Young adults and friends of Council for Life recently gathered at Park House for an impactful evening centered on defending the unborn with both truth and compassion.
Panelists Jacki Deason, Todd Wagner and Kyle Waldrep equipped attendees with practical tools to navigate conversations about abortion with grace, love and clarity.
Todd challenged the audience to think beyond legislation, reminding us, “The goal is not just to make abortion illegal, but unthinkable.” He emphasized that abortion is ultimately a matter of the heart, not just the mind, and encouraged believers to live out an authentic faith that points others toward hope, healing and forgiveness.
Jacki brought both legal expertise and a deeply personal perspective. Sharing her mother’s courageous decision to choose life as a teenager, she illustrated the real human stories behind the issue and reminded attendees, “There’s always more to the story than what you see on the surface.” She encouraged us to approach every conversation with compassion, noting that fear often drives abortion decisions and that listening well can open the door to truth.
Jacki also vulnerably shared her personal regret over being childless, noting that a strong focus on career played a role in that decision. She reflected that many professional women quietly carry similar regrets, despite cultural narratives that often suggest otherwise. She encouraged young women to thoughtfully consider the value of family, emphasizing that children are an irreplaceable source of joy and purpose.
The panel also offered practical guidance for engaging others, asking thoughtful questions, identifying fears and leading with genuine care before presenting arguments. As Todd shared, “Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.”
The evening reinforced that effective pro-life advocacy is not only about what we say, but how we say it, grounded in truth, guided by compassion and rooted in a desire to see hearts transformed.
Watch the Program
We are filled with appreciation for Jacki Deason, Todd Wagner and Kyle Waldrep who thoughtfully shared their wisdom and expertise with us.
We are also grateful to our event attendees and Council for Life donors. Thank you for being a bold, brave voice for the voiceless— the innocent unborn, each made in the image of and cherished by our Creator.
Special thanks to:
- Young Leaders for Life Co-Chairs Alyssa Heffley and Olivia Krog and College Liaison Co-Chairs Addie Crimmins and Grant Pierce who helped execute all the details of the evening with grace and excellence.
- Todd Wagner for his touching opening prayer