Sen. Ernst attends Gala

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst attended Guiding Star Siouxland’s annual fundraising Gala on Friday, March 7, at Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center. 

Through this event Guiding Star Siouxland raised $50,890 to support women and families through compassionate, life-affirming health care.

“I’ve always been a very pro-life woman,” Ernst said. “I believe God has told us all life is valuable.”

Ernst went on to share a personal story she said she hasn’t shared with many others. 

“Many, many years ago my youngest step-daughter, while she was a high school senior, became pregnant,” Ernst said. “Jenny was facing extraordinary pressure from the outside to end the life of her baby. But she pushed  back on those outside forces and I’m so proud of her. She made me a grandmother at a very young age and I’m astounded by such a remarkable young woman to make such a brave choice. One that we did support. She went on to bless us with two additional grandsons. I can’t imagine what life would be without those boys. I love life. I’m proud to stand for life. One of the pillars I focus on in the United States Senate.”

Ernst noted she’s one of the point people in the U.S. Senate working on life issues because they are so important to her.

“No. 1 is safeguarding our taxpayer dollars by redirecting them from Planned Parenthood to other eligible entities that provide women’s health services, not abortion,” Ernst said. “I’m so tired of that argument used by others that abortion is health care for a woman. I don’t believe that. I do think there are entities like Guiding Star that are very worthy of the dollars when we’re paying attention to the whole health of the woman.”

Enrst is also working to require all 50 states to report accurate numbers of abortions reported the Centers for Disease Control as not all states do such reporting, she said, which means statistics can be downplayed.

“We want truth and accuracy in reporting so that when we’re able to go to the podium for our stance for life, we have accurate information and can portray to the American people that there are many, many more abortions happening in the United States,” Ernst said.

Ernst closed, noting she plans to continue fighting for support for entities across that state and county that are about affirming life.

“Everyday the folks that are out there like Kaleigh and her wonderful staff here are providing a road map to how we can truly achieve a society that truly respects the inherent dignity of life and make sure no mom faces that challenge of motherhood alone,’ she said. “And that right there is most of the battle.”

As a mom and grandmother Ernst said she believes “It takes a village” to raise children. 

“We are all stronger when we can tackle the challenge of pregnancy and parenthood together,” she said. “That’s exactly what Guiding Star does. Thank you so much for supporting the whole of the woman and supporting life. There’s no greater issue out there than supporting life.” 

Guiding Star Siouxland is a women’s health and wellness center located at 111 Arizona Ave. NW in Orange City. Since 2016 the center has been serving Northwest Iowa through four pillars of care that emphasize pro-life medical and educational services. To learn more about the organization, visit www.guidingstarsiouxland.org or call 712-266-3828.

Thanks to your incredible generosity and support, Guiding Star Siouxland’s annual Gala was a beautiful celebration of life and community! We are just $9,110 away from reaching our $60,000 goal, and with a little more help, we know we can get there! Help us close the gap!