awareness and inspire action in defense of the unborn.
Her unique perspective as a mother, a former Marine, and a seasoned communications professional makes her a compelling voice on issues related to women’s health, pregnancy support, and the pro-life movement. Tacara is available to discuss the work of Let Them Live, the challenges faced by women in crisis pregnancies, and the broader landscape of the pro-life movement.
ABOUT TASHA KING…
Tasha King serves as the Director of Counseling at Let Them Live, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in crisis pregnancies. With five years of service to the organization, Tasha has become a leading voice in the pro-life counseling space. She began her work on the frontlines, personally guiding over 150 women through unplanned pregnancies, offering emotional, financial, and practical support during life-altering moments. Now in a leadership role, she oversees and continues to expand the counseling program, ensuring every woman receives compassionate, comprehensive care. Her work has helped shape one of the largest and most effective pro-life counseling programs in the country.
As a devoted mother of five daughters, Tasha’s personal experiences fuel her passion for life and advocacy. She brings a unique blend of empathy, grit, and strategic vision to her role-qualities that have earned her respect across the movement. Tasha is frequently sought after for her insight into maternal support, crisis intervention, and building sustainable systems of care for vulnerable women. Her voice continues to elevate the conversation around real- world solutions to abortion and the importance of long-term support for mothers.
CONTACT: To schedule an interview, contact Todd Baumann of Special Guests PR Agency at 512-966-0983 or Bookings@SpecialGuests.com.
