During the competition, Hannah Neeleman (33) was asked, "When have you felt the most empowered?" Her answer: Motherhood.
"I have felt this feeling seven times now as I bring these sacred souls to the earth … after I hold that newborn baby in my arms," she said. The feeling of motherhood … is the most empowering feeling I have ever felt."
She received applause and a standing ovation from the audience in attendance, and her answer has since gone viral on social media.
Kristi Hamrick of Students for Life relates and agrees with what Neeleman had to say.
"When Mrs. American proudly told the nation that being a mom seven times was a life-changing, wonderful event, people like me cheered," Hamrick tells AFN. "I have four children. It is the most amazing experience of my life. It's a lot of work. It's a lot of dedication, but it is transformational."
She adds that Neeleman likely sent an encouraging message to students who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and think abortion is their only option. Hamrick asserts that a baby does not have to die for an expecting mother to pursue a career or complete her education.
"An unexpected pregnancy can lead to the most wonderful experience of your life," the pro-lifer submits. "If not [for] you, then perhaps for an adoptive family. Children are worth the commitment, but unexpected and unworthy are not the same thing."
Students for Life, which has 1,400 campus groups nationwide, spreads the pro-life message on those campuses and helps students with unexpected pregnancies remain in college and carry their babies to term.
27-year-old Regina Stock, a mother of four, was crowned Mrs. America 2023 on Saturday in Las Vegas. The winners of both Mrs. America and Mrs. American go on to compete at Mrs. World later this year.
