Lacey Evans is president of West Virginans for Life (WVFL). She is a 2010 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Secondary Education. She attended the National Right to Life Academy in the summer of 2009 along with nine other college-age students. At the Academy, she received in-depth training on the issues and strategy of the pro-life movement. She has given pro-life presentations at West Virginians for Life Conventions and at youth events. She is currently the president of Tucker County Right to Life.  She serves on the Board of West Virginians for Life, and is employed as a business education teacher in Tucker.

My journey in the pro-life movement began the moment I first learned what abortion was. I was in middle school, and I overheard the word while the news played in the background. Curious, I asked my mother what it meant. Her answer left me stunned. Why was this even a thing? Who came up with this idea? How was this not illegal?

I’m no longer that younger version of myself who thought that everyone would be opposed to abortion. I’ve come to understand the painful complexities and challenges that so many women face—circumstances that can make abortion seem like the only or most compassionate option. That is precisely why our mission matters. We carry the truth, and that truth brings freedom—freedom from pain, from regret, and from the lasting consequences of abortion.

While our opposition argues that women deserve the right to abortion, we believe women deserve better than abortion. And through your continued support, you are helping us shape a culture where life is valued and protected for all members of society. Through education and legislation, we are saving lives, both born and unborn.  Thank you for your passion and your unwavering dedication to the most vulnerable among us. I am excited for the work ahead and confident in the great things we will accomplish together.

Lacey Evans, President

A Way to Increase the Power of a Pro-Life Gift

Dear Friends,

We hope that you have had a blessed year, and will be able to enjoy this Christmas Season, and the freedoms that come with it – freedom to enjoy outdoor activities, freedom to slow down and take a break from hectic schedules, and for some of us, freedom from school!

Forgive me if you fall into that last category, but the educator in me would like to take this opportunity to provide some critical information about the different tax status arms within our organization, how your donations are used when you give to each, and how they could be used to help us even further! We want our most dedicated supporters to have a clear understanding of how our organization is run.

West Virginians for Life files as both a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4). These statuses allow us to be tax exempt, but the purpose of each portion, and how  we are allowed to use the money that comes in for each, varies.

The main purpose of a 501(c)(3) is education. Education on life issues is certainly a vital part of our mission, but the flexibility of those dollars ends there.  We are very limited in what we can do with this money.

Our 501(c)(4) branch is allowed to work to change and create laws.  We can engage legislators, and host a Capitol Rally and a State Convention. Our political activities are quite a large part of our mission, and have allowed us to enact lawful protections for unborn children, their mothers, and other vulnerable populations.

Thanks to your support, our (c)(4) has enjoyed great success: From the Unborn Child Protection Act, to the end-of-life protections of Amendment 1, West Virginia law provides the strongest legal support for life in the country!  But it hasn’t been easy, and these successes have placed a great strain on what has always been a chronically under-funded account – and here’s why: Donations to the (c)(3) are tax-deductible; donations to the (c)(4) are not tax deductible. For this reason, donors tend to give to the (c)(3).

While we are truly grateful for any and all money that we receive for any portion of our organization, we would greatly appreciate it if our (c)(3) donors would prayerfully consider supporting our (c)(4).  The work that we accomplish with our (c)(3) money helps us to change hearts and minds, but (c)(4) money is what allows us to engage in the fight for life on legal and election levels.

If you are concerned about the tax deduction from your donation, I would like to share a bit of insight that might put your mind at rest. The standard deduction (which, as you are aware, is what you receive regardless of giving) for 2025 will be $15,750 for people filing single or married filing separately, and $31,500 for people married filing jointly. That means that in order for your charitable giving to benefit you on your taxes, you will have to have given above those amounts. As a matter of fact, only about 10% of taxpayers itemized their deductions in 2024; most donors do not receive any tax relief from their gifts.

So, what does this mean for you? Simply put, your support is making a real and lasting difference in the lives of unborn children, their mothers, and the most vulnerable in our state, regardless of where it goes, and that’s the true reward of giving. Whether or not you itemize your deductions, or receive tax benefits from your giving, the positive impact of your contribution is felt by West Virginians for Life.

We are so grateful for your continued support, which helps us further our mission and achieve our goals. Your commitment to the pro-life cause speaks volumes, and we value the difference you’re making every day.

For Life,

Lacey Evans, President