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Gwen Charles serves as a Legislative Assistant at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America , where she plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships with Congressional staff on Capitol Hill. Having joined the Federal Affairs team at SBA in August 2023, Gwen works closely with Congressional staff, engaging in one-on-one meetings, organizing briefings, and advocating for the organization’s pro-life legislative priorities. She is passionate about ensuring that the heart of the pro-life cause is communicated effectively to lawmakers, empowering them to take action. We asked Gwen to share her experience on Capitol Hill, insights into her advocacy strategies, and what she believes will be the most significant pro-life policy focus in the upcoming year.

SBA: What exactly does a lobbyist do, and how would you describe your role at SBA?

Gwen: My role on our team focuses primarily on building relationships with Congressional staff and creating opportunities to educate Congressional staff on pro-life issues. This looks like one-on-one meetings with staff of Representatives and Senators, coordinating briefings for staff, and creating materials to advance SBA’s policy priorities. Above all, I want to remind Members of Congress and their staff about the heart of the pro-life issue and equip them with the information needed to not just effectively act and communicate, but also to care deeply about unborn babies and their families.

SBA: I’m sure securing meetings with Congressional offices can be challenging. How do you go about getting your foot in the door and establishing connections to advocate for the pro-life cause?

Gwen: I’m very proud of how our team reaches Congressional offices and serves as an ally and support to our pro-life members. In my role, I work to know pro-life Congressional staff on both a professional and personal level. We are advocating for human beings with value, to human beings with value, and I love how our team prioritizes both policy and person. Our team works hard to not only advance our team’s priorities but to also serve as a resource to members and staff working on their own pro-life policy initiatives. SBA has a long history of supporting our pro-life friends’ efforts, and as a result, we are able to create and maintain positive, long-lasting relationships with Capitol Hill allies. Additionally, we like to amplify stories of women who have been hurt by abortion so that members are aware of the reality that both women and their children are victims of the abortion industry. Last Congress, we were able to bring women from all over the country who were coerced into abortion to meet with many members of Congress and do a briefing for Congressional staff.

SBA: Once you’ve secured a meeting with a congressional staffer, what’s your strategy for effectively advocating for the pro-life cause? How do you approach the conversation to make the strongest impact?

Gwen: The beauty of the pro-life position is that everyone can do something. During my conversations with congressional staff, I work to understand why the staffer cares about the pro-life position and why the member he or she works for cares about the issue. From there we can find opportunities to work with them! For example, one Senate office was particularly interested in a bill to support pregnant and parenting women, and we were able to support them in introducing their bill to do just that.

SBA: What do you believe sets SBA apart as an effective advocate for the pro-life cause, and do you feel that the organization is making a meaningful difference in the fight for life?

Gwen: SBA is uniquely positioned as both a strong political and policy ally to pro-life members. We begin our relationship with candidates before they even reach D.C., and then our Federal Affairs team is ready to support these members from day one on Capitol Hill.

SBA: What do you see as the most significant policy or issue you’ll be focusing on in 2025?

Gwen: In 2025, Federal Affairs is working to remind the public of the reality of abortion and abortion providers. Democrats in Washington, the abortion lobby, and abortion providers like Planned Parenthood have fearmongered and used euphemisms to avoid talking about what abortion really is: the intentional ending of the life of an unborn child. Starving a child to death or dismembering her limb by limb is not freedom like Planned Parenthood claims. Our team is working hard to stop abortion providers from exploiting federal programs to receive taxpayer dollars to continue their agenda.