Above: Participants in a Nickelodeon debate including Helena Yoest,
Claire Nance, Meridian Paulton, Gloria Steinem, and Linda Ellerbee.
Raising up the next generation of pro-life leaders, AUL’s Dr. Yoest took her 15-year-old daughter Helena to New York City in December to debate Gloria Steinem for a special program taped for Nickelodeon. The episode, which will air 8pm ET/PT on Nickelodeon, will look at the history of feminist activism and debate the future of the Equal Rights Amendment. Joining Helena was Claire Nance, daughter of Penny Nance, the President of Concerned Women for America, and Meridian Paulton, daughter of John Paulton of Focus on the Family. The special edition of “Nick News” was hosted by feminist activist and documentary producer Linda Ellerbee, with seven other teenagers and a special appearance from 78-year-old feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
“It was a great opportunity for Helena to meet Gloria Steinem and Linda Ellerbee and engage in a debate on the future of feminism,” said Dr. Yoest. “The taping was very intense and spirited. All three girls did a remarkable job representing our pro-life, pro-woman, pro-motherhood world-view. I was deeply proud of Helena, Claire and Meridian. They had to work hard to make their points, but their positive, upbeat, optimistic viewpoint on the strength and unique worth of women was inspirational and even moving. Their courage and commitment in speaking out in a hostile environment provides real hope for the future of our movement.”
During the two and half hour of taping, the girls were asked who their heroes are. Both Helena and Claire mentioned the work of pro-life heroine and President of Live Action, Lila Rose, who has exposed the anti-woman tactics of the abortion industry with her undercover videos.
“I couldn’t be more proud of three brave girls who stood their ground for the rights and dignity of all women, born and unborn,” said Dr. Yoest.
