Volume XXXIX | Issue #1 | spRING 2020

INSIDE NATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS pp. 4-9

LIFE CHAIN 2019 pp. 12-13

FEDERAL ELECTION ANALYSIS pp. 14-15

SkProLife SaskProLife SaskProLife PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Thus, by the Grace of God go I by Valerie life, comprising the single strongest Hettrick issue-based voice in parliament. The response to the liberal’s assisted suicide Calendar of We have begun consultation was so overwhelming that another year in it crashed the website on multiple the pro-life battle. occasions. ordinary Canadians want events In this issue of ClN their voices heard: vulnerable persons FEbRuARY 26 - APRIL 5: 40 Hours you will see some must be protected! for Life, Regina General Hospital, 14th of the great work Ave. every day 4:30-5:30. organized by done by sask pro- perhaps nowhere is the surface-level Regina pro-life Association life and others. view more misleading than the DART Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers poll. The apparent pro-choice/pro-life APRIL 3-4: Sask Pro-Life Annual and board of directors, we continue to divide masks the true story. late-term Convention, martensville, sK. One surge forward. We eagerly anticipate is opposed by 70% of Small Step: Families coming hosting our annual Gala and Convention Canadians; a strong minority of 43% together to effect change in the April 3-4, 2020, in martensville, sask. We oppose abortion after three months’ pro-life movement. Join us for a appeal to our long-standing supporters gestation. only 18% of Canadians family-friendly Friday night Gala and but also to a whole new generation of support the current legal fiction that life saturday Conference; learn how to pro-life warriors. With the Knights of begins at birth. build a Culture of life through simple Columbus and Campaign life Coalition and effective steps. Register: sK, we will also host the annual march This poll is not an outlier. A massive 80% saskprolife.com/convention or call for life in Regina on may 9, 2020. see support a ban on sex-selective abortion (306) 992-6941 ads in this issue, or our website, for more (public square, 2019), 64% of women information. support legal restrictions on abortion APRIL 17: Potashville Respect for (Angus Reid, 2018), and a majority in Life Spaghetti Supper, langenburg At the end of 2019, the situation seemed every party other than the liberals evangelical Fellowship, 410 Wells Ave grim--at least on the surface. The supports a late-term abortion ban e, langenburg, sK. 6:00 pm. Guest radically pro-abortion Justin Trudeau (Insights West, 2016). speaker, Alex schadenberg. Tickets won another federal election. His $12/person, $25/Family. Contact Gerd Conservative counterpart Andrew We are not naïve. Is progress slow and Reetz: (306) 896-2904; Arnold scheer spent much of that campaign painful? Yes. When we consider the lives petracek: (306) 745-6210; Donna hiding from his pro-life values and has lost each day, it seems agonizingly slow. elhard: (306) 743-3226 since resigned. The liberals asked But to save even one life can set the Canadians to consider extending world ablaze. Consider how the Christ assisted suicide to children and the Child’s life was spared from Herod’s APRIL 24: Moose Jaw Right to Life mentally ill. A DART poll reported that wrath. Through Jesus the whole world banquet, Church of our lady 62% of Canadians consider themselves was changed. We have work to do, Community Hall, 566 Vaughan st sW, pro-choice, while only 13% consider starting now. moose Jaw. main speaker, Denise themselves pro-life. mountenay. Doors open: 6:00pm | The race for the Conservative leadership Dinner: 6:30pm Tickets: Adults $20; mainstream media trumpets this as the is well underway. The candidates know Table of 8- $150; High school students end of the debate. “The fight is over; that they need pro-life support to win. $10; Table of 8- $70; Clergy: time to hang up the gloves and turn off Already we have seen some candidates complimentary. Tickets: (306) 694- the lights.” many of us may feel the same reach out and “welcome” pro-lifers 4111, email: [email protected] way: discouraged, defeated, even angry. within the party. However, being But this view misses the point: although “welcome” to sit down and be quiet is MAY 7: Regina Pro-Life banquet, st. it’s difficult to see sometimes, we’re not going to cut it. If leadership martin de porres parish, 4720 Castle winning battles. candidates want our support, they need Rd, Regina, sK. Guest speaker, Carol to earn it. Roy. Tickets: Adults $25; Teens $15; The supposedly toxic pro-life views of Children (5-12) $10; under 5 FRee. Andrew scheer didn’t stop over 6.1 Be ready. Ice your wounds and tape up Tickets: (306) 569-1983, email: million Canadians from voting for him to your gloves. The next round is about to [email protected] become the prime minister--he gleaned begin, and we’re not going anywhere. a higher percentage of the popular vote God bless your families and thank you MAY 9: Sask March for Life, begins at than any other leader. At least two-thirds for the prayers and support that you Holy Rosary Cathedral, 2104 Garnet st. see ad page 11 of the 26 new Conservative mps are pro- send our way. Y 2 SPRING 2020 | EDITORIAL For Joan and John and Everyone in between By Mariette Ulrich communication, listening, and At the same time, my thoughts and understanding—with an emphasis not prayers and well wishes went to another last November I just on knowledge and skills, but the hospital far away, where a friend’s attended the very great need for wisdom. premature baby was struggling for her national pro-life life. Via her mom’s page, I conference in In his opening remarks, the conference checked in on tiny Joan, born at 26 Calgary, along emcee acknowledged that various weeks, weighing 1lb, 10 oz. many with several splA groups in the pro-life movement have people’s prayers were answered: three board members not always seen eye to eye regarding months and three-odd pounds later, and other how best to defend life. He called for an Joan was discharged and is now saskatchewan pro-lifers. We joined over attitude of openness and respect for thriving at home. 200 participants from across Canada for each other’s calling as we all strive to a historic conference: the first time that save lives and serve the marginalized many prayed for my dad as he suffered a national pro-life gathering was co- and vulnerable in society. towards his journey’s end; the lord sponsored by four organizations: life called Dad to his eternal home on Dec. Canada, the Canadian Centre for Bio- I care deeply about all life issues, but the 14. Both of these individuals are ethical Reform (CCBR), We Need a law, talks that resonated most pertained to infinitely precious in the eyes of God-- and Right Now. euthanasia and assisted suicide. perhaps and should be to all of society. Yet the it is because of my age: not only is my culture of death holds sway: people like Appropriately, the conference theme generation dealing with elderly parents’ them end up on the scrap heap of was “Change is in the Air.” Through the healthcare issues, but we foresee our humanity nearly every day in our last four decades of pro-life work, I have own inevitable death. euthanasia seems formerly God-fearing nation. seen many changes: not just specific to follow a trajectory: it starts out being cultural issues, but also methods of “permitted,” then “encouraged,” then It should not be so. We must pray, engagement. As the saying goes: “pushed”…and ends up being advocate, and work tirelessly to change “Change is the only constant,” and pro- compulsory (hello, Nazi Germany). the status quo. pray for the elderly, sick lifers must keep pace with the constant and dying—and all who travel the path changes in society. We face challenges As I listened to the talks, I felt I might be of true compassion with them. pray for today that our grandparents could not called to minister to the dying—but I preemies, their families, and hospital have dreamed of (such as the bizarre had no idea how soon it would happen, staff who care for them. most of all, pray and dangerous manifestations of or how close to home. Barely a week for those politicians and ‘healthcare’ “gender theory” being promoted by the later, I received word that my 93-year- providers whose answer to suffering is courts, media, and academia). old father, John, had been hospitalized. killing the helpless, weak, and Guilt was added to fear and distress: I vulnerable among us. Y The national conference held had not seen him for months. my something for everyone, young and old. husband’s gruelling work schedule, two Fifty years of abortion in Canada means daughters’ weddings, and other serious the early pro-life activists are growing family issues had kept us from travelling old; thirty-plus years since the 1988 the 330 km to Dad’s assisted living morgentaler Decision means our young facility. pro-lifers have never known a nation without wide-open abortion. We cleared our calendar and went to see him. In fact, I managed two trips in In this issue of Choose Life News , we are the last four weeks of his life. During the covering just a few of the many topics, first visit, he was still able to speak and workshops, and presentations given at sit up. We showed him wedding pictures the Calgary conference. These included: and talked about the weather. We how to be productive and helped him eat and drink. Two weeks compassionate; how to connect; how later, he slept most of the time, could no best to use social media and online longer talk—refused food. sometimes platforms; how to maintain courage, he would briefly open his eyes, or return especially when the battle seems most a hand squeeze, but no more than that. I overwhelming. Common threads that held his hand, moistened his lips, emerged in many talks stressed the adjusted his blankets, stroked his importance of relationships, brow—told him I loved him.

SPRING 2020 3 | NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER Christina Hagan and Ohio’s “”

difficult that label could be. she told the her faith that got her through those audience she had never felt surrounded times. with the type of support and collaboration she was seeing at the Hagan said she was judged loudly and Calgary conference (which was jointly consistently as only being pro-birth and hosted by four organizations: Right caring nothing for children after they Now, lifeCanada, We Need a law and are born. “Voicemails were left in my the Canadian Centre for Bio-ethical office that I would not read to my worst Reform). enemies,” said Hagan.

Sask Pro-Life Staff and Board members In her speech Hagan said the womb is While in office, Hagan sponsored House with Christina Hagan. Left to Right: one of the most dangerous places for a Bill 259, originally authored by Janet Alex Ogrodnick, Sask Pro-Life baby to be in America. she spoke about porter, which would have prohibited Executive Director, Mariette Ulrich, her journey in pressing forward with the abortion on any ohio baby with a Choose Life News Editor, Celeste Mann, Heartbeat Bill despite fierce opposition detectable heartbeat. It did not pass; Sask Pro-Life Office Manager, Christina and people within her own party telling however, it paved the way for the Hagan, Former Ohio State her to “not go down that path.” one of legislation that exists now: House Bill Representative, and Terri Bergen, Sask those people was the governor at the 493, which passed the ohio senate and Pro-Life Board Member. time, John Kasich. ohio House in may 2019. Bill 493 bans abortion once a fetus’ heartbeat is by CLN Staff “I continued to carry the bill and I detected. reintroduced it again and again and Christina Hagan was the guest of again,” said Hagan. “You wouldn’t “I can’t believe I am finally saying this honour at the gala event of the 2019 believe the disbelief in the media and but in ohio we set out to end abortion national pro-life conference in Calgary our party that I would challenge the and we did it,” said Hagan. “What is even last November. Hagan was an ohio governor…. I couldn’t believe a handful more exciting is that in our lifetime we state Representative from 2011 to 2018, of people could stand in the way of may see the heartbeat law become the and at 23 was the youngest female ever 20,000 children being protected.” arrow that pierces the heart of Roe v. elected to the state legislature. Wade.” “It got to the point that I felt hated by so Initially, she had wanted to be known many. some for advancing a pro-life bill Hagan told attendees to continue their for economic reform, but instead her at all and some for not going far work in the pro-life movement and said name became attached to the pro-life enough…there was really no one I she was encouraged by what she saw at cause, and soon she found out how could please,” said Hagan, adding it was the national conference in Calgary. Y NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER Jonathon Van Maren Culture: Good News By CLN Staff no abortion law. everyone in Canada When abortion is discussed by the below the age of 31 has grown up in a mainstream media, it is always from the Jonathon is a writer and activist who country with no abortion law. Further, pro-abortion perspective. For example, runs a blog called The Bridgehead, many Canadians don’t want to hear in 2018, there were many pro-life where he discusses pertinent issues in about the issue: few wish to see the stories, but the media only reported on the culture wars. His talk began with the horrible reality about what abortion is the story from Ireland, where a surprising statistic that 80% of and does. referendum was held to legalize Canadians are unaware that Canada has abortion. Yet Jonathon revealed that internationally, the pro-life movement is Many young people of the Millennial generation are more pro-life –or winning on many fronts. more open to hearing pro-life arguments– than their Boomer and GenX parents. This is great news! continued on page 5

4 SPRING 2020 | continued from page 4 Knowing nothing other than a ‘pro- Pro-life activists see it every abortion’ society, with no laws In the u.s., states are passing “heartbeat” day with street activism and protecting the unborn, many young bills, parental consent laws, and other discussion groups: minds people are exhilarated to find that they legislation restricting abortion. In and hearts and lives are have the power to change the culture. America, abortion rates are dropping: changed. This generation has been raised in a they are lower than they were in 1973, post-Christian culture, so the young after the passing of Roe v. Wade. In the Jonathon Van maren has met with pro- today are not the generation that has same month of Ireland’s referendum, el life leaders in the Netherlands, rejected Christianity and the pro-life salvador saw huge public protests to switzerland, Austria, and a group called perspective. The young are more open keep abortion illegal. In Argentina 3.8 prolife europe: they are all eager for to Christianity and life than many might million pro-lifers showed up to protest training in pro-life apologetics, activism, think. abortion–and the government and in the formation of pro-life campus capitulated. Guatemala, Dominican clubs. Jonathon revealed that many Jonathon concluded by saying: “There Republic, and Chile also had legislative young people of the millennial are good things happening every day.” victories over the pro-abortion forces. generation are more pro-life - or more We can choose a side in the fight The North American media reported open to hearing pro-life arguments– between good and evil. pro-life activists none of these; nor did they show the than their Boomer and GenX parents. see it every day with street activism and millions of pro-lifers who showed up in This is great news! discussion groups: minds, hearts, and support of banning abortion. lives are being changed. Y NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER Enza Rattenni: Stories from a Sidewalk Counsellor By CLN Staff abortion.” It’s moments like these the media in her home community. Rattenni finds infuriating. “How dare enza Rattenni went from being a firm they deny the truth to these women! so Rattenni posed the question, “If you believer in a woman’s right to end her Why are they stopping women from do this (have the abortion) how do you pregnancy, to helping women escape receiving real support?” said Rattenni think that will affect the integrity of your from the idea that abortion is their only about the abortion office next door. work?” The woman chose not to abort option. she is now the executive her child, and the child is now part of a Director of Aid to Women in downtown she says the women who walk in are loving family. “Would an abortion clinic Toronto, an organization that helps never fully informed about their worker ever ask that question?” Rattenni women in crisis pregnancies save the options, or given the time to express asked the crowd. lives of their children. why they feel trapped by their situation. sometimes women need to hear that it’s Due to the 50-meter ‘bubble zone’ in It was through dialogue with friends in okay for them to want their baby: ontario, Rattenni has a limited chance 2008 that Rattenni changed her views Rattenni added that some women are to reach out to the women walking into on abortion and her life’s direction. almost seeking permission to love their the abortion clinic. she does this by since then she has found her calling as a baby. she has also been able to help asking the right questions and saying sidewalk counsellor: work, she bluntly women reverse their by the right things at the right time. stated, that is needed but not all pro- finding doctors who will remove the lifers are cut out for. “It is a specialized laminaria insertion before it’s too late. Rattenni believes a sidewalk counsellor skill; it is a calling, and not everyone can should be present at every abortion do it,” says Rattenni. she shared how one woman was flown clinic in the world. she said training is into Toronto from the Northwest available and those interested in sharing her stories at the 2019 national Territories, all expenses paid, because sidewalk counselling should test their pro-life conference “Change is in the Air,” her northern health district could not call. she encouraged everyone present Rattenni said she thanks God that her give her an abortion procedure at 23 to support their local crisis pregnancy office shares a wall with an abortion weeks. The woman worked in the centres and to begin changing the clinic. lives are saved when women media and Rattenni started a culture one person at a time, starting accidentally walk into her office instead conversation with her on the sidewalk within their own families. Y of the abortionist’s. outside the clinic. Rattenni sensed the woman really cared about her work in With tears in her eyes, she remembered encountering one woman on the The woman said to her, “If I had met you before, I wouldn’t have had the sidewalk whom she met too late. The abortion.” It’s moments like these Rattenni finds infuriating. “How dare woman said to her, “If I had met you they deny the truth to these women! Why are they stopping women before, I wouldn’t have had the from receiving real support?” SPRING 2020 5 | NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER being Young and Pro-Life By CLN Staff the idea of abortion. This is backed up by statistics. of the more than 100,000 Ben matychuk, the Western Regional abortions performed annually in Coordinator of National Campus life Canada, over half of women who have Network (NClN), put two questions to abortions fall in the age range of 17 to his audience at the 2019 national pro- 29, shared matychuk, highlighting why life conference in Calgary: “Why are you university and college campuses need Ben Matychuk here? Why are you pro-life when it is to hear pro-life voices. easier to be pro-choice?” At the Calgary conference, NClN was “We have an institutional dedication to promoting its latest project called These questions are important, as they abortion in Canada,” said matychuk, “Bloody sexism,” which aims to start a help young pro-lifers develop the skills explaining how NClN reaches out to conversation about the fact that 92 per needed to argue their position. students by helping them believe in the cent of Canadians are opposed to sex- matychuk shared stories from his time pro-life message, giving them a place to selective abortion. using this statistic on campus, and the moral relativism he belong so they know they are not alone helps NClN find common ground with witnessed there, including students in their views, and helping them behave students who may initially identify as saying people who might be born into in a way that is respectful of life. pro-abortion but often realize after a orphanages are better off dead, or that few conversations they are more pro-life preborn babies are a drain on the “our culture leans on harmful pleasures than they think. system. “This is not on the fringe,” said and they don’t produce healthy people,” matychuk. He says the pro-choice said matychuk in reference to the Following Ben matychuk’s talk, there position has become the default NClN’s focus on helping pro-lifers was a special networking event for position on many campuses. behave in harmony with their beliefs. youth. It is important to note that youth Young pro-lifers come to understand activism of the type Ben described is Furthering his point, he displayed a that abortion is not a healthy behaviour. going on at saskatchewan campuses, page from shoutYourAbortion.com, and has been supported by individual once promoted by oprah. The website matychuk shared how NClN creates pro-life groups around the province, as describes abortion as a normal discussion groups on the topic of well as sask pro-life. procedure with phrases such as, “It is abortion. These groups attract because I believe life is precious that I attendees, regardless of their views– philip ottenbreit works as the youth chose abortion,” or “Children deserve to even professors sometimes show up. coordinator for sask pro-life and as the be brought into the world with “people love to debate on campus,” said NClN campus coordinator for intention.” matychuk, emphasizing that debate is a saskatchewan. cause for celebration. “We are a free “We should not be surprised by this people–free to explore and exchange This article appears courtesy of the reasoning,” said matychuk, noting there ideas.” Archdiocese of Regina. is a desensitization of young people to https://archregina.sk.ca/news Y Ottawa Youth Trip: National March for Life May 13-16, 2020 Calling pro-lifers 15 to 25! march, pray, witness. Become educated to be protectors and defenders of life. supporters: if you can sponsor a youth, or know someone who would like to join this exciting adventure, please contact Colette stang 1-306- 753-9798 or the sask pro-life office 1- 306-352-3480

6 SPRING 2020 | NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkERS Natalie Sonnen & Anastasia bowles: End of Life Care

By Mariette Ulrich Dying Healed recruits volunteers to work in communities–this is very Close to 70% of people who Dying Healed important, since the pro-death side is choose euthanasia do so, Natalie sonnen’s portion of the doing it too: in oregon, there are not because of physical presentation dealt with the Dying euthanasia advocates who actively seek pain, but because of ‘social Healed program. It was developed in out the sick, lonely and vulnerable and isolation.’ the wake of Canada’s legalization of “shepherd” them towards choosing assisted suicide. There have been over death. Natalie cited the shocking for less serious reasons. “Dignity” is 13,000 deaths by “medical Assistance in statistic that close to 70% of people who becoming a buzzword, related to such Dying” in Canada since the legislation choose euthanasia do so, not because things as incontinence, dependence, passed in 2016. of physical pain, but because of ‘social mobility and cognitive ability. Anastasia isolation.’ “people are dying for lack of pointed out that babies have problems Natalie shared how exhausted she felt love,” stated Natalie. with all of the above, yet no one is after so many years of fighting abortion currently advocating for them to be and assisted suicide. she came to the The real crisis in our society is a lack of euthanized. Yet society is beginning to conclusion that working with people community: “loneliness is an epidemic believe that the elderly should die for one-on-one allowed her to feel as in our culture,” she stated. Dying Healed these reasons. though the fight against euthanasia addresses the needs of people would be more manageable. psychologically, socially and spiritually. “The elderly don’t lack dignity; they lack The program is unique because it people to affirm their dignity,” noted she revealed how the statistics are often addresses the idea of human suffering Anastasia. she encouraged people to misleading: they might say that a large and how it can have meaning and receive Dying Healed training, and to majority is in favour of assisted suicide, purpose–from both secular and volunteer for palliative care and but the questions are often deceptively religious perspectives. visitation to hospitals and nursing worded to procure a certain response. It homes, adding that volunteers usually is certainly true that a large number of Palliative Care Volunteer feel they end up receiving more than Canadians are very concerned about Anastasia Bowles gave a testimony they give. she said it is up to us to end-of-life issues. There is confusion about her experience as a facilitator and restore hope, adding: “Being a about what constitutes “extraordinary volunteer in palliative care. she pointed comforting human presence can make a measures” regarding healthcare and out how everyone in the process of profound difference…. When we feel medical interventions. There is even illness, death and dying needs help and most lost, we need re-connection, confusion about the difference between support–not just the patient, but also relationship and belonging.” Y euthanasia and palliative care. the family and/or support people of the dying person. The Dying Healed program gives formation in end of life philosophy. The need is great: only 16-30% of Their research drew on the wisdom of Canadians have access to quality many humanitarians, philosophers and palliative care. on the other hand, key Concepts of writers such as Viktor Frankl, Dr. Jordan assisted suicide is all too available: B. peterson, Caryll Houselander, and sometimes people are even pressured the Dying Healed edith schaeffer. The Dying Healed to consider it. Anastasia revealed how program is systematic and easily various health boards in Canada are Program: repeatable: it has training sessions, willing to fly ‘suicide teams’ to remote manuals, workbooks, and workshops for areas of Canada to kill people, but no • Transcendent nature of the human training facilitators and volunteers. such support or effort is made to person These make a difference in the lives of provide palliative care. Anastasia also the sick, lonely, suffering and dying. cited loneliness as a crucial issue: it is • Goodness, love, justice are reasons linked to multiple health problems. for living, not materialism/pleasure many people in long-term care have no one to visit them or talk to them. • The power of human presence The elderly don’t lack (relationships) dignity; they lack people to Canada has already made moves to affirm their dignity. widen and relax the criteria for assisted • empowers people to start a Anastasia Bowles suicide–which can only lead to greater pastoral visitation ministry pressure for people to choose suicide

SPRING 2020 7 | NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER blaise Alleyne: Changing Hearts and Minds on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide By Mariette Ulrich greatly, not just from one day to the The question at the heart of next, but from one moment to the next. the matter is who gets Blaise Alleyne wears many pro-life hats: Blaise referenced the work of Viktor suicide prevention, and who in addition to being the eastern Frankl, Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, gets suicide assistance? coordinator for the Canadian Centre for and Holocaust survivor. Frankl did Bio-ethical Reform (CCBR), he is also research into suicide prevention, and there: soon it is extended to the involved with university of Toronto pro- wrote Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl disabled, the elderly, the depressed, life, and Toronto pro-life. wondered: Why do some despair, while even babies. It becomes “non-voluntary” others hope? He concluded with a (in other words, homicide) and is given Blaise began his presentation by stating verbal equation: “Despair equals for any reason, including blindness, that in Canada, we hold two mutually suffering minus meaning” (D=s-m). In eating disorders, or just being “tired of exclusive philosophies when it comes to other words, no matter how deep a life.” suicide: 1) it is a tragedy that should be person’s suffering was, if he found prevented; and 2) it is a right that meaning in his life, he was less prone to Blaise says the solution includes offering should be accepted, promoted--even despair. mental health resources, pain celebrated. How can this be? He noted management, palliative care, and forms that while any given society generally Blaise revealed that this theme is of “dignity therapy” (one example: has an interest in preserving the lives of present all through the topics of interviewing/journaling with a its citizens, individual rights (in this case, euthanasia and assisted suicide. “Feeling terminally ill patient and offering their the “right” to die) will always trump any suicidal is a symptom of an unmet need, responses and thoughts in a journal to argument on society’s behalf. He listed even amongst the terminally ill.” over their loved ones). He quoted a doctor the three positions that it is possible to 70% of Canadians do not have access to who specializes in palliative care: “When hold in regards to suicide: good palliative care. Blaise pointed out death is the only solution, creativity that the average doctor receives less goes out the window.” 1) The Total Choice position: everyone education in pain management than who wants suicide gets it, no matter does the average veterinarian. Blaise showed us some video clips of a the reason (absurd, no one holds it). very moving TV series called My Last 2) The split position: some get There is also a very clear element of Days (on the CW network). The program prevention; some get some discrimination. It has been noted that follows the journeys of several people assistance (current situation in able-bodied people are often offered with terminal illnesses, showcasing their Canada). suicide prevention/counselling, but creative and imaginative --and inspiring 3) The pro-life position: everyone physically disabled people are more and hope-filled-- solutions to the reality deserves suicide prevention. often offered assisted suicide. The same of death. “You can always live a can be said of the elderly. Why? Are their meaningful life if you evolve to your Blaise believes that the solution is to lives held to be of less value? Blaise circumstances,” said Anthony, an Als start from a point of common ground made the unsettling observation that patient featured in the series. and move forward through the Canada’s Assisted Suicide policies are cognitive dissonance (i.e. Canada does an extreme form of discrimination on At the heart of this dilemma, as with so both suicide prevention and suicide the basis of age and ability. many other problems in our promotion). The default position should postmodern world, is the lack of true always be to prevent suicide. The Blaise also spoke about suicide regret: compassion (to suffer with someone, question at the heart of the matter is most who fail suicide attempts, regret rather than just kill them), and the lack who gets suicide prevention, and who their decision. only 10%-14% who of meaningful relationships for so many. gets suicide assistance? This logically attempt suicide go on to die by a future Get involved: not just in advocating for requires us to split people into two suicide. In the general population, the suicide prevention, but also with classes: those who are better off dead, overwhelming majority of people who volunteering to help alleviate the and those who are better off alive, and attempt suicide are suffering from some loneliness and lack of meaning that so the question is: who decides, and how form of mental health crisis. Therefore, many people suffer. do we decide? can there be such thing as a “rational suicide”? He also pointed out how Blaise Alleyne: “let us never Research done with the terminally ill has lobbying for the use of euthanasia and underestimate the power of our revealed that feelings of wanting assisted suicide always begins on behalf presence in the lives of others.” Y suicide come and go and can vary of the terminally ill, but it never ends

8 SPRING 2020 | NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAkER Abortion Law: Women and Children By CLN Staff dangerous and highly contentious. illegal) to hear the pro-life side in the Abortion impacts women deeply: even abortion question. Tabitha ewert, representing the those who consider themselves pro- organization We Need a law (WNAl), choice have described the choice as Tabitha pointed out that the pregnant began her talk with the famous Dr seuss traumatizing. Yet ‘bubble zones’ make it woman must become her own quotation, “A person is a person, no illegal for pro-life activists to talk to “philosopher, embryologist and judge.” matter how small.” she shared how women about these terrible choices. one of the goals of WNAl is to help Canadian law (specifically, the lack of ontario has no conscience legislation facilitate informed decisions by any laws regulating abortion) is hurting for doctors: it is unacceptable for advocating for abortion legislation. The women and children in our country. doctors to point out facts (such as that a legal goals are based on International 100,000 abortions annually in Canada is baby will be killed) or possibe results standards law, regarding gestational 100,000 babies killed and 100,000 (side effects, long term effects) of limits, waiting periods and mandatory women wounded. abortion. counselling. she referenced the 1970s book Our only pro-abortion information or advice WNAl wants Canadians to discuss what Bodies, Ourselves (which is no longer in is allowed. Result: the medical system abortion is, what it does (to babies and print) saying how the language was makes sure women are in complete women) and what abortion legislation very intentional –and very misleading. ignorance and isolation. Tabitha quoted could involve. Tabitha encouraged The book made it sound as though a feminist publication: “Relatedness is a conference participants to reach out to abortion would become a quick, easy, literal precondition of autonomy.” In members of parliament--become casual procedure, perhaps no more other words, we don’t make tough someone who talks to them regularly. complicated than having a manicure. decisions in a vacuum. Isolating women mps won’t be bold unless and until they one photo from the book even showed doesn’t increase autonomy, yet hear from their constituents on this a woman wearing street clothes while increasingly it is deemed unethical (or issue. Y lying on the abortion table. Reach out to your Member of Parliament--become someone who talks ewert says that this has not come to to them regularly. MPs won’t be bold unless and until they hear from pass: rather than being quick and their constituents on this issue. casual, abortion continues to be

PARkLAND RIGHT TO LIFE, YORkTON Donations In Memorial Vigil Memoriam on Tuesday, January 28, nine individuals struck down, removing all legal from the community and members of protection for pre-born babies at any 2018/2019 parkland Right to life gathered at the stage of fetal development. This event is corner of Broadway street e. and Dracup held every year on January 28 at the Ave. in Yorkton between 12:00 noon and same location and same time. please Donations were made in memory of 1:00 p.m. for a silent vigil. It mark your calendars and consider the following persons: commemorated the 3 million babies joining us in 2021. Y aborted in Canada since January 28, Arlene Nieman 1988, when Canada's abortion law was Barbara saretsky Fernand Blerot mike Chopty Raymonde Grimard Robert Nieman John and Gabriella Hudec

If you would like to make a donation in memory of someone, go to saskprolife.com/memoriam. Y

SPRING 2020 9 | MOOSE JAW NEWS AND EVENTS Pro-life Walk, bench Dedication on sept. 14, 2019, about 100 people years, and it became a reality with the participated in moose Jaw Right to life’s help of marc l’Hoir, manager of sunset annual Walk for life. After registering at Cemetery. Victory Church, the walkers completed a route encompassing main street, The dedication ceremony included manitoba street, First Avenue NW, words from Cindy latrace, of the speaking to uN Ambassadors. she has Athabasca street, and finally circled Informed Choices pregnancy Centre. “It’s given inspirational talks all over the back to the church. beautiful to see the community world. Denise brings education as well ...validate that the loss is real, and to as awareness to the forefront, and The participants’ goal is to make people support each other through the teaches on fetal development and the aware that life is precious, and that grieving process,” said latrace, adding complications of legal abortion to there are life-affirming alternatives to that it was beautiful for families to “have women. abortion or euthanasia. president Jean a place to go to remember the life that landry explained: “By our witness...we was yours for such a short time.” moose Banquet date: Friday, Apr 24 (see attempt to awaken the public Jaw Right to life president Jean landry Calendar page. 2). Tickets: Adults $20; conscience to think about respecting hopes the bench serves as a visual Table of 8- $150; High school students and supporting every life, from the reminder to those who have $10; Table of 8- $70; Clergy: women with an unplanned pregnancy experienced a loss that they are not complimentary. Talk is pG13: not to the elderly who may feel that his or alone. recommended for children below high her life is a burden to others...We school age. phone: (306) 694-4111 implore God to turn our hearts and upcoming and Ongoing Events email: [email protected] minds away from this culture of death moose Jaw Right to life is excited to and lead us back to a culture of life.” announce that the guest speaker at this baby Clothing Giveaway year’s Banquet will be Denise on the second and fourth Wednesdays The event also served as a fundraiser, mountenay, the founder of Together For of each month, we run our Baby with participants bringing in $2,170 life ministries, offering hope and Clothing Giveaway. We provide new and before the walk and in contributions at healing to people affected by abortion gently used clothing, accessories, shoes, registration. and pregnancy loss. Denise has shared and toys for babies up to age 2. There is her “mess to a message” testimony of also maternity clothing available. This on sept. 15, 2019, a ceremony took , teen pregnancy and abortion event is open to everyone, and we place in the Garden of Angels, a special more than 500 times in various always have a great turnout. Volunteers part of sunset Cemetery. A new bench universities, high schools, churches, sort donations, display items, and help was dedicated to the memory of conferences and prisons, and on TV and welcome visitors. If you would like to children lost through miscarriage, radio shows. participate in this outreach opportunity, stillbirth, abortion, or in infancy. It is please call Amy at (306) 684-1774 or meant to be a comforting place where Denise is the uN Chief Administrative Jean at (306) 694-4111. We would love parents can grieve the loss of a child. officer for NGo endeavour Forum Inc; to have more volunteers join our team! moose Jaw Right to life members had she has led many teams to the united Follow us on our Facebook page. planned the bench project for two Nations, hosting workshops and @RightTolifemooseJaw

editor’s Note: Information regarding the events was found at www.moosejawtoday.com Y

10 SPRING 2020 | TEEN-AID SASk A Fond Farewell It is with mixed emotion that Teen-Aid Her strong communication and sask bids farewell to shawna sparrow, organizational skills have enhanced our former Teen-Aid coordinator. she is public relations. This is highly evident in pursuing a law degree --another Tough Crowd, a book she authored, commitment to uphold the truth! Best which relates her experiences working wishes in your new endeavor. as a Teen-Aid educator. It is an excellent Shawna Sparrow resource. Another initiative is the Grade With over 20 years of dedicated 12 scholarship for essays and public various areas and her education devotion as both Teen-Aid educator and speaking competition. As Teen-Aid is includes a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of provincial coordinator, shawna leaves a the educational arm for pro-life, education, and master’s Degree in positive legacy. our curriculum has shawna’s work has definitely been an education. she is a former Carlton Trail been updated every year with new, asset to saskatchewan pro-life. Teen-Aid educator and has just relevant insights. completed a temporary position as other administrative duties included We are delighted to announce that saskatoon Teen-Aid educator. fundraising letters, processing Bonita Hus has been hired as the new donations and speaking to interested saskatchewan Teen-Aid coordinator. submitted by groups on request. she has skillfully Bonita has extensive work experience in mary Kehrig trained, supported and mentored saskatchewan Teen-Aid president regional educators. shawna is truly a positive role model, which is as As Teen-Aid is the educational arm for pro-life, Shawna’s work has important as the message in a society definitely been an asset to Saskatchewan Pro-Life. Shawna is truly a becoming more secular and positive role model, which is as important as the message in a society challenging. becoming more secular and challenging. SASKATCHEWAN MARCH FOR LIFE SATURDAY MAY 9, 2020, REGINA, SK

Marching for the protection of all human life from conception to natural death 10:00 am Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral (13th Ave and Garnet St.) 11:00 am Dedication to the unborn: Holy Rosary Cathedral 11:15 am March from the Cathedral to the Sk Legislature Lunch booth provided at Cathedral and Sk Legislature 12:00-3:00 pm Registration Sk Legislature 1:00-2:00 pm Rally, Prayer, Program & Picture at Sk Legislature 2:00 Silent Prayer and Witness on Albert St. 3:00 Closing Prayer and Wrap-up at Sk Legislature

bring your own chairs to the Legislature. Please contact Sask Pro-Life for more information (306) 352-3480

SPRING 2020 11 | SASkATCHEWAN ACTIVISM Life Chain 2019 on the first sunday of october, the pro-life movement across Canada gathers for an hour to hold signs and pray at busy intersections and street corners in peaceful protest against the injustice of abortion, and to witness to the value of pre-born life. Y

PRINCE ALbERT RIGHT TO LIFE - 100 people

SHAuNAVON - around 20 participants

REGINA PRO-LIFE ASSOCIATION - 200 people

SWIFT CuRRENT AND DISTRICT - PRO-LIFE ESTEVAN - About 35 people gathered and stood along Trans Canada Highway 23 people

12 SPRING 2020 | uNITY - 47 people came and witnessed along Highway 21

SPRING 2020 13 | RIGHTNOW 2019 FEDERAL ELECTION ANALYSIS One Step backwards, Two Steps Forward Because we won the nominations in (e.g. having seven of eleven seats of the those 50 swing ridings, we now have 35 Committee on Justice and Human candidates of record who will likely run Rights). However, now the liberals will in the next federal election, which have a minority of the seats on these means the pro-life movement can focus committees. on key ridings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) next time around. This means that if the members of parliament from other political parties The total number of pro-life mps has on those committees vote together and increased from 53 to (at least) 68. The pass a motion for a committee to House of Commons is now more pro-life investigate the current liberal than before; the Conservative party of government and cabinet regarding Canada caucus is more pro-life than issues such as sNC-lavalin, then this before, and some of the staunchest pro- minority liberal government may last abortion Conservative female mps have months, not years. been replaced by younger, more diverse, pro-life Conservative female THE bAD mps. even though pro-life candidates hold at least 68% of the newly added by Alissa Golob and Scott Hayward A number of prominent pro-abortion Conservative seats, 35 of our candidates liberal and Conservative mps lost their in our target ridings still lost. one of the We weren’t thrilled with the outcome of seats. This has a magnified impact for constant battles was with fellow pro- the october 21, 2019 Federal election, the pro-life movement. lifers who voted and volunteered for but we knew that Canada was more • Ralph Goodale: first elected to the pro-life people’s party of Canada (ppC) pro-life than it had been the day before. House of Commons in 1986 for two candidates who ran against winnable our goal had been to replace 50 pro- years, and returned in the 1997 federal pro-life Conservative candidates. In abortion members of parliament with election. since 2003, he was the only seven ridings, the vote split with the 50 pro-life mps in the top swing ridings elected federal or provincial liberal in ppC candidate caused Conservative across Canada. We knew it was going to saskatchewan. As of october 21, 2019, candidates to lose. be difficult. The last time a prime saskatchewan now has no federal or minister was ousted after holding a one- provincial liberal politician, something According to public polling firms that term majority government was 1935. that has not occurred since 1986. tracked second choice amongst decided • Sylvie boucher: the only female voters, no fewer than 67% (two-thirds) As election night progressed, it became Quebec Conservative mp since 2015 of those who supported the ppC said apparent that the liberals would hold (failing pro-life voting record--only they would support a Conservative onto government status. our first 33%). party of Canada candidate. Applying instinct was frustration and anger that • Lisa Raitt: part of stephen Harper’s that discount rate to the ppC votes in we are stuck with Justin Trudeau, one of cabinet after her election in 2008. she the seven ridings, this still would have the most pro-abortion politicians in became an instant rising star within the caused six Conservative candidates to Canadian history, as prime minister. Conservative caucus. Was deputy leader lose, including all three of the pro-life even though we didn’t completely under Andrew scheer. lost her riding by candidates. achieve our goal, there were some very more than 9,000 in 2019. serious victories. We are here to show We lack volunteers. RightNow only has you not only the numbers, but the Justin Trudeau was demoted to a two full-time staff--not by choice. We good, the bad, and the future. minority government. Now Trudeau cannot afford to hire more people at must have the confidence of at least this time. Both staff members decided THE GOOD one other party to pass any bills, to forego vacations, work six days a of 53 pro-life mps running for re- including his budget. If it fails, a new week at 12 hours per day since January election, 52 retained their seats. This is election is called. Another interesting 2, 2019, and spent six months traveling an increase from 2015, when 80 pro-life note: the makeup of the committees in across Canada to over 50 locations in mps ran and only 40 retained their seats. the House of Commons and senate our 50 target riding areas hosting of the 22 newly elected Conservative reflect the makeup of the House and workshops explaining how easy it is to candidates, at least 15 of them are pro- senate themselves. For example, when doorknock for your local winnable pro- life. Over two-thirds of all newly the liberals held a majority in the House life candidate. elected Conservative Members of of Commons, they would also hold a Parliament are pro-life. majority on committees of the House continued on page 15 14 SPRING 2020 | continued from page 14 of the 50 target ridings for RightNow, THE FuTuRE 19 were in the GTA. The Conservative so where do we go from here? some Having a database of over 20,000 party saw its lowest share of the popular political pundits think the Conservatives people, we hammered them with vote in these ridings since 2006. many in need a leader that follows in Trudeau’s notices about various workshops via the media will attribute this to the idea footsteps on abortion and gay marriage. text, email, voice blast, live calls, and that Andrew scheer was ‘out of touch’ But the numbers tell us that it was snail mail. By mid-August, RightNow with urban and suburban Canadians because of suppressed social had posted a video of the entire because he is socially conservative. conservative vote due to scheer's workshop for others to access who were However, this theory does not apply to convoluted and ambiguous statements not able to make the workshops in the suburban and urban ridings in on life issues that he lost many seats in person. An easy-to-fill online form was British Columbia, particularly in the the GTA. It wasn't because he said he's created for those who wanted to sign metroVancouver and lower mainland pro-life. When pro-lifers show up, pro- up to help doorknock for their local, regions, where the total raw vote and lifers win. winnable pro-life candidate. popular vote increased for the Conservative party of Canada, resulting As of october 22, 2019 we started At the outset, it was calculated that each in numerous pro-life candidates being working towards the next federal campaign needed approximately 20 elected to the House of Commons. election. We are further ahead today volunteers to win those seats. We than we were four years ago but there's partnered with other organizations, like By looking at the empirical data and still a lot of work to do, and we need 4myCanada who was able to introduce considering the growth rates (or lack your help to do it. In order to hire more us to new pockets of pro-lifers. out of thereof) of total raw votes for the staff, we need more monthly donors. the 20,000 people contacted, 650 Conservative party in the GTA over the We also need more pro-life signed up for weekly doorknocking last eight years, the problem is not supporters to step up and volunteer shifts-- less than 4%. holding a socially conservative position. for their pro-life candidates, especially in the GTA. If we can accomplish these In the target ridings where we met our • social conservative candidates two objectives, we can continue to build weekly doorknocking requirements, we placed (on average) over 50% on the toward that pro-life majority in the won 10 of those 17 ridings. Three of first ballot in the 905 region in total raw House of Commons, which means those 17 were lost due to vote splits votes for the 2017 Conservative party passing laws and saving babies as soon with the ppC. In the target ridings where leadership race as possible. we did not meet our weekly • Doug Ford and Tanya Granic Allen doorknocking requirements, we only combined for over 50% of the total raw The future of the pro-life movement won 5 of 33 ridings. We could have won first ballot votes in the vast majority of is in your hands, and it starts an additional 12 of the 28 ridings we the 905 GTA provincial ridings (which RightNow. lost if we had met our doorknocking share the same geographic boundaries requirements. as the federal ridings) for the 2018 This abridged article was taken from progressive Conservative party of RightNow’s website: itstartsrightnow.ca. If the doorknocking requirements had ontario leadership race. used with permission. Y been met for all 50 of our target ridings, then we would have won 27 of the 50 Which means that a significant number target ridings. Without a vote split from of social conservatives stayed home on the ppC, we would have won 30 of the election day this federal election in the 50 target ridings, doubling our result GTA. This is further clarified by the fact from 15 new pro-lifers elected. that pro-life Conservative party candidates lost by an average margin of When pro-lifers show up, we win. 1,445 fewer votes than the pro-abortion Good News When we don’t, we lose. It’s just that Conservative party candidates in GTA simple. And we lost at least 15 seats ridings. for the West: because of it. When conservative leaders and With the defeat of Ralph Goodale (0% In the Greater Toronto Area (does not political parties campaign without pro-life voting record) by a pro-life include the City of Toronto) there are 28 having social conservatives in the Conservative candidate, the liberal suburban ridings that contain young platform, they lose in the GTA. When party now has no elected mps families and many religious they do include social conservatives in between Vancouver and Winnipeg communities. These ridings constitute the platform (re: 2011 federal election (besides Yukon and the Northwest almost as many seats as Alberta, or the and the 2018 general provincial election Territories), which spans almost half Atlantic provinces, or manitoba and regarding conscientious objection the continent and approximately ten saskatchewan combined. It is rights and parental consent for million people. essentially the population size of a abortions), they win. separate province. SPRING 2020 15 | RAMA PILGRIMAGE 2019 Mass for the unborn

The 7th annual mass for the unborn was the trauma that goes with it. she held at our lady of lourdes shrine on strongly emphasized that no matter sunday, August 18, 2019. The Rosary how ‘broken’ one is, God always loves preceded Holy mass, and was led by the you. she talked about her book From Knights of Columbus. After mass, Rev. Fr. Darkness into Light: Finding My Way to michal pajak omI led the procession to the Father's Merciful Love. It's a story of the statue of st. Gianna Beretta molla, her journey from abuse and abortion to pro-life saint, where all prayed one grace. Rev. Fr. Joseph mary of eWTN decade of the rosary as well as the read her book and was so moved by her prayer to st. Gianna and a special prayer story that he invited her to appear on MACkLIN-DENzIL for the unborn eWTN in the usA.

EVENTS All were invited to the parish Hall for lorne sliva thanked shawna and lunch and a program. Guest speaker concluded the day with prayers. Y Statue shawna Arnold of saskatoon delivered a powerful and inspirational testimony of submitted by her life's journey. she highlighted the mary Kowalyshyn Honouring symptoms and effects of abortion and Mother Teresa A statue of saint mother Teresa was u OF S CAMPuS CLub commissioned and placed in st. Joseph's park in macklin on sunday Thank You, Sask Pro-Life sept 8, 2019. The celebration started with the unveiling and blessing of the I want to send a formal thank you to next year’s club to show it next fall. statue, in memory of the 50 years of sask pro-life for helping fund the Thank you so much for helping our pro- unborn children lost to abortion. The screening of the movie Unplanned at life club. We really appreciate it! Y inscription reads: lIFe Is sACReD the u of s campus. I was able to FRom CoNCepTIoN To NATuRAl purchase a year screening license and Thanks for everything, DeATH. The faith community gathered 30 Unplanned DVDs that I would like to at the grotto in st. Joseph's park. mass sell for about $10 at the event. I would Kailee Gaboury, was concelebrated by Bishop mark also like to show the movie again in the president, u of s students for life Hagemoen and Father Binu, followed spring of 2020 and hopefully get the by a barbecue and fellowship. st. Joseph's park Committee, in conjunction with macklin Denzil pro- life, wish to thank the generous Teen-Aid Northwest donors who enabled the successful completion of this project. Y “The message of chastity in this day and age is the only answer for addressing all If other pro-life groups or church the human sexuality issues that communities are interested in erecting confront our teens today. Teens who this particular saint mother Teresa embrace chastity are free from much statue please contact: sorrow. on behalf of the Teen-Aid larry stang Board, I thank you very much for Box 204 supporting Teen-Aid and in doing so, macklin, sK s0l 2C0 helping to steer our future moms and [email protected] dads in the right direction.” Y (306) 753-2059 - Dr. Jim mclane Teen-Aid president, of saint mother Teresa statue created by Congratulations to Wes Dombroski of North Battleford Dave & Judy Bereza Goodsoil, winner of the $1000.00 Teen- River City statuary, saskatoon Aid raffle, which was held at st. Joseph (306) 978-3988 parish Hall, Dec 1, 2019 at North Battleford. 16 SPRING 2020 | SPRING 2020 17 | 18 SPRING 2020 | Saskatchewan Pro-Life Supporters and members Who may wish to make a Specific bequest In their wills. The following clause is suggested: “I DIRECT MY TRuSTEE TO GIVE TO THE Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association The Sum of ______Dollars Enquiries concerning bequests or Other gifts should be directed to: saskatchewan pro-life Association Box 27093, Avonhurst Rpo • Regina, sK s4R 8R8 ph: 352-3480 Fax: 352-3481 • email: [email protected]

SPRING 2020 19 | Return undeliverable copies to: saskatchewan pro-life Association Box 27093, Avonhurst Rpo Regina, sK s4R 8R8

P: 306.352.3480 | F: 306.352.3481 | TF: 1.888.842.SPLA(7752) E: [email protected] | W: www.saskprolife.com The articles and opinions expressed in published material in Choose Life News are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association Inc. The publication of articles is the sole responsibility of the editorial team.