Vera Cheeseborough

Thank you for the opportunity to share my testimony. My name is Vera Cheeseborough , I have served as the Executive Director of Aspire Women's Center, a medical pregnancy center here in New Hampshire since August of 2021.. Every day, our doors open to women, men who are often scared, uncertain, and searching for someone who will listen and provide them with life-saving medical information. We provide a safe, welcoming place where they can receive free medical services like pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI Testing, along with education, material support, and emotional and spiritual care. Most importantly, we offer compassion without judgment. Our goal has never been political. It’s simply to love, care and support women, men and families through some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. In recent years, pregnancy centers have faced misinformation and even efforts to discredit our work in caring for our communities. These attacks hurt not just the centers—but the women, men and families who rely on us for help and hope. That’s why HB1416 matters. It ensures that pregnancy centers are treated fairly and can continue to serve without fear of discrimination or harassment. It protects a woman’s right in the freedom to choose the kind of care and support SHE wants when facing an unexpected pregnancy or health concern. I’m proud of the care our Center provides and the lives we’ve seen changed through the kindness, respect, information and support that was provided to all who have walked through our doors in the past 40 years. I implore you to support HB1416, so we can continue being a safe, no cost, place for women and families across New Hampshire in a time when they need it the most. Thank you for your time and for the work you do on behalf of our communities. With Gratitude, Vera Cheeseborough,