INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus is calling for transparency after state-funded crisis pregnancy center Real Alternatives hosted a promotional “Ultimate Tailgate” featuring beer, liquor and appearances by Twin Peaks staff. Real Alternatives, which receives millions in taxpayer dollars to provide essential support for pregnant women, is under scrutiny for sponsoring an event that appears to conflict with its stated mission. 

Indiana’s strict abortion bans have led to increased taxpayer investment in organizations like Real Alternatives to provide resources and support for pregnant women in crisis. For FY 24/25, Real Alternatives was awarded $6.25 million in taxpayer funding. But with this recent sponsorship, Hoosiers are left to question whether funds meant to help pregnant women are being channeled into unrelated promotional activities instead. 

Real Alternatives operates under a contract with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), charged with delivering direct services to pregnant women across the state through 32 Catholic Charities and pregnancy centers. This funding is designated specifically for outreach, counseling and essential resources, with strict monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements to ensure accountability. However, the decision to sponsor an alcohol-driven tailgate raises serious questions: why would a crisis pregnancy center, tasked with supporting pregnant women, choose to sponsor an event that has no connection to its mission or target audience? 

Statistics show that approximately 14% of pregnant women report drinking alcohol during pregnancy, a behavior known to increase the risk of birth defects and developmental delays. For Real Alternatives to associate with an event that promotes alcohol is not only contradictory but raises further concerns over whether this sponsorship aligns with supporting maternal and fetal health. 

A Misalignment of Mission and Spending Priorities 

Real Alternatives presents itself as a “life-affirming” organization dedicated to helping pregnant women in crisis. Yet, the organization’s recent sponsorship seems to send mixed messages. Indiana families face severe challenges from food insecurity and poverty to maternal health shortages, and every taxpayer dollar should be directed toward addressing these critical needs—not to events irrelevant to those seeking pregnancy support. 

“Real Alternatives’ recent actions reveal a troubling disconnect between their mission and their spending choices,” said Indiana Democratic Senate Caucus Leader Greg Taylor. “When Indiana invests millions in an organization to support pregnant women, we need assurance that those dollars are spent directly on helping families in need—not on events where they seem out of place and misaligned with their purpose.” 

Taylor added, “This isn’t just about one event. It’s about making sure taxpayer dollars are truly going to support the most vulnerable. Why sponsor a tailgate? The public has every right to question how funds are used when the priorities don’t add up.” 

Demanding Full Transparency and Accountability 

The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus is urging IDOH and Real Alternatives to conduct a full review of the organization’s activities and expenditures to ensure they align with its mission and state funding requirements.