Martha Avila

Martha E. Avila is president of Heartbeat of Miami, an initiative of the Christian community to establish a network of Christ-centered, life-affirming, ultrasound-equipped, donor-supported pregnancy help medical clinics in the neediest neighborhoods of South Florida. Its vision is to bring life-saving help in a life-changing way to women and couples facing an unplanned pregnancy — most of them at risk of abortion — through the Gospel of Life and the message of hope.

The ministry answered the call in 2006, when abortion seemed like the only option for many women in Miami. A year later, in 2007, the Lord led it to open its first pregnancy help medical clinic in Hialeah, in a building that had once been an abortion business, at a time when Miami was home to more than 37 of them. Today Martha leads five clinics — in Hialeah, Kendall, North Miami, West Flagler and Homestead.

Every service is free and confidential: pregnancy tests, sonograms, pregnancy consultation and education, ongoing support and referrals, prenatal and adoption referrals, post-abortion counseling, parenting preparation, women's wellness, and material goods from the baby boutique. The clinics also run an abortion pill reversal contact center and offer sexual integrity, marriage and family education. Medical services are provided under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician.

Heartbeat's commitment of care promises that every client is served regardless of age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation or disability; is treated with kindness and compassion; receives honest, open answers and accurate information about pregnancy, fetal development and related concerns; and has her information held in strict and absolute confidence. Every staff member, board member and volunteer who works with clients is screened and trained to uphold those standards.